On The Design Of Ultra Precise Machine Slides

The slides or carriages used to provide high precision translational motion for measuring machines or optical quality machine tools present special challenges to the design engineer. In order to achieve the extreme accuracy of motion required, a great deal of attention must be paid to the smallest details of the design. This paper will concentrate on the principles of slide design and will more or less ignore the selection of feedback devices and drive mechanisms. Particular attention will be paid to the selection and design of the slideways and their bearings, as these have a profound effect on the performance of the completed mechanism.