Pivot Friction Apparatus | FrixoDynamics FX-522

Key Features

Key Features

• Four interchangeable bearing journal cone angles, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 180° flat, for systematic investigation of cone geometry effect on axial bearing friction torque
• Interchangeable bearing housings of different materials enable independent study of material selection effect on friction torque
• Comparison between plain pivot bearing and rolling contact bearing under identical axial loading conditions
• 200 mm anodised aluminium disc serves as both axial load platform and torque application pulley in a single integrated component
• Two additional 5 kg axial loading weights provide a wide range of axial load conditions for friction torque versus load experiments
• Fine-increment weight set (down to 0.1 N) for precise torque measurement at the onset of rotation
• Hand-operated, no power supply or motor required, suitable for any laboratory environment
• Supplied in a dedicated storage unit with foam inlay for organised component storage and transport

Applications

• Determination of friction torque in axial (pivot) bearings as a function of axial load
• Investigation of the effect of bearing cone angle on friction torque under constant axial load
• Study of the influence of bearing material selection on axial bearing friction
• Comparison of plain pivot bearing and rolling contact bearing friction torque under identical conditions
• Investigation of the relationship between cone angle geometry and contact pressure distribution in pivot bearings
• Undergraduate laboratory practicals in machine elements, tribology, mechanical engineering design, and applied mechanics
• Supplementary demonstration for courses covering thrust bearing design, axial load transmission, and bearing selection

Construction and System Design

The FX-522 is built around a vertical shaft assembly mounted on a rigid base. The bearing journal is bolted to the lower end of the shaft and mates with the bearing housing bolted below it. Both the journal and the housing are interchangeable, allowing any combination of the four cone angles and the available bearing materials to be assembled quickly for successive experiments. The bearing housing is fixed in position, and the shaft rotates within it, applying the journal cone geometry to the inner bearing surface under the axial load imposed from above.

The anodised aluminium disc is mounted at the top of the shaft and rotates with it. The disc upper surface is flat and accepts stacked axial loading weights directly, transmitting the combined weight of the disc and all added masses as the axial load on the bearing journal below. Two additional 5 kg weights are provided specifically for axial loading, extending the load range available for friction torque versus axial load experiments.

A rope is wound around the periphery of the 200 mm disc. To apply torque, the rope is pulled by hand or loaded with a weight hanger. The load at which the shaft just begins to rotate at near-constant slow speed defines the onset-of-motion friction torque. The fine-increment weight set, including denominations down to 0.1 N, allows precise determination of this threshold, even for low-friction rolling bearing configurations. All components are stored in a foam-inlaid storage unit that organises the journals, housings, weights, and accessories securely between laboratory sessions.

Export and Supply Capability

The SCIENTICO FrixoDynamics FX-522 is available for supply to engineering colleges, technical universities, mechanical engineering departments, research institutions, and industrial training centres. SCIENTICO manufactures and exports laboratory equipment to institutions and distributors across multiple regions. Standard packaging is suitable for international shipment. Bulk orders, customised configurations, and institutional procurement enquiries are welcomed. Please contact SCIENTICO directly for pricing, lead times, and shipping terms.

Standards & Compliance

• Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• CE Marking - European Conformity where applicable
• Supplied with calibration certificate, operation manual, and experiment guide
• 12-month manufacturer's warranty (parts & labour from installation)

Ordering & Delivery

• Incoterms: CIF to destination seaport, FOB Mundra/Nhava Sheva, or Ex-Works Ambala
• Lead time: 3–5 weeks production + sea transit to destination
• Payment: LC (Letter of Credit) or T/T bank transfer against proforma invoice
• Documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the pivot friction apparatus used for in engineering education?

The FX-522 is used to investigate friction in axial (pivot) bearings, bearings that support loads acting along the shaft axis. Students measure the friction torque at the onset of rotation for different bearing cone angles, bearing housing materials, and axial load magnitudes, developing a quantitative understanding of how these three variables independently affect axial bearing friction. A rolling contact bearing comparison experiment is also supported.

Q2: What is the effect of cone angle on pivot bearing friction?

The cone angle determines the geometry of the contact surface between the bearing journal and the housing. As the cone angle decreases from 180° (flat disc) toward a sharper point, the contact radius and contact pressure distribution change, altering the friction torque for the same axial load and material pairing. The FX-523 allows students to measure this effect directly by testing all four cone angles, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 180°, under the same axial load and material conditions.

Q3: How is the friction torque measured on the FX-522?

Friction torque is measured using the onset-of-motion method. A rope is wound around the 200 mm disc periphery and loaded incrementally using weights on a hanger, or pulled by hand. The load at which the shaft just begins to rotate at near-constant slow speed corresponds to the friction torque of the bearing at the current axial load, cone angle, and material combination. The friction torque equals the applied rope load multiplied by the disc radius (100 mm).

Q4: How is the axial load varied on the FX-522?

The axial load is varied by stacking calibrated weights on the upper surface of the aluminium disc. The disc's own weight contributes a baseline axial load, and the two additional 5 kg weights, along with the fine-increment weight set, allow the total axial load to be increased in controlled steps. Repeating the friction torque measurement at each axial load level generates a friction torque versus axial load characteristic for each bearing configuration.

Q5: What is included in the scope of delivery for the FX-522?

The FX-522 is supplied as a complete experimental kit including: one pivot friction experimental unit with vertical shaft, anodised aluminium disc, interchangeable bearing journals (60°, 90°, 120°, 180°), and interchangeable bearing housings; two sets of calibrated weights (2 x 0.5 N, 2 x 5 N hangers, 4 x 2 N, 4 x 1 N, 6 x 0.5 N, 10 x 0.1 N); two additional 5 kg axial loading weights; one thread; one storage unit with foam inlay; and one instructional manual covering experimental procedures, cone angle theory, and data recording guidance.