Mini Traction Machine

Nye’s Applied Science and Tribology Lab (ASTL) has continued to expand its capabilities in testing and characterization of tribological applications with the acquisition of a Mini Traction Machine (MTM). The MTM is very different from conventional tribometers like a 4-Ball or SRV, as it measures frictional properties in a wide variety of rolling/sliding conditions. This is critical to simulating applications like rolling element bearings and gears.

A typical test on the MTM can be carried out over a wide variety of temperatures, contact stresses (Load), Slide-To-Roll ratios (SRR), and entrainment speeds. Unlike other tribological tests where speed is either measured as the amount of rotations during a period of time or the oscillatory frequency, the MTM is more complex. In this equipment, the speed element is a combination of sliding speed and rolling speed, which produces the entrainment speed. 

The MTM also allows for the ball and disc to be driven in the same direction or contra-rotation to produce a tribological test that can operate with high sliding/rolling speeds, and a low entrainment speed. This capability produces a very efficient testing method for scuffing and galling of metal surfaces.

Through the flexibility of the MTM, very complex tribological tests can be performed on a range of materials, from metals and plastics to soft contacts. This flexibility, combined with the knowledge and experience of the Tribology team, provides Nye with an expanded toolkit to simulate the contact mechanics of our customer’s applications, thus extending the operating life and value of their equipment.