Effects of Microscopic Spherical Particles Mixed in Lubricating Oil on Frictional Characteristics of Linear Slide Guide

In order to develop a superior linear slide guide having friction coefficient independent of sliding velocity, the authors have proposed a method to supply microscopic spherical particles to hardened sliding surfaces finely finished by lapping. The frictional characteristics of a slide guide to which the method was applied were investigated using a model of machine tool’s slide guide. Experiments were carried out at the sliding velocity ranging from 1 to 6000 mm/min. Adding spherical particles with a 5 μm diameter to a vegetable lubricating oil having a viscosity of 215 mm²/s leaded to a constant friction coefficient excluding ultra-low sliding velocity range.