European Tribology Centre Transforms Material Characterisation

Since February 2023, an initiative known as the Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB) dedicated to tribology and material characterisation has been operational. Known as i-TRIBOMAT: the European Tribology Centre (ETC). 

As demands continue to rise, the requirements for materials grow increasingly stringent. Every week, new high-performing materials and surface treatments emerge, featuring properties once deemed impossible. 

However, integrating a new material into machine components does not come without risk. Though a material's properties may appear ideal on paper, predicting its actual performance in the field remains a challenge. This issue is further increased when attempting to predict system properties such as friction, leakage, and wear.

Open Innovation Test Beds (OITB) are entities that provide access to the physical facilities, capabilities, and services necessary for the development of materials in industrial environments.

Five leading European tribology testing centres have joined forces to create i-TRIBOMAT: the European Tribology Centre. This collaboration has resulted in the world's largest platform for tribological testing and characterisation of materials, with a shared infrastructure boasting more than 130 tribometers and material characterisation setups.

The ETC has a wide range of services including experimental testing, data-driven services (such as database access), modelling and simulations, and consultancy, which means that companies can outsource their tribology research and development. 

In addition to this, the OITB has developed the Tribology Universe, a suite of online calculator tools, including tools for Hertzian pressure, journal bearing, tilting pad thrust bearing, lubricant rheology, and spiral groove bearing calculations.

In January 2024, the European Tribology Centre got started on a new project known as SiToLub, which focuses on developing computational models for lubricating oils and greases. 

The goal is to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chlorinated paraffins, and lithium soaps from these products. Models developed through SiToLub, and corresponding experimental datasets, will be made available via the Tribology Universe.

As materials science continues to evolve, initiatives like i-TRIBOMAT will be crucial in meeting ever-growing demands, and increasing the reliability and performance of machine components in the field.

Manufacturing engineering services with Neale Consulting Engineers

The global manufacturing industry is vast, spanning everything from industrial processes like steel production to everyday household consumables. 

Implementing engineering and tribological best practices in your maintenance schedules can significantly benefit your manufacturing business.

If you want to discover the benefits of engineering best practice for your manufacturing business, contact our team today.

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