Application, Development, and Validation Testing at FUCHS

What is application, development and validation testing?

ADVT stands for application, development, and validation testing. Where R&D provides data on physical and chemical properties of the lubricants, and Applied Sciences provides Rheological and Tribological simulations and data.  ADVT uses that data, to develop test methodologies and fixtures to test lubricants in actual customer components, or simulations of actual components, where variables can be more tightly controlled. Using this data, we are able to then go back to R&D to adjust or reformulate the product, or move ahead with the customer, highlighting the performance characteristics of the lubricants in the end application. This helps us provide the customer with the best solution for their industry and application. 

What kinds of applications and conditions are we capable of simulating?

Since our business spreads across a wide breadth of industries and applications, we have test rigs and simulations for automotive to aerospace and everything in-between. We have a full lab dedicated to in-vacuum, aerospace, and semiconductor lubricants which includes multiple vacuum chambers, some capable of reaching ultra-high vacuum. From there we have testing cells dedicated to E-Mobility, Automotive, Industrial, and more which allow us to simulate the conditions seen in the end-use environment and examine the behavior not only of the lubricants, but of the system as a whole.

What benefit does this testing offer to the customer?

This testing takes the guesswork out of selecting a lubricant for the application.  By providing performance and compatibility data, we’re able to provide solutions backed by data on both a fundamental and application level. As the customer’s technology changes and advances, we are able to adapt and operate proactively to ensure a lubricant solution is available in a timely manner.

How does application testing at FUCHS differ from other lubrication companies?

Here at FUCHS, our R&D team has a wide array of skillsets.  Our team is comprised of chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, data analysts and scientists, and software programmers, most with advanced degrees in their specific fields. As a team we are able to provide statistically significant test data across a wide array of applications and industries, almost entirely in-house. Where other companies may provide standard test methods and ASTM’s, we have the ability to custom tailor tests to the specific application, to give the end user confidence that the lubricant will perform in the desired manner in the end application. Having the majority of our testing abilities on-site (software programmers, machining capabilities, data analysts,) means that we also are able to provide accelerated turnaround times for custom testing as well.