Multi Function Tribometer
MFT-5000

Wear, Friction, Coefficient of Friction, Adhesion,
Scratch Hardness & Resistance, Film Thickness,
Step Height, Hardness, Modulus, Fretting, High
Temperature, Cryogenic

A Tribometer Like No Other

Patented In-line Profilometer With
Automatic Stitching Technology
Optimized for Tribology Testing

All You Need In One Instrument• WearIndustry Standard Platform• Coefficient of Friction

The patented (US10132733B2) state-of-the-art Rtec-Instruments Multi
Function Tribometer, the MFT-5000, is globally regarded as the mostversatile and technologically advanced tribometer.

• Adhesion• Scratch Hardness• Scratch and Mar
Resistance• Film Thickness

The tribometer offers breakthrough technology in tribology
equipment— with ultra-low resolution and negligible thermal drift
force sensors, the highest speeds, the widest environmental control
range, and ultra-accurate stroke control. In addition, the patented
integrated 3D profilometer analyzes surface change vs. time.

• Step Height• Elastic Modulus

Multi ASTM, DIN, ISO Tests on the same platform• Fracture Toughness

Run both standard and non-standard tests on coupons or realcomponents and can be configured as a single-function test or
multi-function• Wear Track,
Volume Wear
• Radius of Curvature• Cracks and Defects• Chemical Properties• Fretting• Tensile, Compression• High Temperature
Hardness• 4 Ball(US 20180024035 A1)• Steep Slopes• Rough, Dark, Smooth Surfaces• Auto Stitch of Entire Samples• Image with Liquids

Universal profilometer capable of imaging wear
tracks with steep slopes

The high-precision XY stage allows automatic
scanning and stitching of the entire wear track.

The universal profilometer can scan any material(transparent, dark, corroded, flat, curved).

Confocal microscopy can image samples underliquid media.

Wide Load Range - Nano, Micro, Macro
Interchangeable load cells allow a wide range of force ranging
from mN to 10,000 N

Sub-nanometer 3D Image of Wear Mark Progression
During Test

Several Easy Test Modules To Interchange
Test coatings, bulk materials, and lubricants across a wide rangeof testing conditions

Integrated In-line 3D Profilometer
Study surface roughness, volume wear, and topography change
during the test.

0 cycle0 cycle25 cycles

50 cycles

75 cycles
75 cycles
175 cycles

100 cycles

125 cycles

150 cycles

175 cycles
275 cycles

Tribology
Page 2Mechanical Tests

3D Imaging

200 cycles

250 cycles

250 cycles

275 cycles

300 cycles

325 cycles

350 cycles

375 cycles

375 cycles

Page 3

Tribometer Configuration

A

A

B

C

B

D
E

F

C

Page 4Upper Z Stage
High precision multiple Z stages tomove load cell, profilometer, etc., eachindependently on the Z-axis.

Open Platform
Universal testing machine design andhigh Z access provide a large working
area.

Wide Range Of Sensors With
Patented Technology• Automatic Recognition• Fast Exchange• Highest Resolution• Low Floor NoiseInterchangeable load cell, spanning awide range from mN to 12,000 N.

In-line Profilometer

E

Changeable Test Modules On Top of XY StageF

XY Stage

Based on the application, a sensor from various types of load cells
can be selected.
• Capacitive Load Cells Highest resolution load cells with negligible thermal drift.
• Piezo Load Cells Sensors to measure data at the highest frequency.
• Strain Gauge Load Cells Sensors with widest load range - mN to 12,000 N.

Force Sensor

D

The tester can mount various interchangeable force sensors easily.
Each sensor has an automatic recognition feature and calibration
file to maintain optimized performance on testing parameters.

An in-line universal 3D profilometer is automatically synchronized with the image test areawith nm resolution. The Lambda profilometer is an all-in-one profilometer with five imaging
modes on the same head (Confocal, White Light Interferometer, Dark Field, Bright Field, andFocus Variation).

The interchangeable test modules perform several tests on the same platform (rotary,reciprocating, block on ring, fretting, scratch, etc.). The modules are mounted using fastexchange with automatic recognition on top of the XY stage.

The 130 x 270 mm high precision XY stage moves test modules between test and imaging
positions. The stage can also be used for slow-speed reciprocating tests, scratch tests, custom
motion tests, and more.

High resolution
capacitive based sensor

Fast Piezo Sensor
for linear reciprocatingStandard strain gauge
sensorOther Available Sensors

Torque Sensors / 1D, 2D, 6D Sensors / In-line Dynamic Torque Sensors
Patent # 1017938GB2

Page 5

Modular Drives With Fast Exchange

Environmental Chambers

Modular Design For Maximum Versatility-120°C to 1200°C, Tribo-Corrosion, Vacuum, High Pressure, and More

MFT-5000 runs tests across a wide range of forces and applications using
its modular concept. Various interchangeable modules can be added
to the same platform based on the intended application. The modular
nature of this tester allows it to test coatings, bulk materials, lubricants,
real components, etc.

• Automatic Recognition

The test modules are quickly swapped. In addition, the testing modules,
load cells, and lower test drives come with a fast exchange mechanismthat allows the user to easily change test configurations.

• Same Software

The software and hardware automatically recognize the test module andeasily run each test.

• Ease of Use• Future Field Add-ons• Cost Effective

The advanced control system allows temperature measurement at
multiple points simultaneously. All the chambers are closed-loop
controlled, and the requested conditions are controlled automaticallyusing the software. In addition, the PID for different ranges of chambers
is automatically loaded once an option is mounted.

Environmental Chambers

Commonly Used Drives

Page 6

The tester comes with several environmental chamber options. The
chambers are typically mounted on top of room-temperature drives.
Using interchangeable chambers, a wide range of -120 to 1200°C,
controlled humidity, and vacuum up to 10-7 torr are achievable. In
addition, some setups allow the MFT-5000 to heat upper and lower
samples separately to simulate real-life situations.

Rotary Drive

Reciprocating Drive

Block on Ring Drive

1000 °C

Salt Spray

500 °C

Fretting Drive

Mini Traction Machine, EHL Drive

Upper Rotary Drive

1200 °C-50 °C-120 °C
Page 7

A Tribometer That Comprehensively
Characterizes Surface Change vs. Time

Oil, Lubricant Tests, and More
Multiple ASTM, DIN, ISO, and Stribeck Curves
The Universal Tribometer is ideally suited for Industrial Tribology involving lubricants, additives, oils,
metalworking fluids, and many more. The sturdy design includes various lubricant dispensing systems, speeds
ranging from 0.001 rpm to 10’000 rpm, and temperature control. Because of this, the MFT-5000 precisely
develops, characterizes, and provides quality control. A few of the standard tribology tests and features aredescribed below.

Imaging

Tribology

Mode

Mode

• Lubricant Recirculation• High Speed Containers• Temperature Control

Several Modules
Available for Tests

Sub nm automated
3D Images of Surfaces• All Regimes• Automatic Stribeck

Nano Load
Micro Load
Macro Load

•
•
•
•
•

Page 8

Rotary Motion
Linear Motion
Horizontal Rotation
MotionUpper Rotation
Fretting

Interferometer• Up to 10’000 N Force

Confocal• Real Components

Bright Field
Imaging• Low Friction

Dark Field
Imaging• Measurement at
High Loads

•
•
•
•
•
•

Surface Roughness
Film Thickness
Wear Track
Volume Wear
Step Height
Add on - Confocal
Raman• Ultra High TorqueMotors• Certified Reference
Calibration Oil
Samples

HFRR
The High Frequency Reciprocating
module HFRR is used to evaluate diesel
fuel lubricity. The ball slides against a disk
with a 1-mm stroke at a frequency of 50
Hz. ASTM D6079, D7688, CEC F-06-A-96,
ISO 12156-1, IP450, BS-EC590

Linear Oscillating/Fast
Reciprocating Test, SRV Test,
Piston Ring/Cylinder Liner
The standard test determines extreme
pressure, friction, and wear propertiesof greases, solid bonded films, gear/
hydraulic fluids, and lubricant oils. All
tests are done in oscillation mode undercontrolled environmental conditions.
ASTM G119, G174, G133, G203, G204,
G206, D5706, D5707, D6425, D7217,
D7420, D7594, D7421, DIN 51834, ASTM
G181, G206, and more.

Thrust Washer
This test assesses friction and wear
parameters of self-lubricated materials
in thrust washers, such as ASTM D3702.

4 Ball Wear, 4 Ball EP
4 ball wear module measures wearpreventing properties of lubricants andgreases in sliding and rolling applications;
4 Ball EP measures lubricant extreme
pressure properties. The test involves
rotating one ball on three stationary
balls under controlled environmental
conditions. ASTM D-2266, D-4172,
D-5183D-2596, D-2783, and DIN 51350,
IP 239,300.

Tapping Torque, Twist
Compression
During forming and machining, thetapping torque module characterizes
friction, wear, torque, etc. The test
involves tapping/drilling using taps ofvarious standard sizes on materials of
choice. Twist compression is designed
to measure friction and adhesion inmetal forming. The test involves slowly
rotating a ring on top of the material of
choice.

Block on Ring, Timken EP
The block on ring module is typicallyused to evaluate friction, wear ofmaterials, or lubricant/grease where aring/bearing/shaft is rotated under axial
load. ASTM G77, D2509, D2714, D2782,
D2981, D3704 and more.

Mini Traction Machine
Study various sliding rolling ratios withupper and lower rotary motions from-200% to 200% ratio. Wide speed range
to achieve -6 to 6 m/s to cover the entire
lubrication regime

Pin, Ball on Disk
The module measures friction duringsliding using pin/ball on disk setup.
ASTM G99, G132, DIN 50324, and more.

Stribeck Curve
The Stribeck curve displays the evolutionof the coefficient of friction as a functionof load, velocity, and viscosity. Users
can change the load and velocity to plot
Stribeck Curves automatically and easily
with all modules.
Page 9Fretting With Unmatched Performance

Scratch, Hot Hardness,
Adhesion

Voice Coil

Fretting test modules cover a wide test load range. Technology breakthrough in voice coil control, highfrequency signal processing algorithms can run fretting wear tests with less than 5 µm stroke. The test module
comprehensively characterizes fretting wear from micron to macro scale. Ultra-sensitive piezo-based loadcells, combined with a robust design, high stiffness holders, and low floor noise, provide quantitative fretting
wear characterization of materials, interfaces, thin films, and components.

Scratch Module

Real-Time Stroke Control
The Smallest Controllable StrokeLess than 5 µm, up to 2.8 mm, up to 500 Hz

Real-time stroke, frequency monitoring, and correction using
LVDT.

Spherical Indents

High Reliability - Flexure Design

The flexural suspension guides the magnet assembly
without bearings.

Coatings Adhesion, Scratch, and Mar Resistance
The scratch test quantifies the adhesion and scratch hardness of coatings.
With the advent of new deposition methods and technologies, thinnercoatings are finding their way into every aspect of our lives. Coatings are
on LCDs, phones, cutting tools, gems, glass, automobiles, medical devices,
etc. The quantitative coating adhesion scratch test is a simple, practical
test that has existed for a long time. However, reliable, reproducible, andcomprehensive tests require precise control of the test system configurationand its testing parameters.
The scratch test requires applying a load on the sample that needs to betested with a spherical or custom tip. When applying the load, the sample
is moved at a constant velocity. Several parameters, such as Friction (Fx),
Downforce (Fz), Coefficient of friction (COF), displacement (Z), acoustic
emission (AE), temperature, etc., are measured in situ.

High Frequency Response Force Sensors

Measure friction force with ultra-high accuracy at highfrequency reciprocating tests using our Piezo-based sensors.

Vicker’s Indent

HydrogelsContact Area

Wear

Stick

Mixed Stickand Slip

Gross Slip

Mechanical Tests - Hot Hardness,
3 - 4 Point Bending

Reciprocating
Sliding

Wear MarkThe tribometer measures and monitors forces and displacement in allaxes. The multi-axis force measurement allows it to run several standard
mechanical tests such as hardness, 3-4 point bending, tensile, compression,
fatigue, torsion, and fretting tests. All these tests can be done using any ofthe environmental chambers.

Displacement

Regime Schematics
Page 10

Page 11

Instrumented
Indentation (IIT)

Coatings and Materials
Scratch: from nm to mm coatings

Hardness and Elastic Modulus• Hard Coatings

Our Instrumented Indenter Testers are highprecision instruments that measure themechanical properties of thin films, coatings, orany bulk materials.
Hardness, elastic modulus, creep, and fatigue
can be determined on almost any material,from soft to hard and fragile to brittle. Using thelatest actuation (piezo) and sensing technologies(capacitive sensors), the SMT quantifies theproperties of surfaces from nano to micro ranges.
Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) involves
pressing an indenter of known geometry intoa surface while controlling and measuring the• Polymer Coatings• Paints
force and displacement. The resulting loaddisplacement curves are used to calculate
hardness and elastic modulus, among otherthings. Although traditional hardness measuresremain available (Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers), theIIT technique adds the ability to measure theelastic modulus of the material tested.

• Soft Coatings• Optical Lenses• Decorative Coatings• Real Components• 2D Materials

Key Features of Indentation Testers•

Exchangeable modules to cover multiple
load ranges from mN to 200 N•

Unmatched performance with patented
capacitive sensor technology•

Berkovich, Vickers, Spherical, Cube
Corner, Knoop, ... indenter tip•

Handling large and heavy loads andsamples (50 cm; 10 kg)•

Motorized stage 150 mm x 200 mm for
automatic mapping•

Automated 3D microscopy inspection

Page 12• Thermal Spray• Coatings

Page 13

Precision At BestSuperlubricity

Mini Traction Machine
The mini traction module measures the frictional properties of
lubricated contacts under a wide range of sliding rolling ratios. Frictionchange vs. load, speed, and temperature reflect several fundamental
properties valuable for assessing and comparing lubricants, greases,
liquids, materials, etc.
The module can operate at a high sliding-to-rolling ratio using two
independently controlled closed-loop servo drives. A wide speed range from -6 to 6 m/s allows for covering theentire lubrication regime. Standard configuration typically involves independently rotating a 19.05 mm steel ballagainst a rotating 46 mm steel disc. Real-time downforce, traction force, and speed data automatically create
Stribeck curves across the desired temperature range.

EHL - Ultra Thin Film Measurement Module
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication is a regime where
significant elastic deformation of the surfaces takes
place that alters the shape and thickness of the lubricant
film in the contact.
Our fully automated EHL module allows for studying
film thickness across a wide range of speeds, loads, andtemperatures. In addition, high-precision interferometric
optics and ease of use enable measuring the oil film
thickness with nm level accuracy.
The test involves running a steel ball across coated glass
disks. Real-time downforce, speed, and friction data
allow for an effortless combination of film thickness andtribological information. Our software automatically calibrates the system, runs the recipes, and processes film
thickness using advanced algorithms that can be traced to field pioneers.

Page 14

The tribometer uses de-coupled capacitive
load cells to measure friction at a COF
0.001 level, even at high down forces (1 N,
10 N, etc.). The unique design, controlledenvironmental conditions, and highresolution sensors easily measure 2D
materials’ friction and superlubricity.

Ball on disk setup for nanotribology agglomerated particles
on a coating.

In-situ Confocal microscopy
and Raman spectroscopy

In-line confocal Raman spectroscopy canbe added to the tribometer. The confocalmode allows high-resolution imaging of thechemical property of locations within thewear mark. The XY stage allows stitchingof the Raman maps across the entire wear
track. The test can be performed in air,inert gas, or a vacuum chamber.

Vacuum chamber with in-line Raman and profiler Raman
spectrometer data on a wear mark.

Touch Screen, Display,and Glass

The tribometer uses a 6D sensor andclosed-loop XY stage to create customized
motions, such as butterfly, circular, andzig-zag, that simulate any profile. The test
accurately simulates finger motion ontouch screens and quantifies perception.

Scratch indenter in contact with a screen

Contact Area vs. ForceThe surface adhesion module can be
added to the tribometer to analyze
real-time contact area vs. force using an
imaging system that is placed under the
sample. This calculates surface adhesion
and also observes the interface inreal-time.

A test showing hydrogel against a coated glass slide.
Real-time contact area analysis vs. force.
Page 15

Software
The tester comes with powerful operation, statistical, and image analysis software. All software is
Windows-based and is very easy to learn and operate. The software runs the tool in advanced mode forexperienced users or simple mode for new users or operators. The data can be saved in a proprietary
format or ASCII format.

Automatic Image,
Tribology Data Correlation
4-Ball data

Recipe Driven
Each test can be controlled by a series of command
blocks forming a protocol or “recipe.” The recipes are

Torque,friction,acoustic
emission, and applied force
are recorded and displayed inreal-time. As the failure starts tohappen, the toque and AE jump.

saved and easily drive the instrument.

Abort Criteria
The user’s defined logical criteria can stop at each test
step. All the recorded signals allowed stop conditions.

automatically drives the associated calibration files.

Downforce is recorded anddisplayed in real-time. This testshows a step increase in downforce.
The force can be controlled inconstant, linear, or user-definedmodes.

Easy to learn

Scratch/Tribo data

Automatic Recognition
The testing system recognizes load cells and

The acoustic emission signal
indicates the initiation of failure
at the test interface. The sensor
uniquely filters out the motor andambient noise and shows theinterfacial acoustic signal.

The torque sensor measures thefriction properties and when thechange is happening. Here, thelubricant film is completely broken,
and the contact oil/grease nolonger exists.

The software is intuitive and easy to learn.

Test Library
The instrument comes with a series of test protocols
that match the user’s applications and can easily be

All the data can be synchronizedwith the acquired images. Friction,
wear, and depth dataareassociated with the cursor directlyon the image. Roughness and wear
volume are associated with the
track.

pre and post-scan

modified.

Unlimited testing conditions
The software allows the user to control all motionsin XY and Z during any test. Therefore, programming
complex movements like spiral or rotary tests withlateral vibration is easy.

Page 16

The applied load is recorded anddisplayed in real-time. This testshows a progressive loading.
The loading can be controlled inconstant, linear, or user-definedmodes.

The tangential force is recorded
and used to define the friction
coefficient precisely. When we
start to see a variation, the tip is incontact with the substrate, and the
COF changes.

The MFT-5000 with the scratch
module allows for the pre-scan andpost-scan modes to characterize
the absolute penetration during
the test and elastic recovery after
the scratch.
Page 17

Wide Applications
The versatility of the tester allows the tribometer to play an essential role in several applications. It can beused for thin or thick films, lubricants, materials, soft materials, hydrogels, biomaterials, smooth or roughsurfaces, flat or rough surfaces, transparent or opaque surfaces, nano or macro scale, coating or bulk
materials, and more.

High Temperature• Hot Hardness Tester (up to 1200°C)• High Temperature Tribology (up to 1200°C)

Lubricants, Grease• Block on Ring, Timken OK• 4-Ball EP and Wear
• HFRR• Twist Compression• SRV• Tapping Torque, Cutting, Drilling• Piston Ring Cylinder Liner• Mini traction machine

Mechanical• Hot Hardness• 3, 4 Point Bending• Adhesion• Low Temperature Tribology (from -120°C)

Corrosion Testing• Tribo Corrosion• Salt SprayHigh Pressure• Compressor

Page 18

Semiconductor

Surface Inspection• Floor Standing- Micro, Macro• Bench Top- Nano, Micro• Data Acquisition 200 kHz

Various Imaging Modules

XY Stage• Range: 130 x 270 mm• Motion Resolution: 0.1 µm• Maximum Speed: 50 mm/s

• Rotary Pin on Disk Tribometer, Ball on Disk
• Reciprocating• Brake Materials Tribology• Fretting• Low Friction, Nano Tribology• Biotribology

Multiple Z Stages

Coatings• Latest Windows OS• LCD monitor• Scratch Test, Adhesion, Hardness• 2D Materials, Low Friction Coatings• Fretting• Pin on Disk, Ball on Disk
• Reciprocating• Fracture Toughness• High Temperature Tribology up to 1200°C• Scratch and Mar ResistanceIndustrial

Cryogenic

Automobile

Friction Wear

Platform Specification• Brake Materials Screening• Optical Lens
• Cutting Tools, Hard Coatings• Piston Ring Cylinder Liner• High Pressure Chamber• Aerospace Tribology• Textile• Bearings• Additive Manufacturing

Aerospace• Max Speed: 10 mm/s,
500 µm/s• Motion Resolution: 0.25 µm,
10 nm• White Light interferometer• 3D Confocal Microscope• Variable Focus• Raman Spectrometer• High Mag. Microscope• Atomic Force Microscope

Additional Sensors

Test Modules
Various Mechanical
Heads• Tribometer• Indentation• Scratch• MechanicalLower Drives

All drives are in addition todrives mentioned in platform
specification• Potentiostats• Acoustic Emission• Electrical Resistance• pH Probes

Rotary Drive• Range 360°
• Max Speed up to 30000 RPM• Min Speed 0.001 RPM (lowspeed drive)

Computer Console

Fast Reciprocating Drive• Speed up to 80 Hz• Stroke 0.1 mm to 30 mm

Facilities Requirement• Power Requirements:
110 VAC/ 240 VAC /480 VAC

Long Stroke Fast
Reciprocating

Environmental Chambers(Optional)• Speed 35 Hz• Stroke 40 mm at 40 Hz• -120°C up to 1200°C• 5 to 90% RH• Vacuum• Liquid• Inert gas• Corrosion• Salt Spray• High Pressure

Fretting Drive• Speed up to 500 Hz• Stroke 5 µm to 4 mm

Block On Ring Drive• Range 360°
• Speed up to 7000 RPM

Mini Traction Machine• -200 to 200% ratio• -6 to 6 mm/s
• Up to 180°C

OpticalHard Coating

Decorative Coatings

Materials

Biomaterials

Page 19

Rtec-Instruments Inc
USA
1810 Oakland Road, Ste B
San Jose, CA, 95131, USA +1 408 708 9226
info@rtec-instruments.com
Rtec-Instruments Office
Agent / distributor

Rtec-Instruments, CN
China
2nd Floor, Building 3, 69 Olympic St
Jianye District, Nanjing, China, 210019
 +86 25 83210072, +86 18013892749
info@rtec-instruments.cn
Rtec-Instruments, JP
Japan
Tokatsu Techno Plaza, Rm 409
5-4-6 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan, 227-0882
 +81 50 5896 9916
info.jp@rtec-instruments.com

www.rtec-instruments.com

MFT-5000-2023-A-03A-EN

2023 Rtec-Instruments Product Catalogue.
All rights reserved.
All specifications are typical and subject to change without notice.

Rtec-Instruments SA
EuropeRue Galilée 6,
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland
 +41 24 552 02 60
info.eu@rtec-instruments.com