Rolling bearings of all sizes are critical machine elements whose reliable operation directly affects the performance, longevity, and safety of entire machines and systems. Consequently, it is essential to evaluate the performance of lubricants under conditions that closely resemble actual applications. A variety of standardized and custom tests are available for this purpose. Among the most established are the FE8 test (DIN 51819) and the FE9 test (DIN 51821).
Despite the complexity and cost of these tests, the number of recorded parameters is often limited. For instance, the FE8 test typically measures only torque over time (including mean friction torque during start-up and steady-state operation), mass wear, and possibly the time to failure. This limited data collection hampers the extraction of deeper scientific insights that could drive targeted lubricant or system development.
Modern, application-oriented tribometry – referred to as “Tribometry 4.0” – aims to overcome these limitations using advanced sensor technologies, intelligent test protocols, and comprehensive data analytics including AI. Our high-frequency impedance measurement provides valuable information on surface conditions and the lubrication film in both mixed and (elasto-)hydrodynamic friction regimes.
In various applications it could be shown, that valuable information for lubricant development is achieved:
• Stribeck curve in real application, especially transitions from boundary to mixed and to hydrodynamic lubrication
• Pitting development from initiation to particle release
• Development of surface layers, protective reaction layers or varnish
• Development of oil ageing: particle generation, contamination.
Thus, equipping your bearing test rigs and tribometers with our sensor technology will open the avenue for gaining deep scientific insights into tribological and lubrication phenomena.
