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  • Four Ball Tester (FBT-3)
    High-performance lubricant tester for the modern lab
    • Full compliance to test standards
    • Compact, desktop and fully automated
    • Preloaded standard test protocols
  • Features
  • Specifications
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  • High Throughput Testing for the Modern Lab

    The Ducom Four Ball Tester (FBT-3) is a robust instrument designed to be the workhorse of your lubricants lab. With simplified sample setup and an intuitive software interface, so you can do more tests in less time - with lower effort!

    Test Standard Compliance

    Independently verified third party certifications for compliance to all stated standards for added peace of mind.

    Quick and Easy Testing

    With its newly designed user interface and pre-configured test procedures, you can go from setup to testing in just 5 clicks.

    Improved Safety Features

    Built in factory set safety trips as well as user customizable trips for frictional torque and temperature.

    Explore the FBT-3

    • Compact, benchtop instrument
    • Full spectrum of EP, WP and COF testing
    • Plug-and-Play functionality
    • Pre-loaded test protocols and methods
    • Included automated loading
    • Integrated computer with data acquisition software
    • Optional high-precision digital image acquisition system
    • One-touch test report generation

    State of the Art Patented Technology

    The Ducom Four Ball Tester (FBT-3) uses patented friction force measurement technology for unparalleled measurement accuracy. Rapidly increasing lubricant quality standards demand the use of more sensitive measurement techniques to evaluate lubricants, and FBT-3 delivers on this.

    FBT-3-Dec-2018-Friction-Force-Module.22_Resized
    Four-Ball-Tester-FBT-3-Screen-On

    Intuitive User Interface (UI)

    The control and data acquisition system is designed for full touch compatibility. The pre-configured test protocols allow users with minimal training to still set up tests that follow the desired standards. The software also allows easy customization of test protocols when your needs exceed the scope of standard test procedures.

    Touchscreen Interface and Data Acquisition

    The FBT-3 comes with an inbuilt touch screen interface with an IP65 rating to handle the demanding laboratory environment. Coupled with state-of-the-art data acquisition hardware and electronics, the FBT-3 can handle the most demanding testing applications in its small and compact form factor.

    Image Acquisition System (IAS-3)

    The optional Image Acquisition System is a smart, fully integrated imaging system that helps users drastically reduce wear scar measurement time. It comes complete with integrated camera, optics, lighting and software. The integrated smart scar measurement technology (available on select systems) can assist users in wear scar area calculation, greatly improving quality of measurements.

    Image-Acquisition-System-FBT-3-Standalone

    Some of our featured customers

  • Technical Specifications: Four Ball Tester (FBT-3)

    Desktop lubricant testing instrument with integrated control, data acquisition and reporting system.

    Base System

    • Desktop mechanical test unit, integrated automated loading system, integrated touchscreen PC
    • Integrated electronics controller and data acquisition system complete with preloaded standard test protocols
    • One ball pot, one ball chuck and 200 ASTM compliant test balls
    • Manual torque adapter, torque wrench and ColletMaster
    • Pneumatic tube (3 mtr/10ft), tool kit and operating manual in English

    Optional Accessories

    • Digital Image Acquisition System (D-IAS) with integrated illumination and preset focus
    • Augmented Reality (AR) data visualization, training and support software package

    Hardware

    • Variable speed direct drive motor with integrated cooling.
    • Speed: up to 3,000 rpm, accuracy: +/- 1% of FSV.
    • Self-aligning, high stiffness, unibody test capsule
    • Multistage servo pneumatic loading system with high stiffness architecture
    • Loading range: 0 to 10,000 N (1,020 kgf), +/- 2 N (0.2 kgf), inline force sensor
    • Low drift, high accuracy friction force sensing module with integrated cooling
    • Friction force measurement range: up to 1,000 N (102 kgf), +/- 0.5 N (0.05 kgf)
    • Integrated dual 15W heaters and fast response temperature sensor on ball pot with directional quick connector for quick and easy test setup.
    • Temperature range: ambient to 120 deg C (in standard mode), with override to 200 Deg C (in custom mode)
    • Sliding safety cover

    DAQ and Control

    • Touch panel PC with preloaded software
    • Preset test protocols with 5 clicks to begin standard tests
    • User definable nonstandard test protocols
    • Calibration and instrument information on test reports for traceability

    Safety

    • Safety interlocks for speed, temperature, load and friction force
    • Lubricating oil splash guard to prevent oil splash during test
    • Sliding safety shield

    Standards

    • ASTM D2783
    • ASTM D2596
    • ASTM D2266
    • ASTM D4172
    • ASTM D5183
    • IP 239

    Dimensions and Weight

    • Width x Depth x Height: 24 in (604 mm) x 16 in (410 mm) x 31 (788 mm)
    • Weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
    • Packing Box Dimensions: 32 in (813 mm) x 24 in (604 mm) x 42 in (1067 mm)
    • Packed Weight: 353 lbs (160 kg)

    On-Site Requirements

    • Power: 220V, 1 Phase, 10A, 50/60Hz
    • Pneumatic Supply: 5.5 bar (80 psi), clean dry air; Dew Point: - 15 deg C

    Consumables

    • 1/2inch (12.7 mm) Test Balls
    • Ball Chuck

    Spares

    • Safety Shield
    • Pneumatic Tubing
    • Replacement Quick Connector for Ball Pot
    • Fuse
    • Ball Pot Assembly
    • Friction Force Module
  • Articles and Videos

    The Role of Bench Top Tribometers in Metal Working Fluids Research
    Read More
    The Race for the Next “Lube Leader”
    Read More

    Publications

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  • Request Information



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    Ducom Instruments (America)

    620 Johnson Ave, Suite 5
    Bohemia, NY 11716 (USA)
    ______
    Phone: +1 (847) 737-1590
    Fax: +1 (847) 737-1580

    Ducom Instruments (Asia)

    477/A 4th Phase Peenya Industrial Area
    Bangalore – 560058 (India)
    ______
    Phone: +91 (80) 4080-5555
    Fax: +91 (80) 4080-5510

    Ducom Instruments (Europe)

    Zernikepark 6,
    9747 AN, Groningen,
    The Netherlands
    ______
    Phone: +31 (85) 065 74 10

    Ducom Instruments (Malaysia)

    Mech. Lab. Level 4, Block C,
    Faculty of Engineering, Uni. of Malaya,
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia- 50603
    ______

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Ducom Instruments (America)

620 Johnson Ave, Suite 5
Bohemia, NY 11716 (USA)
______
Phone: +1 (847) 737-1590
Fax: +1 (847) 737-1580

Ducom Instruments (Asia)

477/A 4th Phase Peenya Industrial Area
Bangalore – 560058 (India)
______
Phone: +91 (80) 4080-5555
Fax: +91 (80) 4080-5510

Ducom Instruments (Europe)

Zernikepark 6,
9747 AN, Groningen,
The Netherlands
______
Phone: +31 (85) 065 74 10

Ducom Instruments (Malaysia)

Mech. Lab. Level 4, Block C,
Faculty of Engineering, Uni. of Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia- 50603
______

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