You would like to carry out friction testing on your coatings
What is friction testing?
A friction testing, also known as a tribological test, is a test that assesses how two surfaces interact when they slide against each other. The aim is to measure parameters such as :
- The coefficient of friction: this is the main indicator obtained. It represents the resistance to sliding between two materials. A low coefficient indicates that the materials slide easily; a high coefficient indicates that there is a lot of resistance (and therefore potential wear).
- Material wear: some tests measure the loss of material (volume or mass) due to friction, to assess the durability of a coating or material.
Why carry out coating friction tests?
To guarantee the performance of a coating in a variety of industrial applications, it is essential to carry out appropriate friction tests.
- Evaluate the coefficient of friction: measure the coating's ability to reduce friction, a key criterion for optimising mechanical performance.
- Analyse wear resistance: test the durability of the coating under variable load, speed and temperature conditions.
- Optimise adhesion: check the adhesion of the coating to its substrate to avoid any risk of delamination in real-life conditions.
- Understand the evolution of the coating: study the behaviour of the DLC over the long term, particularly in the event of repeated rubbing.
- Adapt the coating to specific conditions of use: adjust the composition of the DLC and its deposition parameters according to the application environment (automotive, medical, aerospace, etc.).
- Automotive: optimising engine parts to reduce energy losses due to friction.
- Medical devices: improving the durability of implants and surgical tools.
- Aerospace: protecting components subjected to extreme loads.
- Precision engineering: guaranteed performance for bearings, gears and other moving parts.
The FILAB laboratory, an expert in surface characterization, carries out coating friction testing
Why choose FILAB for your friction testing?
To assess the tribological performance of a coating, it is essential to rely on an expert laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment and a tailor-made approach. At the Filab laboratory, we put our expertise and advanced technologies at our customers’ disposal to guarantee reliable analysis tailored to industrial needs.
our services
Measurement of the coefficient of friction
Identification of wear mechanisms
FAQ
It is used to :
- Compare the performance of different materials or coatings.
- Qualify a new surface treatment.
- Understand a failure (seizure, abrasion, overheating, etc.)
- Meet normative or functional requirements (medical devices, automotive, cosmetics, etc.).
All types of materials can be analysed: metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, coatings (PVD, DLC, PTFE, etc.). Tests can be carried out on finished parts, standardised specimens or specific surfaces as required.
In the R&D phase: to compare several technical solutions
In the validation phase: to guarantee product conformity
In the event of non-compliance or failure in use: to understand the causes and adjust the material or coating.
- Static friction: the force required to initiate movement between two surfaces.
- Dynamic (or kinetic) friction: the force required to maintain this movement once it has been initiated.
A significant difference between the two may indicate a risk of seizure or jerking.
Absolutely. In the event of premature wear, abnormal noise, mechanical blockage or loss of performance, a friction test coupled with surface analysis (SEM, XPS, profilometry) can :
- Identify the origin of the failure
- Determine whether the problem lies with the material, the coating or the operating environment
- Help define corrective or preventive action
- Medical devices (implants, surgical tools)
- Automotive & transport (engine parts, suspension systems, braking systems)
- Cosmetics (sensory testing of packaging, sticks, caps)
- Energy (electrical contacts, moving parts in aggressive environments)
- Luxury & watchmaking (technical coatings on moving parts)
Exactly. Tribological testing is often combined with :
- Corrosion tests (friction + wet or salty environment)
- Thermal tests (to simulate hot use)
- Post-test chemical analysis (to observe wear, residues and degradation)
- The friction test measures the resistance between two moving surfaces.
- The adhesion test measures the ability of a coating to remain attached to its substrate (peeling, scratch test, etc.).
The two are complementary in the characterisation of technical coatings.
