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Four Ball Tester / Tribometer
Determining friction and wear properties of lubricant (lubricating oils and greases)
Four Ball Tester / Tribometer
Determining friction and wear properties of lubricant (lubricating oils and greases)
Applications
- Lubricating oil
- Lubricating grease
- Hydraulic oil
- Engine oil
- Gear oil
- Turbine oil
- Compressor oil
- Slideway oil
- Cutting fluid
- Grinding fluid
- Rust preventive oil
- Drilling oil
- Additives
- Aviation lubricating oil
- Extreme condition lubricating oil
The four-ball tribometer is used to determine the friction and wear properties of lubricant, including oil and grease, under varying load conditions. It accurately assesses the load-bearing capacity of lubricants through several key metrics: maximum non-seizure load (Pb), sintering load (Pd), and comprehensive wear value (ZMZ). This machine allows for long-term wear tests without compromising the precision of the Pb measurement, even after multiple Pd tests. It can also measure the coefficient of friction while recording friction force and temperature curves. For enhanced precision, the system can be equipped with high-accuracy measuring devices to calculate and display wear scar diameters on-screen. With specialized attachments, these friction and wear testing machines can perform end-face wear tests and simulate material behavior under specific conditions.
The four ball friction and wear testing machine (referred to as the four ball machine) is the most commonly used instrument for evaluating the extreme pressure anti-wear and anti friction properties of various lubricating materials, as well as for conducting frictional research. It has outstanding advantages such as simple operation, low experimental cost, and fast measurement speed. It is widely used in the performance evaluation of base oils, additives, compound formulations, and oil quality supervision and inspection. It is also the most commonly used tool for conducting frictional theory research.
Technical Specifications
| Axial test force range | 20-10000N |
| Relative accuracy of test force display | ±1％ (0.5) |
| Accuracy of testing force display for a long time | ±1％F.S (0.5) |
| Loading method | Fully automatic loading (non-hydraulic,state related patent) |
| Friction torque | 13500N.mm |
| Relative accuracy of friction torque display | ±2％ |
| Spindle frequency conversion speed | 10-3000r/min |
| Accuracy of spindle speed | ±5r/min |
| Oil tank stroke | ＞45mm |
| Spindle bore taper | 1:7 |
| Working temperature of heater | Room temperature to 250℃ |
| Accuracy of temperature | ≤2℃ |
| Control mode | Touch screen control of entire test process (dual function) |
| Test time display and control range | 1-99999s or 1-99999min |
| Revolution display and control range | 999999999 |
| Main motor | Taiwan TECO servo motor |
| Test oil quantity | Approximately 10ml |
| Diameter of test steel ball | 12.7 |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | Approximately 1160×750×1640 |
| Weight | Approximately 400kg |
| Rated power | 2.5kW |
Standards
- ASTM D 4172
Standard Test Method for Wear Resistance of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method) - ASTM D2266-01
Standard Test Method for Friction and Wear of Lubricating Oil (Four-Ball Method) - ASTM D2783-2003 (2009)
Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method) - ASTM D2596-2010
Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method) - GB/T12583-98
Determination of Extreme Pressure Properties of Lubricants (Four-Ball Method) - GB3142-82
Determination of the Bearing Capacity of Lubricants (Four-Ball Method) - SH/T0189-92
Determination of Oil Wear Resistance (Four-Ball Method) - SH/T0202-92
Determination of Extreme Pressure Properties of Grease (Four-Ball Method)
Basic Functional Characteristics
- Test the maximum non stick load Pb, sintering load Pd, comprehensive wear value ZMZ, D value and other indicators of the lubricant
- Long term wear resistance test of lubricants, determination of friction coefficient
- Special test for lubricating oil: friction coefficient step test (SH0762/ASTM5183)
- Rapid expansion of KRL lubricant shear test (SH0845)
- Improve lubricating oil process and control the optimal economic ratio of formula
Standard Features
- Load: direct real-time measurement of contact load without conversion, benchmarking against specific requirements of ISO/ASTM/GB/SH and other standards
- Operation: parameter setting, level selection, minimalist operation, improve work efficiency, and reduce operational errors
High-End Upgradable Functions
- Fully automatic: with a high degree of automation, after installing the sample, you can enter the fully automatic test (only 2 keys are needed)
- Accuracy: load and friction force can be self calibrated during startup, and friction force can also be equipped with dual sensors to improve absolute accuracy
- Grinding spot: the grinding spot diameter directly displays the reference value and quickly locks the level (without the need for a microscope)
- Judgment: PB and PD multi-directional online judgment to improve accuracy and equipment service life (ms level protection)
- Extension function: it can quickly carry out step tests for friction coefficient (SH0762/ASTM5183) and convert KRL lubricating oil shear tests (SH0845)
- Quick comparison: develop new oil products without the need for a microscope, quickly calculate the comprehensive wear performance ZMZ index
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- Dynamic Balancing We offer tailored dynamic balancing solutions based on the type of rotating parts, while considering factors such as weight, diameter, thickness, and the dimensions of the connecting components. Learn more
What type of loading method does this equipment use?
Can this equipment perform both PB (Weld Point) and PD (Load of Sintering Point) value tests?
How accurate is your four-ball tester? What is the shape of the wear scars?
What are the advantages of your fully automatic four-ball tester?
Our fully automatic four-ball tester offers numerous significant advantages, achieving high efficient performance at an affordable price. Key features include:
- Load: Real-time measurement and display of actual load without conversion, meeting specific requirements of ISO, ASTM, GB, SH, and other standards.
- Operation: Simplified parameter setting and grade selection improve efficiency and reduce operator error.
- Full Automation: High degree of automation — once samples are installed, the test starts fully automatically with just two button presses.
- Precision: Automatic calibration of load and friction force at startup; friction force measurement can be enhanced with dual sensors for improved absolute accuracy.
- Wear Scar: Direct display of wear scar diameter as a reference value allows quick grade determination without the need for a microscope.
- Multi-dimensional online evaluation of PB and PD values improves accuracy and extends equipment lifespan with millisecond-level protection.
- Extended Functions: Supports rapid friction coefficient step tests (SH0762/ASTM5183) and conversions.
- KRL Lubricant Shear Test: Compliant with SH0845 standard.
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