UMT TriboLab

In this application note, Bruker highlights the significance of lubricants in machinery and the need for comprehensive evaluation methods. Lubricants play a crucial role in reducing friction, wear, and performing other essential functions. Bruker's universal mechanical tester (UMT) Nano+Micro Tribometer offers a versatile platform for evaluating lubricant performance through various tests such as rotary, reciprocating, block-on-ring, pin-and-vee, and four-ball tests. This system enables efficient lubricant development, formulation optimization, and selection of suitable lubrication solutions for improved machine performance and durability. The UMT system's capabilities for data gathering and rapid screening facilitate the development of superior lubricants in a highly efficient manner.

In this application note, Bruker discusses its tribo-testers, which are used to evaluate the mechanical properties of thin films and coatings. These instruments enable in-situ analysis of thin films, measuring properties such as load, friction, acoustic emission, and resistance. The integrated system allows for mechanical tests and detailed imaging through atomic force microscopy or optical microscopy. The note explores experimental applications, including nanoindentation for optoelectronics, scratch testing on wafers, and scratch-adhesion on LCD display samples. Bruker's tribo-testers offer flexibility and precise testing for a wide range of thin films and coatings.

In this application note, Bruker addresses the challenge of finding versatile testing equipment for the automotive industry by introducing its universal mechanical tester (UMT) TriboLab™, which allows for multiple standard and custom tests on a single platform. The note provides examples of automotive component and material tests conducted using the TriboLab system, including friction properties comparison of clutch plates, lubricant testing on friction plates, adhesion testing on coated tires, and tribology testing on engine components. The TriboLab platform offers precise control over variables such as load, speed, and temperature, making it suitable for a wide range of automotive testing applications.

This application note from Bruker discusses the Stribeck curve, which represents the frictional characteristics of a liquid lubricant under different conditions. The curve is divided into boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic regimes based on film thickness to surface roughness ratio. Traditional tests used a journal-bearing geometry, but there is interest in using reciprocating test modes like the high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) to evaluate lubricant friction. The note describes a test setup using a polished cylindrical dowel pin and a flat plate with a Bruker universal mechanical tester (UMT)-3 instrument. Reciprocating tests allow for evaluating lubricants in real-world scenarios. The conclusion highlights the capabilities of Bruker's UMTs for generating Stribeck curves in reciprocating tests, relevant for lubricant development in various engineering applications.

In this application note, Bruker discusses the significance of lubricants in reducing friction and wear between surfaces, as well as the growing lubricant market. The note highlights the challenge of finding a single tool to cover all regions of the Stribeck curve, which is commonly used for lubricant evaluation. Bruker's universal mechanical tester (UMT) TriboLab™, a versatile tribometer, is introduced as a solution to this challenge. It provides precise control and flexibility for comprehensive tribological testing. The note emphasizes the importance of testing lubricants in conditions that cover all three lubrication regimes and ranks lubricants based on their performance.

In this application note, Bruker discusses the importance of coatings and thin films in various applications and the critical attribute of adhesion strength for their proper functioning. The note highlights the challenge of finding suitable scratch test methods and parameters due to the limitations of regular scratch tools. Bruker's scratch test system, based on the universal mechanical tester (UMT) platform, is introduced as a versatile solution capable of accommodating various scratch test methods and delivering reliable data. The note presents examples of scratch test results on different coatings and thin films, showcasing the system's capabilities.

In this application note, Bruker discusses the importance of force-displacement measurements for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and computing input devices. Bruker introduces its universal mechanical tester (UMT) TriboLab™ platform, which offers precise and reliable measurements across a wide range of forces and displacements. The note highlights the system's capabilities and features, including its modular design, intelligent hardware and software interfaces, and real-time control and data analysis software.

In this application note, Bruker introduces its universal mechnical tester (UMT) TriboLab™. The UMT TriboLab offers exceptional modularity, allowing for specialized testing and operation with its interchangeable lower drives and Tribo ID™ components. It boasts the broadest capabilities, including a single motor with a wide speed range and high torque, along with 11 different force sensors for comprehensive testing.

Smooth clutch operation in automatic transmissions is strongly tied to the velocity dependence of the coefficient of friction (COF). Full-scale clutch tests, such as the JASO M348 or any other OEM-specific test protocol run on the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine, are typically used to obtain friction data, but these tests are both expensive and time consuming. In this application note from Bruker, explore the benefits of this process using the Bruker UMT TriboLab™ benchtop tester.

Open circuit potential (OCP) and its evolution during a tribocorrosion test give insight into the materials degradation process that sets in with the synergistic action of mechanical and electrochemical components. In this application note, explore how Bruker’s UMT TriboLab™ provides a means to track the evolution of OCP during a tribocorrosion test, combining tribology and electrochemistry capabilities into one system. Furthermore, consider how this technology is designed to help scientists and engineers develop novel materials that resist tribocorrosion, and thus are more reliable and durable in aggressive environments.

In this video from Bruker Daltonics, discover a method of lubricant testing using the rotary drive on the UMT TriboLab™ . Explore how the Stribeck Curve test can be set up using the software included with the UMT TriboLab and which tools and parameters are used to achieve the best results.

Tribology is everywhere. Tribology is the science of friction, lubrication, and wear. In this video from Bruker Daltonics, explore the UMT TriboLab™ which is designed to run almost any tribology test. This instrument demonstrates exceptional modularity with board capabilities and ease of use.