Koehler K93170 Four-Ball Wear Tester
| Brand | Koehler |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | K93170 |
| Compliance | ASTM D2266, D4172, D5183, D2596, D2783 |
| Max Load | 1000 kg (servo-pneumatic closed-loop) |
| Speed Range | Up to 2000 rpm (AC servo-controlled) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 200 °C (integrated thermal module) |
| Friction Force Resolution | Digital load cell with real-time acquisition |
| Control Interface | 15″ multi-touch integrated panel |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 62.5 × 50 × 90 cm |
Overview
The Koehler K93170 Four-Ball Wear Tester is an ASTM-compliant, precision-engineered tribological instrument designed for quantitative evaluation of lubricant performance under controlled boundary, mixed, and elastohydrodynamic lubrication regimes. Based on the standardized four-ball geometry—where one rotating steel ball (12.7 mm diameter, AISI E-52100 hardened) contacts three stationary balls arranged in a tetrahedral configuration—the system measures frictional torque, wear scar diameter (WSD), weld point, and load-wear index (LWI) in accordance with internationally recognized test methods. The instrument employs a high-stiffness, low-backlash AC servo motor drive for rotational speed control up to 2000 rpm, coupled with a servo-pneumatic closed-loop loading system capable of delivering axial loads from 0–1000 kg with ±0.2 kg repeatability in the low-range option (0–50 kg). Lubricant temperature is actively regulated from ambient to 200 °C via an integrated PID-controlled heating module, ensuring thermally stable test conditions essential for EP (extreme pressure) and anti-wear characterization.
Key Features
- 15-inch multi-touch industrial control panel with intuitive GUI for real-time parameter monitoring and test sequencing
- Servo-pneumatic dynamic load control supporting constant-load, stepwise incremental/decremental, and ramped loading profiles—enabling Striebeck curve mapping and EP threshold identification
- Digital high-resolution load cell for direct friction force measurement and coefficient of friction (COF) calculation
- Integrated humidity control module for environmental consistency during long-duration tests
- Thermally isolated test chamber with calibrated RTD sensors and rapid-response temperature stabilization
- USB 3.0 interface for high-speed data export and compatibility with third-party analysis software
- Full compliance with safety interlocks for rotational speed, temperature, axial load, and friction torque limits
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The K93170 accommodates standard 12.7 mm (½ inch) steel test balls per ASTM D4172 and ISO 20623 specifications. Optional accessories extend operational range: K93170-1/K93170-2 enable low-temperature testing down to –40 °C; K93170-5 supports rolling contact fatigue evaluation per IP 300 with integrated peristaltic lubricant delivery; K93170-6 includes digital microscopy and image-analysis software for automated wear scar diameter quantification per ASTM D2266. All hardware and firmware are CE-marked and meet IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility requirements. The system architecture supports audit-ready data integrity per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated software configurations.
Software & Data Management
The embedded Windows-based acquisition platform provides preloaded test protocols aligned with ASTM D2596 (EP testing), D2783 (weld point determination), and D5183 (load-wear index). Users may define custom sequences—including variable-speed ramping, multi-stage load cycling, or time-synchronized temperature sweeps—with full parameter logging at ≥10 Hz sampling rate. Raw data (temperature, load, rpm, torque, COF, elapsed time) are stored in CSV and SQLite formats. Exported datasets retain traceable metadata: operator ID, calibration certificate IDs, sensor serial numbers, and timestamped audit logs. Optional GLP/GMP modules provide electronic signatures, change history tracking, and role-based access control.
Applications
The K93170 serves R&D laboratories, OEM lubricant formulators, and independent testing facilities performing routine quality control and advanced tribological research. Primary use cases include: formulation screening of anti-wear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) additives; comparative assessment of base oil performance under thermal stress; validation of gear oil and hydraulic fluid specifications; development of biodegradable and synthetic lubricants; and generation of tribological data for ISO 12156-1 and API RP 13B-1 compliance reports. Its dynamic loading capability also supports fundamental studies of lubrication regime transitions and surface failure mechanisms under non-steady-state conditions.
FAQ
What ASTM standards does the K93170 fully support?
ASTM D2266 (wear scar), D4172 (anti-wear), D2596 (EP), D2783 (weld point), and D5183 (load-wear index), plus CEC L-45-A-99, IP 239/300, and DIN 51350 series.
Can the system operate at sub-zero temperatures?
Yes—when equipped with optional low-temperature accessory kits K93170-1 and K93170-2, the test chamber achieves stable operation down to –40 °C.
Is the load application truly closed-loop and programmable?
Yes—servo-pneumatic actuation with real-time feedback enables precise load profiling: constant, stepped, linear ramp, or user-defined non-linear sequences.
How is wear scar diameter measured and validated?
Via optional K93170-6 digital microscope system with NIST-traceable calibration; software performs ISO/ASTM-compliant circularity and diameter analysis on post-test ball surfaces.
Does the system support regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical or aerospace applications?
With validated software configuration and enabled audit trail features, it meets data integrity requirements for GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments.
