Cross Cylinder Tester (XCT)

The cross-cylinder tester (XCT) developed at the Tribology Competence Center in cooperation with Fuchs Petrolub AG combines the Reichert friction wear balance (RVW) and the Brugger tester and is used to investigate and simulate friction and wear processes under continuous sliding stress in solid, boundary and mixed friction.

With the aid of suitable adapters, both tests according to Brugger (DIN 51347) and the test method according to Reichert can be carried out on this model tribometer. The LabView program allows variations of speeds and run times, thus the test methodology can be modified depending on the application. For block-on-ring tests or investigations of plain bearings, the test stand can be extended by appropriate adapters.

The normal force is applied with weights via a lever system. The drive is provided by a highly dynamic, frequency-controlled three-phase asynchronous motor. The sliding speed can be changed dynamically during the run.

The factors that are decisive for tribological behavior, such as friction partners, surface roughness, normal force, sliding speed, sliding distance, surface pressure and intermediate material, can be varied and controlled within wide limits on this test rig.
Parameter
Speed 50 to 1,500 1/min
Load 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 N
Temperature 0 to 120 °C
Sliding speed Approx. 0.1 to approx. 2.5 m/s
Movement types Glide
Friction conditions Solid, boundary and mixed friction
Contact geometry Point or line contact
Measured variables Frictional torque, temperature of the lubricating medium
Ambient media Indoor air

Standard tests

  • DIN 51347-2 : 2000-01: Testing of lubricants – Testing in the mixed friction area with the Brugger lubricant tester – Part 2: Procedure for lubricating oils

Other tests

  • Laboratory test method for water- and oil-based cooling lubricants and emulsions (Reichert method)

Possible specimen geometries