Influence of multisource errors of oil film contact surface on motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of multisource deformation errors on the oil film contact surface, which arise from manufacturing, assembly, oil pressure and thermal influences, on the motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway.Design/methodology/approachUsing thermal-structural coupling simulations, this research investigates the effects of assembly, oil pressure and thermal factors on deformation errors of the oil film contact surface. By integrating these with manufacturing errors, a profile error model for the oil film contact surface is developed, characterizing the cumulative effect of these errors. Using kinematic theory and progressive Mengen flow controller characteristics, the motion error at any position of the hydrostatic guideway is quantified, examining how surface error traits impact motion accuracy.FindingsThe error averaging effect is affected by the profile error of oil film contact surface. Meanwhile, the motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway is highly sensitive to the oil film contact surface error amplitude.Originality/valueThis approach allows for precise prediction and analysis of motion accuracy in hydrostatic guideways during the design and manufacturing stages. It also provides guidance for planning process tolerances.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0063/