Nano Tribometer

Nano tribometer for low friction testing in rotary and linear mode. Patented capacitive sensors for 0.001 COF analysis.

nano tribology of thin films using tribometer

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Nano Tribology Overview

Main Features:

Micro Newton Resolutions
Proven technology to measure 0.001 COF
Patented capacitive load sensor series
Room, temperature, vacuum, and inert atmosphere
Patented In-line 3D profilometer

Rtec Instruments offers a state-of-the-art nano tribometer to perform low coefficient of friction tribology and nano wear tribo pairs. At the heart of this nano tribometer module are Rtec’s patented force sensors. Firstly, patented force sensors have negligible thermal drift and cross talk. Secondly, industry-leading resolution and accuracy provide the measurement of forces at unprecedented levels. Lastly, the low friction module can work under ambient and controlled environment conditions.

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Learn More About The Platforms

The MFT Series Tribometers

Explore our MFT Series Tribometers for versatile surface and material testing.

Learn more about our MFT Series Tribometers

Unmatched Load Cell Technology

Patented Capacitive Sensors

In addition to providing unparalleled accuracy and resolution, the sensors accommodate several environments.

Capacitive sensors for friction measurement on tribometer

Capacitive Load Cells

Highest Resolution with a rigid design

Durability

Unique design prevents sensor breakage during mishandling

Additional Piezo Sensor

Optional independent piezo Z actuator for nm Z positioning accuracy

Rigid Design

Stiff rigid Construction minimises holder tilt.

Few Nano Tribology Setups

Rtec Instruments’ nano tribometer technology works across several setups.

Super lubricity 2D Material Sample Getting Tested

Raman data from integrated microscope using Rtec tribometer MFT-5000

3D Map Data Generation During The Test

Nano Tribometer Vacuum Chamber with In-line Profilometer

Automatic In-line Imaging –

Roughness, Wear, Volume vs Time

Correlate friction, wear, and topography easily

The integrated 3D profilometer measures the surface topography of the wear track during the test without taking the sample out of the tool. The profilometer is optimized for nanomechanical tests. Modes such as confocal, dark field imaging, and interferometry allow for nm resolution.
The topography change at nano scales allows for a comprehensive understanding of nano tribology. For example, the initial 3D image acquired accounts for grain boundaries, roughness, the orientation of the samples, and other localized features in contact surfaces.

The high precision XY stage allows for stitching the entire wear mark automatically.

Wear mark progression with in-line 3d-profiler on rtec-instruments tester

Analysis

Ball On Disc Setup And Data

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Setup

We position the DLC coated ball perpendicular to a thin film coated wafers on the rotary module. The universal upper and lower sample holders mount the samples.

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Results

Graph below shows COF friction curves for two coatings at 50 mN down force and 400 RPM.

Low Friction Test on Rtec Nano tribometer

Why AFM When Nano Tribometer Offers Much More?

Install wide range (size and geometry) of samples across several ultra low friction applications. Study friction properties at the atomic scale.

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Problem

Currently, most of low friction measurement work is being done using an AFM. Testing using AFM presents challenges such as:

Calibration of AFM tips to measure friction
Non-repeatable bending of AFM tips
Only a small down force can be applied
Only a small area on the sample is available for testing
Limited control on environment

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Solution

This low friction tribometer measures low friction and wear with ultra precise sensors across a wide linear and rotation speed (10,000 rpm). As the wear rate under these scenarios is negligible in-line 3D profilometer is very useful for providing data without removing the sample. This unique combination enables study of volume wear and chemical property changes of the wear track as it evolves with time.

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Advantages

Industry leading high resolution, sturdy sensor for accurate, reliable and repeatable measurements without need to calibrate every few tests.
Apply much larger down forces compared to AFM.
Micro and macro scale samples for comprehensive analysis of coatings.
Ambient and controlled environment (high temperature, vacuum, inert gas)
3D imaging for automatic analysis of wear track.