Macro PoD - Pin/Ball on Disk Tribometer

Introduction
The understanding of the wear, friction and lubrication behavior of
materials, lubricants and coatings in a variety of test conditions has
become increasingly important in the recent years. With the advent
of new applications and technologies like automotive, advanced
lubricants, new materials and composites, traditional tribometers
and measurements technologies no longer sufficed.
The Ducom Macro PoD® Tribometer has been developed as a mod-
ular test system capable of conducting tribological tests for tribo-
logical evaluation in a variety of test conditions. This versatile tribo-
meter offers test capabilities that extend beyond most current
standards.

Description
The Ducom Macro PoD comprises of a rotary drive that controls
disc rotation. The counter specimen - which may be a ball, pin or
any other custom geometry - is held firmly in a friction/loading arm.
A known load is applied upon the counter specimen to achieve the
desired contact stress. A Ducom Pin on Disk Tester with an environment chamber and Lubri-
The Macro PoD is a fully computer controlled test system. Operator cation recirculation system
may choose and set the desired test parameters from the Ducom
TriboAcquire control and data acquisition system. The test parame-
ters are displayed and output is recorded.
Applications

 Evaluation of wear resistance of bio-materials and coatings.

 Wear and Friction properties of bulk materials and composites .

 Tribological tests on polymers, soft materials and coatings in lu-

bricated, un-lubricated and corrosive conditions.

 Product development and quality control of surface engineered

products

Schematic of a Pin on Disk Test

Rev1.2/May2011
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Options
Tribological evaluations are diverse and frequently need to be done
in conditions that closely simulate real-life conditions. A variety of
options on the Macro PoD make it easy for users to bring their tests
closer to their true test requirement:
Environment chamber to maintain a positive pressure of desired
non-toxic gases. Standard inlet and outlet port with a glass viewing
port at the top.
Lubricant cup for lubricated wear and friction studies. Corrosion
resistant construction allows use of corrosive fluids like
Electrical Contact Potential for film formation evaluation. Can be Test Graph Showing Normal Load And Tan-
used in lubricated or corrosive environments. Aids in tribo- gential Force (Ft)
corrosion studies and evaluation of percentage of film formation of
lubricants.
Chamber heating module for elevated temperature tests where
both disk and the counter specimen is heated to ensure an isother-
mal tribological contact. Available in ambient to 400, 600 and 800
Deg C options. (Higher temperatures are possible. Please consult
Ducom for details.)
Vacuum Chamber comprises of the chamber and the vacuum sys-
tem. This option allows test capabilities under vacuum of up to 10e
-7 mbar. The system is high temperature compatible.
Wear track showing abrasive
(If you do not see an option that meets your requirement, please consult wear
Ducom for customized solutions)

Test surface showing transfer of

material (adhesive wear)

Machine control and data acquisition

TriboAcquire is a proprietary integrated control and data acquisi-
tion software. Its user friendly user interface allows operators to
quickly set up test parameters and initiate tests. The software also
has capabilities to log sample information as entered by the opera-
tor for future reference and comparison.
The data acquisition system acquires test outputs for online view-
ing and storage. Acquired data is stored and can be displayed for
evaluation. The CompariView module allows users to view up to
four separate test results in the same graph for comparison and
reporting.
Sample surface after exposure
to corrosive fluids
Acquired data is processed in a variety of ways:
 Result of multiple tests can be seen together for comparison.
 Any acquired parameter can be plotted as a function of another.
 Selected portion of a graph can be zoomed
 Data can be exported in ASCII to other software.

Rev1.2/May2011
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Technical specifications
Parameter Units Min Max Remarks
Pin / ball diameter mm 3 12 Sample holders of 3,6,10 and 12mm
Disc diameter mm 165 Thickness up to 8mm
Disc rotation speed rpm 200 2000 1 rpm least count.
Normal load N 0 200 In steps of 5N
Frictional force N 0 200 1N least count
Wear measurement range µm 0 1200 µm least count
Wear track radius mm 50 145
Preset Timer Hr/min/sec 99/59/59

Highlights Ordering information

Superior Design Basic test system includes the pin on disk test system comprising of
The Macro PoD® Tribometer brings unsurpassed testing capabilities the test instrument, ball holders (3, 6, 10mm), pin holders (3, 6, 10
to Tribotesting. The Macro PoD® utilizes a platform based design and 12mm), Standard test balls – Steel (3, 6, 10 mm - 10 each), Stand-
capable of handling upgrades at the pace in which your research ard test pins – Brass, Steel and Aluminum (3, 6, 10 mm - 3 each), Tri-
requirements grow. boAcquire control and data acquisition software, connecting cables
(power and data), operating and maintenance manuals and tool kit.
Robust design permits use in high volume testing and ergonomic
Ordering code: MAT/0008/BA/0001
design allows easy access to test area for sample mounting and
removal. Easy to mount sample jaws help in reducing setup time
and errors caused by improper sample mounting. Options
Instrumentation Environment chamber
Advanced instrumentation and software integration allows use of Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1012
the machine with minimum operator bias and providing consistent Lubricant cup
and repeatable results. Sophisticated electronics and quick-service Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1001
electronics help in maximizing machine utilization. Electrical Contact Potential
Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1011
Software
Chamber heating module (ambient to 400 Deg C)
The Macro PoD® integrates with the TriboAcquire® software by
Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1007
Ducom to provide a sophisticated yet user friendly interface to set
Chamber heating module (ambient to 600 Deg C)
test parameters, acquire and view test results and publish reports
Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1008
professionally. Add on software modules may be available. Please
Chamber heating module (ambient to 800 Deg C)
consult Ducom for details.
Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1009
Stability Vacuum Chamber
Potential detriments to test stability and accuracy, such as vibra- Ordering code: MAT/0008/OP/1010
tions and electrical noise are eliminated by anti-vibration pads and
shielded electronics. Ducom proprietary algorithms like the ACACA®
for active aberration control help in extracting TrueWear® data by
filtering data that may arise out of improper sample preparation or
setup.

NOTE: Specifications may change without notice. Images depict the general
class of machines. Appearance of actual machine may vary.

Rev1.2/May2011
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Other facilities and services by Ducom

CONTRACT TEST LAB:

Ducom is a preferred partner for tribological tests for several Fortune 500 companies including as well as small indus-
tries and research labs. Our facilities include a variety of Tribometers, Mechanical Testers and Petro Testers at two loca-
tions: Bangalore (India) and Lake Bluff, IL (USA). Contract testing on custom development testers are also offered. Du-
com also offers the facility to video-witness tests—saving on costs involved with physically witnessing critical tests.

Ducom Test Facility has been in service since 1999, providing tribological testing facilities to academics and industries.
Ducom ensures that customers get great value by offering these services on advanced tribometers that are regularly cal-
ibrated and checked for repeatability of their results. The test facility is run by experienced staff with more than five dec-
ades of cumulative testing experience in the field of tribological testing alone. Advantages of choosing Ducom Test Facil-
ity as your testing service provider:
 No capital investment on a tester
 No additional man-power requirement
 No maintenance and AMC costs
 No training requirement
 Excellent security - limited access facility and strongly enforced non-disclosure agreement
 Excellent reporting - test reported in accordance with applicable test standards

About Ducom Instruments

Ducom is a multi-faceted test instrument manufacturer. Instruments  Since 1978

capabilities span macro, micro and nano scale characterization with
 ISO 9001: 2008 Certified
installations in over 2000 labs worldwide. Ducom test instruments are
trusted for their excellent repeatability, high technology and robust de-  CE certified testers
sign.  State-of-the-art R&D
A dedicated in-house Research & Development group works on devel-  In-house CNC manufacturing
opment of new technologies and test methods to bring state-of-the-art
 In-house design, electronics & software
characterization techniques to research labs and industries.

Ducom Instruments (USA) Inc. Ducom Instruments Pvt. Ltd.

37 Sherwood Terrace Suite 131, Lake Bluff, IL—60044 (USA) 477/A 4th Phase, PIA, Bangalore—560058 (India)
Ph: +1 (224) 544 5468 │ Fax: +1 (224) 544 5468 Ph: +91 (80) 4080 5555 │ Fax: +91 (80) 4080 5510

Rev1.2/May2011
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