Innovative Test Solutions provides a wide range of friction and wear services ranging from ASTM standardized testing to custom-designed rigs that simulate real-world environments from the aerospace, power generation, and transportation industries.
High-Stress Fretting, Wear & Fatigue Rig
Our high-stress wear and fatigue rig was designed for high-crush stress at very small to moderate displacements.
The setup allows for closed-loop biaxial computer control which can be programed to accommodate complex loading procedures, advance data collection, and monitoring.
The wear and fatigue rig at ITS can be used to evaluate coatings, material couples, wear rates, or static and dynamic coefficient of friction. It can also perform fretting fatigue testing, which allows for a specimen to be in tension while sliding is occurring on a matting surface.
The specimens were designed so that it can be modified to any desirable mating conditions.
High-Stress Fretting/Wear/Fatigue Rig Capabilities
Displacement Range: 0.0005 inches to 0.5 inches
Stress: 10psi to 130,000ksi
Frequency: up to 60 Hz
Temperature: up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit
Bar & Block Wear Rig
Similar to the high-stress rig, this wear rig was designed for moderate-crush stress at small to large displacements.
The setup allows for closed-loop biaxial computer control, which can be programed to accommodate basic loading procedures.
The specimens were designed so that they can be modified to any desirable mating condition. This rig can be used to evaluate coatings, material couples, wear rates, or static and dynamic coefficient of friction.
Bar & Block Wear Rig Capabilities
Displacement Range: 0.002 inches to 1 inch
Stress: 10psi to 55,000ksi
Frequency: up to 40 Hz
Temperature: up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit
Standardized ASTM Rigs
The Falex multi-specimen test machine can simulate sliding, rolling, oscillating, or combinations of sliding and rolling contacts.
Our custom adaptors allow for dry, wet, heated (to a maximum of 600 degrees Fahrenheit), or cryogenic conditions (to a minimum of -320 degrees Fahrenheit).
Commonly performed on these test rigs are: ASTM D3702 — Thrust Washer; ASTM G99 — Pin on Disk; and ASTM G98 — Galling.
The rig has been used for a variety of variations of each of these ASTM standardized tests, as well as many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What friction and wear testing?
Friction and wear testing is a process used to evaluate the performance of materials or coatings under conditions that simulate real-world mechanical interactions. This test measures how materials behave when subjected to frictional forces, including how much wear or degradation occurs over time, which is critical for assessing the longevity and efficiency of components in motion.
Why is friction and wear testing important for industrial applications?
Friction and wear testing is crucial for ensuring that parts in machinery, engines, and other mechanical systems can withstand the forces they encounter during operation. It helps identify materials that can reduce friction, minimize wear, and increase the durability of components, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of critical equipment.
What industries benefit the most from friction and wear testing?
Friction and wear testing is highly valuable in industries where components are subject to continuous motion and mechanical stress, including:
- Automotive: For evaluating parts like brakes, gears, and engine components.
- Aerospace: For turbine blades, bearings, and other high-stress parts.
- Manufacturing: For machinery parts that undergo constant friction.
- Energy: For evaluating parts like turbines, gears, and seals in power plants.
How is friction and wear testing performed?
Friction and wear testing involves subjecting materials to controlled mechanical conditions that simulate their real-world usage. The materials are placed in contact with a counter-surface under specific loads and motion types. The test monitors the frictional forces and measures the amount of wear or degradation that occurs over a set period. This data helps assess the material’s wear resistance and performance under frictional conditions.
What factors influence the results of friction and wear testing?
Several factors can impact the outcomes of friction and wear testing, including:
- Load: The amount of pressure applied during testing.
- Speed: The rate of motion or velocity at which surfaces slide against each other.
- Temperature: High temperatures can affect the wear characteristics of materials.
- Lubrication: The presence or absence of lubricants can significantly reduce friction and wear.
- Surface finish: The roughness of the material surface can influence the wear rate and friction.
Can friction and wear testing simulate real-world conditions?
Yes, friction and wear testing can simulate a wide range of real-world conditions, including varying loads, speeds, and temperatures, to replicate the operating environment of a specific application. This ensures that materials and components are tested in conditions that closely match how they will perform in actual use, providing more accurate and reliable data for manufacturers.
How do friction and wear testing contribute to cost savings?
By identifying materials and components that exhibit low friction and high wear resistance, friction and wear testing can help manufacturers create more durable parts. This reduces the frequency of repairs, replacements, and maintenance, leading to cost savings over the life of the equipment. In industries like automotive and aerospace, minimizing wear can also improve fuel efficiency and overall system performance.
What types of wear can friction and wear testing detect?
Friction and wear testing can detect various forms of wear, including:
- Abrasive wear: Caused by hard particles or rough surfaces rubbing against each other.
- Adhesive wear: Occurs when materials transfer between surfaces due to high friction.
- Fatigue wear: The result of repeated cycles of friction, leading to material degradation.
- Corrosive wear: Caused by the interaction of friction and environmental factors, such as moisture or chemicals.
For more information regarding friction and wear testing, please request a quote below.
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