Surface-Tester

Portable-Rotating-Surface-Tester (PRST) – Portable Device for the Detection of Friction Coefficients between Different Surfaces

The target of the project-team was to develop a device for measuring the friction coefficient between two different surfaces. In the industry complex and expensive equipment is used for this purpose. During this project a low cost device for easy application and mobile use was realized, that enables to illustrate the phenomenon of friction between different surfaces at school as well as it can be used by the scientific partner in laboratory.

  • The evaluation of functional surfaces becomes more and more important for product design. Friction is present in any movement. Measuring the friction coefficient between two surfaces is necessary for systematic reduction of friction and wear.
  • If friction and wear can be reduced, the efficiency of a system increases.
  • Also in product design the evaluation of friction coefficients becomes more and more important.
  • Firstly, the product safety can be increased, which for example is important for tools (rubber grip), secondly a “handy” surface is a sales argument.

During the project all development-steps were carried out from collecting ideas to construction and design and finally to production and documentation of the device. The requirements for low cost and easy application made the project very practical.

This project has been completed.