Four Ball Tester - Koehler Instruments - Laboratory Analytical Instruments

The Four Ball Tester is a high-precision instrument designed to evaluate the wear preventive (WP) and extreme pressure (EP) properties of lubricants under controlled steel-on-steel sliding conditions. It operates in accordance with the latest ASTM and IP test methods, making it an essential tool for lubricant performance analysis and quality control.

The system accurately measures applied load and frictional torque using integrated load cells, ensuring reliable and repeatable test results. Advanced data acquisition and processing software enables real-time monitoring, data storage, and comprehensive analysis. Test results can be easily plotted, compared, and exported to external programs for further evaluation and reporting.

For enhanced analysis, the system supports wear scar measurement on steel test balls. This is facilitated by an optional High Resolution Digital Microscope, designed to provide precise and efficient measurement without removing the test balls from the ball pot, improving safety and reducing handling errors.

High Resolution Digital Microscope:
Koehler’s Four Ball Microscope features a “Dinolite” microscope integrated with “DinoCapture” software, mounted on a stable aluminum base at an optimal viewing angle. It allows direct observation and measurement of wear scar diameters via an external PC. The software includes diameter and line measurement tools, and captured images can be saved at various resolutions for documentation and analysis.

This complete system is ideal for lubricant manufacturers, research laboratories, and quality control facilities focused on evaluating anti-wear and extreme pressure performance of oils and greases.