Friction Tester / Triboster TSf series
TSf-503/303: versatile models for all kinds of samples
Sample stage of the TSF-503 with the unique crank-shaped biaxial balance
A selection of our range of contact probes available for the TSf series
Sled (contact part) of standardized size compliant with ASTM D1894-14
The Triboster TSf series, consisting of two different models, is designed for computer-controlled analysis of the static and kinetic coefficient of friction (COF). The versatile models with a linear reciprocating sample stage can be used for all kinds of samples with different shapes due to sample holders, which are specially designed according to the sample. Both models feature the unique patented crank-shaped biaxial balance technology for accurate and reliable measurements.
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 two objects' resistance, or friction force, which 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 the frictional force “F” between the two objects. The measuring unit detects this force, and the software calculates the coefficient of friction "μ".
The kinetic COF follows after overcoming the static COF, so the COF “μ” can be 1) static or 2) kinetic.
1) The static COF "μs" describes the friction force between two objects when neither of the objects is moving.
2) The kinetic COF "μk", or sliding or dynamic COF, describes the friction force between two objects if one object is moving or if two objects are moving against each other.
Non-moving objects experience more friction than moving ones, requiring more force to put them in motion than sustain them. Thus, the static COF is larger than its kinetic counterpart.
The concept of Kyowa's unique balance design
Kyowa's crank-shaped biaxial balance design
Conventional balance design
One major advantage of this new crank-shaped biaxial balance technology is isolating inertia effects and external forces from the load cell. The upper part of the biaxial balance is a supporting arm for the weight, while the lower part acts as a transducing arm for the friction force to the load cell. Both parts perform their functions individually, properly isolating inertial effects and external forces from the load cell.
Another major advantage is that due to the leveled frictional surface and the rotation axis of the balance, the weight perpendicular to the surface of contact is the same in both directions, back and forth. Therefore, the friction force transduced to the load cell is the same despite different directions.
Implementing the crank-shaped biaxial balance technology to our Triboster TSf series results in highly accurate and reliable measurement data unaffected by inertial effects and the back-and-forth movement of the sample stage.
Differences between the TSf-503 and TSf-303
TSf-503
The TSf-503 is our most versatile and adaptable model to evaluate the static and kinetic coefficient of friction of all kinds of samples with different shapes.
Featuring seven measuring routines, a built-in temperature sensor, and a full set of six weights, the TSf-503 is widely used in research and development.
TSf-303
The TSf-303 is identical in design to the TSf-503 but only features the standard repetition measuring routine and a set of two different weights. A temperature sensor is available as an option.
The reasonable TSf-303 is the ideal model to perform reliable measurements for routine quality assurance.
Functions and measuring routines
Features
Biaxial balance technology
- Minimization of the effects of inertia and other external forces to the load cell during the measurements, ensuring exact and 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.
Up to seven measuring routines
Depending on the Triboster model, various measuring routines are available to ensure the most flexibility in determining specific characteristics of the samples. Available measuring routines are:
- 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 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 for 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 to the coefficients of friction depending on up to 4 different contact times in one way by use of the counterpart lift-up function and the stop-and-go movement of the stage
Options
Hardware
- Heater-type temperature-controlled sample stage for measurements from ambient to +180℃
- Jacket-type temperature-controlled sample stage for measurements from +10 to +70℃
- A wide variety of contact probes with different geometries
- Different weights in the range from 50 to 2000g
- Special holder for measurements of pencils
Applications
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 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 to each other 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 smoothening 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 their effectiveness after drying
- Sliding characteristics between clothing fabrics and seat belts or car seat materials
Specifications
| TSf series | |
| Measuring mode | linear reciprocating |
| Display resolution | coefficient of friction: 0.0001 |
| Friction force range | standard: 0 to 1000gf (9.8N), option: 0 to 2.000gf (19.6N) |
| Normal load range |
standard: 100 to 1.000g (in steps of 50g) optional: 200 to 2.000g (in steps of 100g) |
| Stage travel distance | 1 to 80mm (in steps of 1mm) |
| Stage travel speed | 0.1 to 100mm/sec |
| Stage travel cycles |
TSf-503: max 10.000 TSf-303: max 12 |
| Measuring routines |
TSf-503: - standard repetition - continuous static friction - repetition dependency - multi-sample - load-dependency - speed-dependency - time-interval dependency TSf-303: - standard repetition |
| Maximum sample size | 180x100x30mm |
| Sample stage size | 180x100mm |
| Measuring temperature |
standard: ambient optional: jacket-type: +10 to +70℃ heater-stage: ambient to +180℃ |
| Instrument dimensions | 310x600x420mm |
| Approximately weight | 29.0kg |
| Electric power: Voltage Frequency Power consumption |
AC100-240V 50/60 Hz 60W 125VA |
| Operating environment |
temperature: +10 to +35℃, humidity: 30-80%RH (non-condensing) positioned away from sources of electrical noise and vibration |