We specialise in the mechanical testing and characterisation of lubricants.
R&D Support in Lubricant Development
We provide support in lubricant development projects to clients from all over the world. We are experts in lubricant testing. We are able to design, develop and launch new ways of testing and characterising lubricants for many applications.
Contract Testing
We offer contract testing on any of our in-house instruments. This can include following specific methods and providing support in data analysis.
Lubricant Testing Method Development
We develop fast and accurate screener tests, to help accelerate the development of new lubricants. This can include simple friction and wear tests to more complex methods such as surface fatigue and scuffing tests.
Equipment List
PCS Instruments, Mini Traction Machine (Mk 1), with reciprocating and pin-on-disc capabilities
PCS Instruments, Mini Traction Machine (Mk 2), with SLIM (Mapper), reciprocating and pin-on-disc capabilities
PCS Instruments, Micropitting rig (MPR)
Custon made pin-on-disc test rig (MPOD)
High Mag Metallurgical grade long drop, microscope (Brunel SP-400)
2 x Prusa 3D Printer (Mk3S)
Prusa 3D Printer (Mk3S) with MMU
Consultancy
We are experts in tribology testing and understanding. Our expertise allows us to determine lubricant and chemical effects in tribology testing to aid product development.
We have experience in the following standardised and non-standardised lubricant tests:
Standardised Test Procedures
- FZG Scuffing (DIN 51354 Part 1, ASTM D-5182)
- FZG Micropitting (FVA 54)
- FZG pitting
- Dynamic seals
- Slideways – stick-slip and MWF compatibility testing
- Bosch Rexroth RFT-APU-CL
- Ortlinghaus clutch test
- Four ball weld (DIN 51350, ASTM D-2783)
- Four ball wear( DIN 51350, ASTM D-4172)
- Brugger (DIN 51347)
- Timken (DIN 51434, ASTM D-2782)
Non-standardised testing
- PCS Instruments MTM
Traction
Stribeck curve
Sliding/rolling friction
Scuffing
Wet clutch screening
Efficiency screening
Antiwear film build up
Dynamic seal friction - PCS Instruments MPR
Micropitting screening for FZG
White etching crack generation
Scuffing
Coating evaluation
Surface treatment evaluation - PCS Instruments EHD Film Thickness
Central film thickness measurement
Film thickness mapping - PCS Instruments USV
Permanent and temporary polymer shear viscosity loss - Bruker UMT
Hydraulic piston seals stick-slip (squawk)
Static friction measurement - Anton Parr Tribo-cell
Static friction measurement
Wet clutch static and dynamic friction
Wet clutch ageing simulation
Custom rigs/modified rigs
We are able to support our clients in the specification, design and commissioning of specialist test rigs.
Failure Mode Identification
We have experience identifying lubricant and non-lubricant related machine element failures. Including those found in gears, bearings and seals:
- Micropitting
- Pitting/Spalling
- Scuffing
- Smearing
- Adhesion
- Abrasion
- Corrosion
- Polishing
- White etching Cracks
- Coating delamination
- High voltage arcing
- ESD (in filters)
Surface and subsurface analysis
We have expertise in surface analysis and are able to use this to identify and rate surface related chemical effects. We have experience using subsurface analysis to find and quantify inclusions and cracks in steels.
Lubricants and lubricant additives
We are experts in lubricants and lubricant formulation, including:
- Base oils
- Antiwear
- Antioxidant
- Detergents
- Dispersants
- Friction modifiers
- Corrosion inhibitor
- Extreme pressure agent
- Antifoam
- Viscosity index improvers/viscosity modifiers
- Seal swell agents
Reference oil formulation
We are able to select or formulate reliable and consistent reference oils. These are important for the development of any new standard or screening tests.
