Falex Corporation is uniquely qualified to assist in research programs involving lubrication and material evaluations. Over 35 ASTM standardized tests are available from the showroom quality 3,000 square foot laboratory The Falex Tribology testing laboratory allows accurate and timely delivery to clients requiring the quality and expertise that comes from over 75 years in the tribology research area.

Full Service Approach The pin and vee block test is an example of testing for friction and wear properties.

The Tribology Laboratory offers a full-service approach to client's friction and wear problems. The staff and equipment resources address current wear issues. From identification of a wear problem, to the design and machining of unique fixtures, to interpretation of test data, Falex offers a unique approach to solve the most demanding tribology issues facing today's engineers and scientist.

Test Data

Test data gathered from a correctly simulated field condition can reduce product development timetables or solve a component problem. Laboratory testing has also been proven to be able to screen potential candidate materials prior to more complex component and field testing.

Interpretation of data is also critical to the test program. With the background and experience gained from concentrating on a single technical arena, Falex has developed into a world leader in tribology test equipment and support. Laboratory equipment used for test programs is kept to Falex original factory performance levels.

Contract testing is very cost effective. Whether your test requirements are for a unique project, on going research, or periodic quality control, Falex can deliver the test results to meet your demands.

Custom Testing Services

The laboratory can modify the parameters of any standardized test method that can be performed on Falex equipment within the capabilities of the equipment. Non-standardized test methods may also be developed to evaluate materials. Falex maintains a full service, precision machine shop to fabricate test specimens and parts from all types of materials. Falex can modify existing equipment or engineer and build new systems in order to perform a particular laboratory evaluation of a field situation.

Through the Falex Custom Test Laboratory, in-house and field consulting services are available to assist in the development of test procedures. These evaluations can reduce end user cost and solve problems. Interpretation of results can also be provided at the end of a test program

Equipment Available for Testing

Multi-Specimen Test Machine Block-on-Ring Test Machine Pin & Vee Block Test Machine Falex ISC Pin-on-Disk Tribology System Four-Ball Wear Test Machine High Performance Clutch Test Abrasion Test Machine Fretting Test Machine Tapping Torque Test Machine Timken Test Machine Ball-on-Three Disk (BOTD) Fuel Lubricity Test Machine Four-Ball Extreme Pressure Test Machine Stoption Test Machine Surface Profilometer

ISC 200 Pin-on-Disk Test System One of the many interchangeable adapters offering increased test machine flexibility.

Custom Engineering/Consulting

Falex Corporation provides an expert engineering department to assist in the recommendation, design and evaluation of your testing program.

Many field problems cannot be solved through established test methods. These problems require application of the Tribology  Aspect Number (TAN) system to highlight the critical aspects of the problem.

Falex often starts by using the TAN system, developed by Falex Corporation, to facilitate the transition from the field problem to the optimum bench method. The impact of the selection of contact geometry will be reviewed relative to the various test machines. This is more complex today since there are test machines and adapters that permit many test geometries.

The TAN system allows Falex to evaluate the critical field characteristics (contact velocity, area, pressure and entry angle) and systematically identify the proper machine and test method. This system has been taught at numerous technical courses, allowing engineers, lubrication specialist and chemist to understand and identify a test program that will best suit their needs.

Testing Recommendation

Falex Corporation recommends multiple test in order to develop viable statistical representations of results. Where possible, Falex suggest designs of experiments (DOE) to optimize directions of testing. Precision and bias values can be generated from replicate testing which give clients further confidence in the data generated in the lab. Each test is performed according to strict quality standards to ensure reliable results.

Custom Specimens

In general, standard test procedures include a specific specimen material. However, virtually any material combination may be used.

In the event that specimens are needed from non-standard materials, Falex can fabricate the test pieces from client, Falex supplied material, or use specimens from Falex's extensive inventory for quick turnaround.