Presentation Profile
New Developments in Standard-Compliant System for Evaluating Lubricant Friction, Wear, and Load-Carrying Performance
Currently Scheduled: 10/14/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room: Exhibit Hall Entrance
Main Author
Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- Steven Alexandre - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
Abstract:
A testing system designed to evaluate the wear, friction, and load-carrying performance of lubricants under controlled conditions. The instrument complies with internationally recognized standards, including ASTM D2266, D4172, D5183, D2596, D2783, CEC L-45-A-99, IP 239, IP 300, and DIN 513. The tester operates on the four-ball principle, where a rotating 12.7 mm steel ball comes into contact with three stationary steel balls immersed in lubricant. The upper ball can rotate at speeds up to 2000 RPM, while loads up to 1000 kg are applied using a servo-pneumatic closed-loop loading system. Frictional force is measured through a high-resolution digital load cell, and important parameters such as temperature, load, speed, friction force, and coefficient of friction are continuously monitored using integrated data acquisition software. The system supports different loading modes, including constant, incremental, decremental, and step-wise loading, allowing detailed study of lubricant behavior and Stribeck curve analysis. Additional features such as a 15-inch multi-touch control panel, precise AC servo motor speed control, temperature control up to 200°C, and customizable test protocols make the instrument reliable and user-friendly for advanced lubricant performance evaluation.
