Research on modeling methods for contact characteristics of machine tool sliding guideway joints under sliding conditions

Sliding guideway joints are extensively utilized in precision manufacturing equipment, and their contact characteristics directly determine the machining accuracy and operational stability of machine tools. Existing research has predominantly focused on the static state; however, the contact behaviors of joint interfaces differ significantly between static and sliding states, which highlights the paramount importance of conducting relevant investigations under sliding conditions. In this paper, a self-designed experimental platform for characterizing the fundamental properties of sliding joint interfaces was employed to obtain the key basic property parameters of the interface under sliding states, and based on these parameters, an analytical stiffness model for sliding guideway joints was established. This study elucidated the influence laws of bearing area and guideway angle on the stiffness and deformation of the joint. Through theoretical analysis, the action mechanism of the span-width ratio (defined as the ratio of guideway width to span distance) on joint performance was clarified; furthermore, for the first time, a quantitative analysis was carried out to establish an engineering design criterion that specifies the optimal value range of the span-width ratio as 0.2–0.3. Finally, validation via loading experiments under sliding conditions demonstrated that, under the action of normal loads and overturning moments, the average relative errors between the model predictions and experimental results are as low as 0.0631 and 0.0734, respectively. This research provides an effective theoretical tool for addressing the challenge of predicting joint interface characteristics under sliding states, and it holds important guiding significance for the design and optimization of high-dynamic-performance machine tools.