Triple disc machine for researching rolling contact fatigue (RCF) failure mechanisms in the form of micro and macro pitting under lubricated and unlubricated conditions.

The MPR is a computer controlled three-contact disc instrument in which there are three ‘counterface’ rings of equal diameter positioned apart with a smaller diameter roller located in the middle and in contact with all the rings. This arrangement allows the test roller to be subjected to a large number of rolling contact cycles in a short period of time and hence significantly reduces testing time. At a typical entrainment speed of 3.5m/s, the central test roller will experience approximately one million contact cycles per hour.

An innovative, compact test instrument, the MPR is specifically designed to investigate rolling contact fatigue at realistic contact pressures. It is used extensively by tribologists, to study a range of failure mechanisms observed in real world applications and as a screener test for current lubricant formulations, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

MPR test data plays an integral role in the development of new formulations, coatings and materials to enhance the tribological properties of systems.

The simple test set up and intuitive software allows real life conditions to be easily replicated. The unique specimen geometry enables the MPR to complete an unrivalled number of contact cycles whilst keeping surface speeds low. This allows in depth research into RCF phenomena, and ensures test time is significantly shorter than is possible with any other instrument on the market.

· Up to 1 million contact cycles per hour, significantly increasing test throughput

· Fully automated, easy to calibrate and intuitive software, improves repeatability, and ease of use

· Two independently driven motors, allows any slide-to-roll ratio and a wide range of speeds to be set, expanding the instrument testing capabilities

· Temperature controlled test chamber further expands testing capabilities

· Compact and mobile, the MPR can be relocated with ease to accommodate lab requirements

· Small sample volume saves on cleaning time, reduces sample wastage and cuts running costs

· Wide range of specimen materials