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The Triboster TSf-503 is designed for computer-controlled analysis of the static and kinetic coefficient of friction (COF). The highly versatile device, with its linear reciprocating sample stage, can be used for all kinds of samples with different shapes because fixtures can be specially designed according to the sample. The TSf-503 features the unique patented crank-shaped biaxial balance technology for accurate and reliable measurements.
TSf-503 is available with a standard normal load range of 100 to 1.000 g and an optional range of 200 to 2.000 g.
Measurements with different loads, speeds, contact probe geometries, measurement methods, and options allow customers to set up the instruments to meet their special needs.
Measurement of Friction
A Friction Analyzer or Friction Tester measures the resistance, or friction force, between two objects that slide against each other. The magnitude of the friction and the abrasion depends on material composition, contact geometry, load (normal force), sliding speed, temperature, humidity, surface roughness, etc. The value of the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) “μ” is defined by the relationship between the required force ”F” to slide an object and the load “W” perpendicular to the surface the object is resting on. As the CoF is a dimensionless scalar, it has no unit, and the direction of the force does not change its magnitude.
When the stage with the fixed object moves, the load ( W ) of the object connected to the measuring unit generates a frictional force ( F ) between the two objects. The measuring unit detects this force, and the software calculates the coefficient of friction ( μ ).
Understanding Friction Variables
To accurately characterize a material surface, friction testing must isolate both Static Friction ( μs )—the initial threshold force required to initiate motion—and Kinetic Friction ( μk )—the continuous resistance during sliding. Because stationary surfaces experience micro-bonding, static friction is inherently higher than kinetic friction. Kyowa's testing arrays are custom-engineered to map this precise transitional curve with high accuracy.
Kyowa's Concept of Friction Testing
At Kyowa, our approach to tribology focuses on eliminating mechanical variables to capture pure, uncorrupted friction data. By separating external forces from the measurement assembly and integrating intelligent, automated testing cycles, our instruments deliver industry-leading accuracy and repeatability for complex surface characterization.
Unique Balance Design
Implementing our proprietary crank-shaped biaxial balance technology in the Triboster TSf-503 yields highly accurate, reliable measurement data completely unaffected by mechanical artifacts or reciprocal stage inertia. See the fundamental difference between Kyowa’s engineering and conventional mechanisms below:
Kyowa's crank-shaped biaxial balance design
Conventional balance design
Advantage 1: Total Inertial Isolation
Our biaxial design isolates stage inertia and external forces from the load cell. The upper balance assembly serves strictly as a stable support arm for the vertical load weights, while the lower assembly acts independently as a dedicated transducing arm—transmitting pure friction force directly to the load cell without structural crossover.
Advantage 2: Dynamic Directional Symmetry
Because the balanced rotation axis is precisely aligned on the horizontal frictional plane, the vertical contact force remains perfectly identical during both forward and backward movements. This symmetry ensures the system records identical, accurate friction forces regardless of the stage's movement vector.
Functions & Measurement Routines
Driven by our dedicated software control, our friction testing systems offer specialized measurement routines engineered to evaluate surface behaviors under dynamic real-world conditions. Explore our core automation capabilities designed to simplify testing sequences and capture precise static and kinetic friction variables:
■ Main Features
Biaxial balance technology
- Minimizing the effects of inertia and other external forces on the load cell during measurements ensures accurate, reliable results.
Two-way-measurements
- Measurement of the coefficients of friction in both ways of stage travel.
Automatic contact probe lift-up function
- Measurement of the coefficients of friction in only one way of stage travel. The contact probe is lifted automatically after one stroke to avoid contact with the sample when the stage returns.
Seven measurement routines
Various measurement routines are available to ensure maximum flexibility in determining specific sample characteristics.
- Standard repetition
Measuring the coefficients of friction repeatedly on the same measuring area in up to 12 cycles - Continuous static friction
Measuring up to 50 data points of coefficients of static friction in one stroke by the stop-and-go movement of the stage - Repetition dependency
Measuring the coefficients of friction repeatedly on the same measuring area in 100 to 10.000 cycles - Multi-sample
Measuring the coefficients of friction for different samples or different areas of one sample for easy comparison - Load-dependency
Measuring the coefficients of friction depending on different normal loads - Speed-dependency
Measuring the coefficients of friction depending on different speeds - Time-interval dependency
Analyzing the influence of adhesion on the coefficients of friction depending on up to four different contact times in one way by use of the counterpart lift-up function and the stop-and-go movement of the stage
■ Optional Hardware Accessories
- Heater-type temperature-controlled sample stage for measurements from ambient to +180 ℃
- Jacket-type temperature-controlled sample stage for measurements from +10 to +60 ℃
- A wide variety of contact probes with different geometries
- Different weights in the range from 50 to 2.000 g
- Special holder for the measurements of pencils
■ Key Application Areas
Lubrication oil
- Friction, wear-resistance, and longevity of oil-lubricated metallic surfaces
- Dependence of friction on temperature
Cosmetics
- Longevity and peel resistance of manicures
- The smoothness of hair before and after treatment with hairdressing
- The friction of surfaces from production machines, to improve the flow properties of powders and to prevent powder adhesion
Powders
- Functionality and effectiveness of powder lubricants
Papers
- The durability of and damage to papers or the surfaces of printing media during the printing process
- Friction between paper sheets and between paper sheets and each part of the printer’s paper feed mechanism for its optimization
Rubbers & Plastics
- Friction and wear of tires against road surfaces
- Stick-slip effect between wiper blades and wet windshields
- Functionality and persistence rubbers for table tennis rackets
- Durability and functionality of the rubber surface of paper-feed or pick-up rollers
Textiles
- Smoothness depending on textile weave patterns
- The efficiency of softening and smoothing agents on textiles
- Slippage of different kinds of fabrics on each other
- Slippage of stockings on insoles
Paints & Coatings
- The strength of plating layers and coated surfaces against scratching, continuous rubbing, sliding, etc.
- Friction and wear of coated surfaces against each other
Medical
- The friction of materials from artificial joints, valves of artificial hearts, and implants
- The friction of catheters submerged in water and the durability of the catheter’s coatings.
Automobile
- Extensibility of car polish or wax on the car body and its effectiveness after drying
- Sliding characteristics between clothing fabrics and seat belts or car seat materials
| TSf-503 | |
| Measuring mode | linear reciprocating |
| Display resolution | coefficient of friction: 0.0001 |
| Friction force range |
standard: 0 to 1.000 gf (9.8N) option: 0 to 2.000 gf (19.6N) |
| Normal load range |
standard: 100 to 1.000 g (in steps of 50 g) optional: 200 to 2.000 g (in steps of 100 g) |
| Stage travel distance | 1 to 80 mm (in steps of 1 mm) |
| Stage travel speed | 0.1 to 100 mm/sec |
| Stage travel cycles | max. 10.000 |
| Measurement routines |
- standard repetition - continuous static friction - repetition dependency - multi-sample - load-dependency - speed-dependency - time-interval dependency |
| Maximum sample size | 180 x 100 x 30 mm |
| Sample stage size | 180 x 100 mm |
| Measuring temperature |
standard: ambient optional: jacket-type: +10 to 60 ℃ heater-stage: ambient to +180 ℃ |
| Instrument dimensions | 310 x 600 x 420 mm |
| Approximately weight | 29.0 kg |
| Electric power: Voltage Frequency Power consumption |
AC 100 to 240 V 50/60 Hz 60 W 125 VA |
| Operating environment |
temperature: +10 to 35 ℃, humidity: 30 to 80 %RH (non-condensing) positioned away from sources of electrical noise and vibration |
