Method of Failure Diagnostics to Linear Rolling Guides in Handling Machines

Linear rolling guides, used in production machines for the realisation of linear motion, demand in industrial practice early damage identification to prevent production outages and losses. Therefore, the article aims for early damage diagnostics that use the principle of a load-free diagnostic part integrated into the carriage of the linear rolling guide. This principle was employed for developing an innovative method of damage identification to a guiding profile or rolling elements. The proposed innovative method is based on analysing vibration acceleration measured on the diagnostic part in the context of carriage position. In addition, a unique connection of an acceleration sensor to the diagnostic part through a mechanical component with defined parameters of stiffness and mass was designed. The innovative method was verified by laboratory testing on a designed functional sample of the diagnostic system. The computed reliability of the proposed diagnostic method reached 98%.