Automated Benchtop Four Ball Tester FBT-3

The Ducom Automatic Benchtop four-ball tester FBT-3 is the most dependable instrument for evaluating lubricants’ wear prevention, extreme pressure, and frictional characteristics. Advanced automation capabilities of FBT-3 make the four-ball test effortless and precise.

With patented friction measurement system, automated scar prediction system, and other cutting-edge features enhance the accuracy and convenience of four-ball testing.

TOUCHSCREEN INTERFACE AND DATA ACQUISITION

The IP65-rated touchscreen interface and cutting-edge data acquisition hardware combination enable FBT-3 to handle even the most challenging testing applications.

Designed for full-touch compatibility, pre-configured test protocols allow users with minimal training to set up ASTM and other standard tests easily. Custom test protocols can be set when the needs exceed the scope of standard test procedures.

SMART AND COMPACT FOUR BALL TESTER

FBT-3 is an exceptional benchtop four-ball tester meticulously engineered to serve as the backbone of lubricant laboratories. With its compact dimensions measuring 40 x 60 x 85 cm, this robust four-ball tester sets the stage for characterizing the properties of lubricants.

• The wear preventive (WP)
• Extreme pressure (EP)
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The pneumatic chambers, pistons, and load sensors seamlessly collaborate to achieve precise user-defined load controls. The automated loading greatly enhances the determination of load wear index and incipient seizure load. FBT-3 automatic four-ball tester boasts a simplified test setup and an intuitive software interface that enables up to 15 EP tests per hour effortlessly. The touch compatibility of the control and data acquisition system ensures a seamless user experience.

• The FBT-3 uses a pneumatic system to apply precise load to the test balls. This ensures that the friction force measurements are accurate and repeatable.
• The FBT-3 uses a high-precision sensor to measure the friction force. This sensor detects even the slightest changes in friction, which is essential for meeting the demanding requirements of modern lubricant quality standards.
• The FBT-3 is a state-of-the-art compact four-ball tester that provides the most accurate and reliable friction force measurement. FBT-3 is the ideal choice for lubricant manufacturers and testing laboratories that need to meet the highest quality standards.
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ASTM, DIN, IP COMPLIANT

Ducom FBT-3 is a cutting-edge four-ball tester with a maximum load capacity of 12000 N, a top speed of 3000 rpm and can reach maximum temperatures up to 200 °C. FBT-3 benchtop four-ball tester stands ready to tackle any challenge.

Compliant with ASTM, DIN, and IP standards, the FBT-3 ensures accurate and reliable characterization of wear preventive (WP) and extreme pressure (EP) properties of lubricants.

ASTM conducts the Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) to assess data reproducibility in tribology labs. The Ducom Four Ball Tester (FBT-3) is globally benchmarked in the ASTM PTP study for friction and wear tests of lubricants. The PTP assessment includes the Test Performance Index (TPI) and Z-score to measure lab performance and data reproducibility.

STATE-OF-THE-ART PATENTED TECHNOLOGY

Patented friction force measurement technology for unparalleled measurement accuracy. Rapidly increasing lubricant quality standards demand the use of more sensitive measurement techniques to evaluate lubricants.

FBT-3 Four ball tester uses patented friction force measurement technology to provide unparalleled measurement accuracy.

THERMAL MANAGEMENT UNIT

The Arrhenius rate demonstrates a 10 to 20°C rise in temperature can significantly reduce the life of oil by half. FBT-3 at 200°C becomes incredibly valuable when it comes to evaluating high-performance additives intended to enhance oil lifespan.

Groundbreaking development in the realm of FBT-3, specifically tailored to address the challenges posed by oils and grease within critical machine elements operating at temperatures surpassing 200°C.

FBT-3 delivers a multitude of customer-perceived benefits while maintaining compatibility with legacy data in laboratories.

FBT-3 with a 200 deg C heating unit can maintain a stable temperature and load as per standard test conditions. The advanced thermal management system protects the critical components in the FBT-3, which results in low maintenance and service costs for the customers.

FBT-3 represents a significant advancement in the formulation of lubricants for critical machine elements operating under high-temperature conditions, whether at 200°C or an even more extreme 450°C.

DIGITAL IMAGE ACQUISITION SYSTEM (IAS)

The Digital Image Acquisition System (IAS) eliminates the need to remove individual balls from the ball pot, using a trial-and-error method to focus and measure the ball-wear scar. The system includes a camera, optics, lighting, and software and can hold the entire ball pot after EP and WP tests.

Some systems offer smart scar measurement technology, which aids in calculating wear scar area and enhances measurement accuracy.

Options

• KRL Shear Stability Test Attachment (CEC L-45, DIN 51350-6)
• High Temperature Test Attachment (ambient to 200 °C)
• MOOHA – Digital Lab Assistant (Software)
• AI Wear Scar Prediction and Materials Library (Software)