Custom Nanovea Tribometer to be Used to Develop Cutting Tool Materials with Controlled Localized Heating

McMaster University approached Nanovea in need of a system that would allow them to apply localized heat to the static sample without heating the surface of the tested sample. During a real cutting process, the high moving speed increases the temperature of the cutting tool (up to 1000°C) while the surface of the sample being cut remains relatively cold because the area being cut is continually changing.

Conventional "high heat" Tribometers use a chamber that heats both the kinetic and static sample preventing a real mimic of cutting tool applications. The high load and torque capabilities of Nanovea's custom Tribometer allows to create adhesive bonds while shearing the bonds to measure strength at the contact point. The new design of the localized oven will also allow replication of friction interaction during cutting between metal and polymers at elevated temperatures. Because melting will now only occur in the actual contact zone whole plastic samples will not be jeopardized by surrounding heat.

Nanovea's custom Tribometer is now the instrument of choice for those in need of furthering their development with cutting tool materials. If controlled, localized heating is a must so is Nanovea's custom Tribometer. "I'm very pleased with our ability to provide our clients with their custom needs. I think it is projects such as this one that really highlights our dedication and capabilities. We always look forward to working with special requests for our instruments." Said Susana Cabello, Product Manager, Nanovea.