MFT-5000 Multi Function Tribometer
General Information
Unit
CNR - ICMATETechnique
Key Instrumentation
Multifunction TribometerThe Universal Tribometer MFT-5000 is a modular, versatile tribology testing system that analyses friction, wear, and mechanical surface properties from nano to macro scales. It supports a wide range of test configurations, including ball-on-flat and pin-on-flat, and is suitable for both coatings and bulk materials. The system enables advanced tribocorrosion experiments through the integration of electrochemical cells, allowing the investigation of the synergistic effects between wear and corrosion in aggressive environments. Scratch testing modules are available for evaluating coating adhesion and interfacial mechanical integrity. Thanks to high-frequency capabilities up to 80 Hz, the MFT-5000 is also suitable for fretting and dynamic wear tests. Interchangeable modules, operation in dry or liquid conditions, and temperature control up to 500 °C make it a comprehensive platform for realistic and application-oriented surface characterization.
Tecnical description
– Multifunction tribological testing platform for advanced characterization of bulk materials and surface-engineered components
– Friction and wear tests in multiple contact configurations (e.g. ball-on-flat, pin-on-flat)
– Scratch testing modules for coating adhesion and interfacial mechanical integrity evaluation
– High-frequency fretting and dynamic wear tests up to 80 Hz
– Tribocorrosion testing enabled by the integration of electrochemical cells
– Normal load range from 0.25 to 200 N
– Sliding speed range from 0.001 to 50 mm/s
– Accommodation of samples with lateral dimensions from 15 to 40 mm
– Operation in dry or liquid environments with controlled temperature up to 500 °C
– Modular architecture allowing flexible configuration and multiscale analysis
– Correlation of mechanical response, wear mechanisms, and environmental effects under controlled and reproducible conditionsResearch areas and applications
The platform supports research and characterization activities in tribology, surface engineering, and functional materials, enabling the investigation of friction, wear, adhesion, fretting, and tribocorrosion phenomena across multiple length scales. It is suited for the study of bulk materials, surface treatments, and thin-film coatings under controlled mechanical and environmental conditions. Key research areas include advanced coatings for mechanical components, biomedical and food-contact materials, corrosion- and wear-resistant surfaces, and materials for energy, aerospace, and transportation sectors. The system supports multi ASTM, DIN, and ISO tests on the same platform, allowing both standard and non-standard protocols to be performed on test coupons or real components. Its flexible configuration enables use as a single-function or multi-function system, making it suitable for material characterization, comparative studies, and quality control activities.
Science highlights
V. Zin, F. Montagner, S.M. Deambrosis, E. Miorin, N. Comisso, M. Rancan, E. Paradisi, C. Mortalò, High power impulse magnetron sputtering plasma nitriding of biomedical grade CoCrMo alloy, Materials & Design 252 (2025) 113802. Doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2025.113802
A. Togni, F. Montagner, E. Miorin, C. Mortalò, V. Zin, G. Bolelli, L. Lusvarghi, S. Frabboni, G.C. Gazzadi, L. Armelao, S.M. Deambrosis, Synthesis of AlxCoCrFeNi HEA thin films by high power impulse magnetron sputtering: Effect of substrate bias voltage, Surface and Coatings Technology, 496 (2025) 131644. Doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2024.131644
V. Zin, F. Montagner, S.M. Deambrosis, C. Mortalò, L. Litti, M. Meneghetti, E. Miorin, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ta-N and Ta-Al-N Coatings Deposited by Reactive High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering, Materials 15 (2022) 3354. Doi: 10.3390/ma1509335
Experimental team
- Valentina Zin
- CNR - ICMATE
- Enrico Miorin
- CNR - ICMATE
- Silvia Maria Deambrosis
- CNR - ICMATE