Surface and Materials Testers
Product Overview

Hardness, Friction, Roughness,Coating Adhesion, Wear, Film Thickness
Elastic Modulus, 3D Topography, Defects

Rtec-Instruments

Multi Function Tribometers

Total solution in material surface testing
Rtec Instruments develops and manufactures advanced mechanical and optical surface characterization
testing instruments. We supply high-precision, reliable, and innovative product lines to provide solutions
for your research and quality control needs. With unwavering customer support and new application
development assistance, we lead several new technological fronts such as space, EV, coatings, andsustainability drive.

MFT Series
The most versatile and advanced existing tribometers with interchangeable
test modules and environmental chambers to perform several tests onone platform.

Indentation and Scratch Testers

SMT-5000
One powerful platform for nano, micro, and macro indentation and scratch
characterization. The tester also comes with the patented in-line highresolution 3D profilometer.

3D Optical Profilometers

UP Series
The high-speed optical profilometers are a 5 modes in 1 surface inspection
system. In fact, they works across a multitude of surfaces – transparent,
opaque, rough, or smooth.

Vacuum Tribometer

Applications

The complete solution for surface and material characterization for various industries including:

Automobile

Semiconductor

Aerospace

OpticalMVT-2
Study surface mechanical properties in vacuum across a wide load andspeed range. Cryogenic cooling and high temperature capabilities mimic
real-life conditions.

Fretting Testers

FFT Series
Run fretting wear tests from a micron stroke to several mm. Test across awide load, speed, and temperature range.

Hard Coating

Renewable EnergyMaterials

Bio-Materials

Additional Surface and Material Testers

HFRR, SRV, Air Jet Erosion, 2 Roller, 3 Roller, & CMP Tester
Rtec-Instruments provides the right tools necessary to characterize andanalyze any coating, lubricant, and material.
Thin Films
Page 22D Materials

Battery ResearchBearings
Page 3

Multi Function Tribometers

Commonly Used Modular Drives and Chambers

MFT Series

The Multi Function Tribometer series performs
various tribological and mechanical tests, including
friction, wear, hardness, modulus, roughness, andlubrication testing on one platform. In addition,
the tribometer features advanced capabilities
such as patented in-situ imaging, capacitive force
sensors, and multiple testing modes. It is also highly
customizable and adaptable to suit specific testing
requirements, making it ideal for various applications
in materials research and quality control.

Main Features:•Integrated 3D profilometer•

Closed-loop down force control•-120 °C to 1200 °C temperature•

Modular – interchangeable modules•

Fully motorized stage X, Y, Z

RotaryReciprocating

Block on Ring

Fretting

1000°C-120°C

500 °C-50 °CElectrified Modules
MFT-2000A

MFT-5000

Load Range up to 100/200 N*

Load Range up to 10,000 N*Depends on configuration

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

E-Rotary

E-Block on Ring

E-Linear and Scratch

E-4 Ball

E-Mini Traction

E-Fretting

0 cycle75 cycles

0 cycle25 cycles

50 cycles

75 cycles

175 cycles
275 cycles

100 cycles 125 cycles 150 cycles 175 cycles

375 cycles
200 cycles 250 cycles 250 cycles 275 cycles

300 cycles 325 cycles 350 cycles 375 cycles
Page 4

Available Sensors

Capacitive Sensor (Patent # 1017938GB2) / Piezo Sensors / Torque Sensors / 1D, 2D, 6D Sensors / In-line
Dynamic Torque Sensors / Acoustic Emission / Temperature / Electrical Contact Resistance
Page 5

Indentation and Scratch Testers

3D Universal Optical Profilometers

Compact materials surface tester with a patented
integrated 3D profilometer. The SMT-5000 is an allin-one modular platform that measures hardness(instrumented indentation), scratch adhesion &cohesion, scratch hardness, film thickness, andmulti-pass wear at nano and micro scale.

The 3D Universal Surface Profilometers perform highly accurate surface analysis to calculate surface roughness,step height, surface texture, 3D topography, and more with nm precision. One platform features several
measurement modes (3D confocal microscopy, interferometry, dark field and bright field imaging, variablefocus). In addition, it can also analyze chemical properties (Raman), film thickness (reflectance), and AFM with aclick of a button.

SMT-5000

UP Series

Main Features:•Indentation, scratch, and wear on one platform•

Nano-to-micro ranges on 1 platform•

Patented in-line 3D imaging and scratch data
automatic correlation•

Non-destructive film thickness measurement•

AFM option is available

UP-5000

UP-3000

UP-2000

3D Confocal Microscope,Interferometry,AFM,Raman, Spectral Film
Thickness, and More

3D Confocal Microscope,Interferometry, Bright andDark Field Imaging, and MoreWhite Light InterferometerTransparent Materials

Instrumented Indentation (IIT)

Scratch Testing

Hardness, elastic modulus, creep, and fatigue
can be determined on almost any material, fromsoft to hard and from fragile to brittle. Using thelatest actuation (piezo) and sensing technologies(capacitive sensors), the SMT quantifies theproperties of surfaces from nano to micro ranges.

The 3D Scratch Tester combines the latest
generated scratch testing technology within-line 3D Profilometer. Typical applications
for the scratch tester are to quantify coating
adhesion, cohesion, scratch resistance and selfhealing properties. By interchangeable modules,
measurements can be performed in the Nano,
Micro, Macro or Heavy-Duty range.

Page 6Smooth and Rough Materials

Spinning Disk Confocal
Optimized to look at steep slopes, transparent, andtranslucent surfaces. Provides the fastest and highest
XY resolution 3D imaging and topography.

White Light Interferometry
Optimized to look at smooth, flat surfaces.
Provides the highest Z resolution 3D imaging andtopography of the surface

Shiny and Dark Materials

2D Materials

Bright and Dark Fields
Imaging provides two different ways to look at thesurface with additional illumination. Dark field
identifies small cracks by showing them brightly on adark background.

Variable Focus Imaging
In Variable Focus Imaging, a series of images aretaken on different focal planes and analyzed to create
an entirely in-focus final image.
Page 7

Vacuum Tribometer

Fretting Testers

The Multi Function Vacuum Tribometer performs
various tribological and mechanical tests,including friction, wear, hardness, and modulus
testing on one platform.

The state-of-the-art fretting wear testers
provide outstanding specifications of stroke andfrequency in the industry. The ultra-rigid platform
and unique system design also include advanced
high-speed controllers which makes it an ideal
fretting tester for both industry and university
research.

MVT-2

FFT Series

Main Features:•Load mN to 200 N•

Up to 400/1000 °C heating

Main Features:•-150 °C cryogenic cooling•

Rotary and linear friction, wear, indentation,scratch, and modules••••Accurate Determination of Failure
Events
The tester can accommodate various in-line
monitoring sensors to quantify real-time surfacedynamics.

High frequency Piezo sensors
Voice coil actuator
Flexure-based design
Down to 10 µm stroke

Rtec-Instruments Fretting Solution

The test module comprehensively characterizes
fretting wear from micron to macro scale. Ultrasensitive piezo-based force sensors, combinedwith a robust design, high stiffness holders, andlow floor noise provides quantitative fretting wear
characterization of materials, interfaces, thin films,and components.

Wear Track Progression

Get the Data You Need

Two Sample COF vs.
Temperature Comparison

Page
8
Page
6 - Single
Function Tribometers

3D Wear Scar MarkTo simulate real-life scenarios, the tests can be donein controlled environmental conditions. The bench
top fretting tester, single coil, or the double coilfretting testers are all easy to use, providing intuitive
data interpretation.
Page 9Mini Traction
MachineHFRR Tester

Our multi-function traction module measures thefrictional properties of lubricated contacts undera wide range of sliding rolling ratios. One-click
operation, wide load, speed, and temperature
range make it ideal for quality control or an R&Denvironment. The module can operate at high sliding
to rolling ratio using two independently controlled
closed-loop servo drives.

This latest generation HFRR tester conforms
to ASTM D6079 and related international
standards. The FFT-M evaluates fuel lubricity,
predicts additives’ performance, and studies
friction wear. Rigid platform design, easy-to-use,
high-frequency sensors, and real-time downforce
control make this tool optimal for quality control
and R&D.

FFT-M

Main Features:

Main Features:•

Capacitive force sensors for sensitivity•

Up to 200 N sensor•

6 to -6 m/s•

Temperature -40 °C to 250 °C•

Measure current and voltage•

Real-time friction force with piezo forcesensors•

Room to 180 °C (up to 400°C and cooling
options available)•

Load Range up to 20 N (More ranges available)
Reliable High Frequency Data

4 Ball Tester

SRV Tester

The Automatic 4-Ball Tester is used to study extreme
pressure EP, coefficient of friction, load wear index,ball weld point, and wear preventive additives forlubricating grease, oil, and additives.

The latest generation SRV Testing Machine isdesigned to test lubricant, grease, additives, andmaterials in high-frequency linear oscillation
motion.

Main Features:
••
•
•
•

Programmable closed-loop force up to 10,000 N(No Dead Weights)-40°C to 200°C (400°C) Temperature
Automatic EP and Wear
In-line Torque, Acoustic signal, Down force
ASTM, DIN, ISO Compliant

Main Features:•High-resolution piezo sensors•

Room to 350°C (optional -40°C, 800°C)temperature•

Up to 3000 N for EP testing•Confirms to several ASTM, DIN standards
including ASTM D5706, D5707, D6425, DIN51834.

Page 11

Air Jet Erosion Tester

Twin Roller Tester

Perform repeated impact tests with Rtec
Instruments’ Air Jet Erosion Tester, the AJ1000. The AJ-1000 ranks the erosion of various
materials and coatings by subjecting samples todifferent abrasive particles of various shapes,
sizes, temperatures, and impact speeds.

Rtec-Instruments’ TwinRoller-3000 is an ideal
two roller machine to study traction, wear, androlling contact fatigue under various combinationsof rolling and sliding. With an open platformarchitecture that allows easy access and use, thetester comprises of two high torque independently
controlled servo motors, electro-servo drives, andadvanced controllers that allow high repeatability
and precision measurements.

Main Features:•Conforms to ASTM G76, ASTM G211-14•

Automatic in-line sample and particle velocity
measurement

Main Features:•Open platform allows mounting real samples
and test coupons•Load up to 8000 N (more ranges available)•Real-time force and speed control•Fully automatic – run and test data with a clickof a button•High power motors•-35 to 150 °C temperature

Two Roller During A Test

High PressureTribometer
Rtec Instruments high pressure tribometer runs ballon disk and pin on disk tribology test under highpressure. Study friction and wear of various materials
for valves, seals, liners, bearings, compressors, andmuch more.

Main Features:•••••

Up to 200 PSI pressure
In-line friction and wear
Patented capacitive high pressure force sensor-35 to 100 °C Temperature Range
Load Range 5 N to 2000 N

Page 12Micropitting Tester
The Three Roller or Micropitting Tester is an ideal
rolling contact machine to study pitting, traction,wear, and more under various combinations ofrolling and sliding. The open platform architecture
allows for easy access to the samples and setup.
In addition, the fully automated and advanced
controllers allow for high repeatability and precision
measurements with the broadest test range in load,temperature, and speed.

Main Features:•••••Load up to 5000 N (more ranges available)
Up to 5.5 m/s speeds for rapid testingRun several million cycles in a short duration-35 to 150 °C temperatureStandard torque range up to 60 Nm* (largerrange available)

Three Roller During A Test
Page 13

Film Thickness
The film thickness measurement module uses
spectral reflectance to obtain the thickness ofcoated surfaces.
Spectral reflectance relies on the interaction of
the coating surface with light to calculate thethickness. The comparison of incident light toreflected light from the different interfaces below
the sample’s surface allows the measurementof optical constants, thickness, and surface
roughness.
Interpretation of the reflection data is fairly
intuitive and easy to understand, especially in thecase of relatively thick films.
Thickness information is, primarily, containedin the frequency of reflectance spectrum
oscillations, while optical constants (moreMain Features:

CMP Tester
The CMP tester is used for CMP processdevelopment and CMP consumable R&D.
Accelerate and optimize consumables andpolishing process development. Improve slurry,pad, pad conditioner, removal rates, polishingprocess, and particles. Additionally, the CMP
tester contains an in-line integrated 3D profiler
to study pad surface change with time.

Main Features:•Real-time coefficient of friction•

Controlled downforce and speed•

Integrated 3D profilometer•

Several wafer sizes can be mounted•

In-line temperature and acoustic emission

Page 14

CMP Pads

CMP Friction vs. Time Data

Single Diamond on Pad Conditioner•

Extensive materials library (500+)•

Real-time, one-click measurement andanalysis of thickness, n&k androughness measurement•

Ease of use, no expert knowledge
required•Powerful analysis package scalingcorrection, multi-sample measurement,dynamic measurement.

•History of analysis: recall/display
measurement results and statistics

precisely – optical contrast, i.e., the difference
between optical constants at the interface)
information is contained in the amplitude of theoscillations.
Naturally, our full package includes an easy-touse software to record all measurements andproduce statistics.

12

Air
Thickness

Coating
SubstrateRtec-Instruments IncUSA
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 StJianye District, Nanjing, China, 210019
 +86 25 83210072, +86 18013892749
info@rtec-instruments.cn
Rtec-Instruments, JPJapan
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

Products-Overview-2023-B-05A-EN

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

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