Adaptive preloading for rack-and-pinion drive systems

In the field of machine tools, rack-and-pinion drive systems are one of the commonly used feed drive systems. In order to achieve the high accuracy specifications of modern production facilities, these drives are electrically preloaded to reduce backlash in the drive train. In most cases, the preload is fixed, even though the method of electrical preloading allows adjustment during operation.This paper describes a novel approach – called adaptive preloading – to adjust preload during operation. The objective is to increase the drive system’s energy efficiency by continuously adapting the preload, which is minimally required for maintaining the drive system’s accuracy.