Types of Friction and Wear Testing Machines [Classified by Motion Method]

There are many types of friction and wear testing machines. This site introduces the types and test methods with concrete examples.

Friction and wear testing machines can also be classified by their motion method. This article introduces 8 motion types used in friction and wear testing machines.

1. Reciprocating (Linear Sliding) Motion

The specimen or indenter moves back and forth in a straight line. This is the most common motion type and is used to simulate the sliding motion found in mechanical parts such as piston rings and cam followers.

Representative HEIDON model: Surface Property Tester TYPE:14FW

2. Rotary Motion

The specimen or indenter rotates continuously in one direction. Suitable for evaluating the friction and wear characteristics of rotating parts such as bearings and thrust washers.

Representative HEIDON model: Friction and Wear Tester TYPE:40

3. Pin-on-Disk Motion

A pin (indenter) is pressed against a rotating disk specimen. Widely used for wear evaluation and coefficient-of-friction measurement under various loads and speeds.

4. Oscillating (Pendulum) Motion

The specimen oscillates in an arc. Used to simulate fretting wear in bolt joints and press-fit connections.

5. Scratch / Stylus Motion

A stylus is moved across the specimen surface in a single pass to evaluate scratch resistance and coating adhesion. Used in pencil hardness tests and scratch hardness tests.

Representative HEIDON models: TYPE:38, TYPE:18/18L

6. Rolling Motion

A ball or cylinder rolls across the specimen surface. Used to evaluate fatigue wear and rolling contact fatigue life in rolling bearings and gears.

7. Impact Motion

Repeated impact loading is applied to the specimen surface. Used to evaluate impact wear resistance of materials subjected to repeated shock, such as valve seats.

8. Combined / Multi-axis Motion

Multiple motion types are combined to reproduce complex real-world contact conditions. HEIDON’s HHS series enables multi-axis load-variable testing.

Representative HEIDON model: Load-variable Friction and Wear Test System HHS2000S/HHS3000S

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