Introduction to the Pin-on-Disk Tribometer
Nanovea Pin-on-Disk Tribometer operates on the following principal: a flat, pin or sphere is loaded onto the test sample with a precisely known weight.The highly stiff elastic arm insures a nearly fixed contact point and thus a stable position in the friction track. The friction coefficient is determined during the test by measuring the deflection of the elastic arm of by direct measurement of the change in torque. Wear coefficients for the pin and disk material are calculated from the volume of material lost during the test. This simple method facilitates the study of friction and wear behavior of almost every material combination with or without lubrication.

Users can easily control test parameters such as: speed, frequency, contact pressure and varying time. Real-life conditions of a practical wear situation can be closely simulated by precise control of humidity, temperature and gas composition.

Specialized options have been developed for operations at high/low temperature, high load and high rotational speed. Other options include a unique tri-mode lubrication system, a real-time depth of track, an electrical conductivity detector and a motorized radial position.

Multiple test configurations are available to extend the capabilities of the instrument including Linear Reciprocating, Block-on-Ring, Thrust Washer Testing and Four Ball Wear. Custom sample holders can be designed to handle geometries found in specific applications.

Additional Testing Modes:

Thrust Washer Testing (ASTM D3702)

Ring-on-Disk configuration can be used to simulate wearing of precision-engineered thrust washers used in engine automotive applications such as transmissions, power take-offs, pumps, axle assemblies, motors, and winches.

Four Ball Wear (ASTM D5183, D4172, D2266)

The Four Ball Wear Test places one rotating ball against three fixed balls under specific conditions of pressure, temperature, rpm and duration. Useful to evaluate friction and wear of liquid lubricants or greases in sliding contact.

Options- High Temperature (1000° C)

The analysis of friction and wear properties of materials at elevated temperatures is becoming increasingly important as engineers face ever more challenging materials problems in the design of advanced fuel efficient combustion engines and power plants. The High Temperature Tribometer employs a removable heating element, enabling the rotating disk to reach temperatures up to 800° C (1000° C optional ). It is suitable for use in the study of high temperature ceramics, lubricants, oils and additives and self lubricating materials.

Other Options: Tri-Mode Lubrication System

The Tri-Mode Lubrication system offers the choice of three modes of lubrication. 1) Using a low pressure pulverization module, air is compressed and filtered. This technique allows air and liquid to mix, creating a uniform spray that can be directed to the appropriate test zone. 2) A drop by drop type of lubrication with flow control. 3) soak option performs tests under fluid in a specialized cup that surrounds the sample holder, allowing full submersion of the sample.

Wear Displacement Sensor

The Wear Displacement Sensor allows to obtain direct measurement of the arm's deflection which corresponds to the wear of the ball plus the wear of the surface with a range of up to 2mm and resolution of 1micron. A white light sensor can also be installed to obtain direct wear measurement on the surface down to resolution of 2nm. This option can also be used separately on a 3D Nanovea ST-400 Profiler which is a perfect complement to the Tribometer.

Humidity Control System

Electrical Resistance Contact Detector

Especially useful in cases where an insulating coating is on top of a conductive substrate. This option detects the first sign of substrate exposure by measuring the electrical resistance of contact during the test.

Nanovea Tribometer Software

The Tribometry software includes a complete set of features for controlling the Tribometer and analyzing data:  

• Load Controled Directly through the software
• Real time display of coefficient of friction, temperature, depth (optional)
• Wear rate calculation
• Data export in CSV format for Excel
• Data filtering
• Graph manipulation
• Test information editing
• Note saving
• Automated arm control (optional)
• Furnace control (optional)
• Lubrication control (optional)