Is software tools more reliable than experience in the design of linear bearing cages

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The design of the linear bearing cage requires a detailed analysis of the stamping process and mold design.

The traditional approach is to rely on the experience accumulated by technical personnel to design processing techniques and molds, and then test whether they meet the design requirements of linear bearings through trial production. It can be imagined that in this way, not only is the product design cycle long, but it also consumes a lot of manpower and material resources.

Why can fully utilize computer software technology to accelerate the development of linear bearing cages and also be efficient?

Firstly, let's take a look at the structure and style of the linear bearing cage itself. It is an indispensable and important component in various types of linear bearings. Its main function is to evenly separate the rolling elements to prevent them from colliding with each other during bearing operation.

We know that there are many varieties of linear bearings available now, and one model involves dozens of replacement parts for the cage mold, which leads to a large workload in mold design.

Secondly, in the field of engineering, computer software and hardware technology, nonlinear theory, finite element method, sheet metal plastic deformation theory, and numerical calculation methods are constantly updated and iterated, cross integrating traditional processes and mold design techniques. Various software tools are available to simulate and analyze sheet metal stamping forming processes.

Generally, such software tools have rich unit models, constitutive models, and contact processing models. It can simulate the pre bending, drawing, flanging, trimming, and multi process processes of linear bearing retainer plates. It can analyze the phenomena of wrinkling, rebound, thinning, and cracking during the forming process, guide the design and optimization of mold geometry, stamping process (drawing rib position, distribution, friction lubrication, edge pressing, etc.), and have good compatibility. It can also support geometric models of CAD systems such as Catia, UG, Pro/E.

Then, in the design process of the linear bearing cage, numerical simulation of the sheet metal stamping process can be carried out, and the effects of mold structure, stamping process conditions (such as edge pressure, stamping direction, friction, lubrication, etc.), and material performance parameters (yield strength, hardening index, anisotropy parameters, etc.) on the sheet metal stamping formability (wrinkling, fracture) can be observed on the computer. The optimal sheet metal shape and size can also be provided A reasonable shape of the pressing surface, suitable stamping direction, and analysis of the rebound amount after unloading and trimming can be used to compensate for the mold size, thus obtaining stamping parts with good dimensional and shape accuracy.

The design and forming process parameters of the linear bearing cage mainly refer to the relative position, contact type, dynamic mold motion curve, pressure ring motion curve and force curve, as well as friction coefficient and material performance parameters between the mold, sheet metal, and edge ring. These operations will be faster and more efficient through software tools.

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