In Nanotribometry, a flat, a pin or a sphere is loaded onto the test sample
with a
precisely defined force. The friction coefficient is to be determined during
the test
operation by measuring the deflection force on the arm. Wear coefficients for
the
pin and disk materials are accurately calculated from the volume of material
lost
during the test operation. This straightforward method facilitates the study
of
friction and wear behaviors of almost every single solid material combination
with or
without lubricant. Besides, control of the test parameters such as speed, frequency,
contact pressure, time and the environmental parameters (temperature, humidity
and lubricant) enables us to concretely reproduce the real world conditions
of a
practical wear situation.
The CSM
Nano Tribometer is a unique instrument since its low load range down to
50µN. This instrument can perform both the linear reciprocating and rotating
mode. One outstanding feature of all the CSM
Tribometers is that the experiment stops automatically when the coefficient
of friction reaches a threshold value or when a specified number of turns are
reached. Furthermore, the Tribometer is supplied with an enclosure so that a
controlled atmosphere of varying humidity or composition can be used. Specialized
versions of the Tribometer have been created for high and low temperature operations,
reciprocating motion and high vacuum testing. The
Nano Tribometer is equipped with a depth measuring sensor for real-time
display of depth information that is important in studying the time dependent
wear properties. Additionally, an electrical conductivity option can enable
testing of electrical insulation of coatings.
