What is tribology?

Tribology is the study of science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear. Tribology is a branch of mechanical engineering and materials science.

Tribology’s economic and commercial impact is vast. The science reduces energy use, lowers the cost of maintenance and replacement, develops new technology, and solves resource problems, such as the lack of clean water. Proper tribological procedures save an estimated 1.3% to 1.6% of a nation’s gross domestic product—a savings of hundreds of billions of dollars (U.S. currency) in larger countries. Virtually every nation has realized it cannot afford to overlook the economic, industrial, and commercial advantages of tribology. Consequently, tribology is a science that is constantly being advanced by thousands of researchers around the world. Lubrication engineering is the practical application of that science, generally in the development of lubricants and their proper usage and maintenance. 

What is STLE? 

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), is one of the largest professional societies in the field of tribology and lubrication technology, which serves more than 15,000 industry professionals worldwide.

Our mission is to advance the science of tribology and the practice of lubrication engineering in order to foster innovation, improve the performance of equipment and products, conserve resources and protect the environment.


Online webinars, education courses and professional certification programs offer opportunities for continuing education to enhance your career and create value for your company.


STLE organizes, supports, co-sponsors and hosts meetings to provide the tribology and lubrication communities an opportunity to network, exchange ideas and information.


Educating technical professionals to compete in the global business environment is STLE's core mission of serving as a trusted provider of education and a workforce development partner.


STLE honors its 75th anniversary with a year of celebration. we begin with a salute to our founding fathers - a group of people who embody the spirit of volunteerism.

Check out what's inside the June TLT - Digital Edition | TLT Archives

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 
FEATURED ARTICLE
Using computer modeling to prevent polymer surface damage
(posted on May 17, 2019)
Polymers are comprised of molecules that have long, repeating chains. Their properties depend on the type of molecules that are bonded and how they are bonded. The range of polymers and properties is enormous. For example, some polymers, like rubber and fabric, are flexible and others, like epoxy, can be inflexible. Read more >
LUBRICATION FUNDAMENTALS
Change is still a good thing! (posted on May 17, 2019)
Last month I wrote on some of the changes I had seen in our society since joining as a member in 1981 and later serving as part of the staff. I was mostly concerned with the changes resulting from our efforts to become an international organization. As a consequence of some of those changes, we also became a better society for our individual industrial members and our corporate members. Read more >
TECH BEAT
Direct borohydride fuel cells (posted on May 17, 2019)
In a previous TLT article, the challenge in improving the effectiveness of a solid oxide fuel cell involves improving the lanthanide, strontium, cobalt and iron cathode that is widely used to reduce oxygen. The efficacy of the cathode is hindered due to strontium segregation migration. Researchers improved the performance by applying a multiphase coating on the cathode, which reduced strontium migration and improved cathode performance and durability.  Read more >
PRESIDENT'S REPORT 
My 2018-2019 STLE Presidency (posted on May 17, 2019)
It has been my honor to be your president for the last year. It is a tribute to the entire membership that I had such a nice time visiting our partner events, local section meetings and industry meetings. A tribute because this society is very well liked and respected around the world. People respect STLE because of our size, ability to make a difference, our huge volunteer movement and our ability to give back to the society. Read more >
STLE EDUCATION
Personalize Your Education. Advance Your Career
STLE Learning Pathways is a new online resource library for lubrication industry professionals to help identify, align and target their education and career development needs with access to technical articles, courses, webinars and books that will help them better serve their customers and employers. 
Learn more >
WHITE PAPERS & SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS 
2017 Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering
The new edition of STLE's Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering report offers tribology and lubricant professionals valuable insight into future technical challenges and commercial opportunities for the field during the next 10 years. The Emerging Trends report is based on a year-long research survey of nearly 1,000 technical experts from around the world. Order your free copy >


Tribology Opportunities for Enhancing America's Energy Efficiency 
The Tribology Opportunities for Enhancing America's Energy Efficiency Report, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), summarizes the results from a workshop STLE hosted at the 2016 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The purpose of the workshop was to explore opportunities in advanced tribological science and engineering of energy technologies across a wide range of practical application sectors. You'll find the results of these efforts in the report. Order your free copy >

Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report

The Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report evaluates the impact of changes in industry, technology and the economy on the field. The 20-page report is based on a year-long study of nearly 1,000 industry experts surveyed with the goal of tapping into their collective wisdom and insight and drawing conclusions about the future of tribology and lubrication engineering. 
Order your free copy >

Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report

The Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report evaluates the impact of changes in industry, technology and the economy on the field. The 20-page report is based on a year-long study of nearly 1,000 industry experts surveyed with the goal of tapping into their collective wisdom and insight and drawing conclusions about the future of tribology and lubrication engineering. 
Order your free copy >

Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report

The Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report evaluates the impact of changes in industry, technology and the economy on the field. The 20-page report is based on a year-long study of nearly 1,000 industry experts surveyed with the goal of tapping into their collective wisdom and insight and drawing conclusions about the future of tribology and lubrication engineering. 
Order your free copy >

Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report

The Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering: Industry Leader Predictions Report evaluates the impact of changes in industry, technology and the economy on the field. The 20-page report is based on a year-long study of nearly 1,000 industry experts surveyed with the goal of tapping into their collective wisdom and insight and drawing conclusions about the future of tribology and lubrication engineering. 
Order your free copy >

 









News
Worldwide Student Poster Contest
(May 15, 2019)

Help spread the news. STLE is hosting a Worldwide Student Poster Contest in celebration of its 75th Anniversary. We are seeking participation in four categories: School grades (K-3), (4-6), (7-9) & (10-12). Winners in each category will receive cash prizes! Contest information and rules will be available Summer 2019. Click here to view the event flyer. 

STLE celebrates 75th Anniversary
(March 3, 2019)
 
On behalf of all STLE members, I’d like to salute our founding fathers on this milestone anniversary. The seed they planted grew into a technical organization that has led the lubricants industry for seven decades and advanced the careers of thousands of members. STLE’s standing in the lubricants industry is so strong that simply being a member confers instant credibility upon an individual and his or her organization. Click here to learn more.

New 2019 STLE App Challenge questions available
(Feb. 11, 2019)

The STLE App Challenge is an ongoing contest that asks players to answer tribology and lubrication-related questions. Every Monday, new questions will be posted through the STLE 365 App. Answer questions correctly to gain points. Players with the top three scores at the end of each month will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. In addition, all winners will be entered into a Grand Prize drawing. Learn more about the STLE App Challenge.

Upcoming Events

STLE Alberta Section Social Outing
Calgary, AB, Canada | May 27

Metalworking Fluids & Industrial Lubricants
Moskva, Russia | May 28

STLE Northern California Section Meeting
Oakland, CA | May 29

automechanika BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham, UK | June 4

NLGI 86th Annual Meeting
Las Vegas, NV | June 8

ECOTRIB 2019
Wien, Austria | June 12

STLE Featured Videos