An unstable sliding motion in which a part sticks, builds up force elastically, then breaks loose and lurches ahead before sticking again. It happens when static friction is noticeably higher than kinetic friction at low speed, and it shows up as chatter on machine-tool ways, squeal in brakes and juddering in hydraulic cylinders. Slideway oils carry friction modifiers that flatten the friction-speed curve specifically to stop it.
Table's got stick-slip on slow feeds again, somebody topped the way-lube reservoir with hydraulic oil.
Also heard as
- slip-stick
Related terms
Coefficient of friction
Ratio of the force resisting sliding to the normal load pressing two surfaces together.
Stribeck curve
Plot of friction against viscosity times speed over load, showing the boundary, mixed and full-film regimes.
Boundary lubrication
Regime where surfaces touch through the oil and protection comes from chemical surface films, not fluid pressure.
Additive package
Pre-blended mix of performance chemicals that a blender adds to base oil to make a finished lubricant.