Cutting-edge modular traction tribometer showcased at Lubricant and Grease Annual Meeting, Hyderabad

Paltro exhibited its automated Modular Traction Tribometer (MTT) at the recent 2026 National Lubricant and Grease Expo in Hyderabad, India. The fully automated ball-on-disc system, with independently driven rotors, replicates rolling–sliding conditions with slip ratios from 0 to 100%, simulating bearings, gears, rail-wheel contacts, and other rolling operations. Operators can take precise, repeatable measurements of friction and traction for oils and greases across a wide range of temperatures, speeds, loads, and materials. Automated protocols enable rapid characterisation of lubricant traction and Stribeck behaviour, while a spill-resistant lube cup and grease scoop ensure consistent lubrication at high speeds.

Built with an open, modular architecture, the MTT supports additional capabilities, including electrical contact resistance for film thickness measurement, grease tackiness modules, 2D/3D surface imaging to quantify wear and tribofilm formation, and a reciprocating drive for static and dynamic friction analysis. This combination effectively turns the MTT into a compact mini-test lab for comprehensive lubricant evaluation.

The MTT is suitable for both traditional machinery and modern applications like electric vehicles. By measuring friction and traction under realistic rolling–sliding conditions, it provides engineers with the insights they need to optimise efficiency, reliability, and performance, bridging the gap between laboratory testing and real-world operation.