The Guideway is one of the important elements of machine tool. The main function of the guideway is to make sure that the cutting tool or machine tool operative element moves along predetermined path. The machine tool operative element carries workpiece along with it. The motion is generally circular for boring mills, vertical lathe, etc. while it is straight line for lathe, drilling, boring machines, etc.
Requirements of guideways are :
(a) Guideway should have high rigidity.
(b) The surface of guideways must have greater accuracy and surface finish. 17
Design of Guideways and Spindle
Advances in Tool Engineering and Management
(c) Guideways should have high accuracy of travel. It is possible only when the deviation of the actual path of travel of the operative element from the predetermined normal path is minimum.
(d) Guideways should be durable. The durability depends upon the ability of guideways to retain the initial accuracy of manufacturing and travel.
(e) The frictional forces acting on the guideway surface must be low to avoid wear.
(f) There should be minimum possible variation of coefficient of friction.
(g) Guideways should have good damping properties.
SAQ 1
(a) What are various functions of guideways?
(b) State requirements of guideways.