Where do these metal images come from?

After the 45 minute test and the friction characteristics have been recorded, the metal ball and plate are removed from the Tonen SRV machine and placed under an optical microscope. These images are magnified by x20 or x50.

How are the wear scars measured?

Each sample is measured under an optical microscope connected to a computer. The computer is able to measure the wear scars to an accuracy of 1000th of a millimeter.

How do I know which is better?

The better the oil is at providing protection against metal to metal friction usually means a smaller wear scar result. Each measurement is calculated and shown at the bottom left hand corner of each picture with the date and time stamped on the bottom right.

Why are there differences in the vertical scar on the metal plate?

The different level of vertical images is a result of small discrepancies in illumination during the image being taken. The slight variation of angle of light can highlight the vertical scars. This does not affect the wear scar and the physical measurements taken by the computer.

Optimol guarantee that all specimens used are made from the same material and manufactured in the same way and are passed through a quality assurance procedure each and every time prior to each test.

Even though car engines are not always subjected to these high load conditions, the wear scar is similar of how damage can occur through the metal to metal contact within an engine. It also provides an understanding of how different oils can provide different levels of metal wear protection.

Friction Characteristic

This is measured on the vertical axes from 0.00 up to and the highest friction measurement. Accurate to 0.001.

Time of test

This is shown on the horizontal axes in minutes and seconds.

Heat

This is shown on the horizontal axes and ranges from 40 degrees C to 120 degrees C. This is accurate to 0.1 degrees C

Frequency

This is kept constant at 50 Hertz throughout the whole of east test.

Load

Load (pressure) set to 400 Newton throughout the whole test. Accurate to 1 Newton.

Here we breakdown the graph. In this example it show 3 oils being tested (red, blue and yellow lines). You can see all3 oils have different characteristics. The red oil is performing the best with the least amount friction, and the yellow oil is performing the worst with the highest amount of friction. You can hover over the lines to display which oil it is.

Time: This test is run over 45 minutes with the temperature starting at 40 °C and incrementing by 10°C every 5 minutes to finish at 120°C.