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? 
STLE, one of the largest professional societies in the field, serves 15,000 industry professionals worldwide.

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.


STEM programs, scholarships and student outreach programs are a cornerstone to communicating the value of tribological innovations to the next generation of scientists and engineers.

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

In the Spotlight

FEATURED ARTICLE
Filter debris analysis: From aircraft to wind turbines
(posted on October 15, 2018)
Decades ago the aviation industry embraced filter debris analysis (FDA) as a reliable means of determining the condition of aircraft. It just makes sense that this technology would be just as valuable for wind turbines. Both pieces of machinery incorporate expensive parts that need to work reliably in often extreme conditions. The difference is that aircraft are easier to maintain than wind turbines. Read More >
LUBRICATION FUNDAMENTALS
What's so bad about foamy foams (posted on October 15, 2018)
Surfactants are a fascinating class of chemistries. Their uses—whether in nature or through Man’s interaction—can seemingly do the impossible, such as cause oil and water to “mix,” form stable emulsions like milk, the list is endless? Read More >
TECH BEAT
3D printing of lithium-ion battery electrodes (posted on October 15, 2018)
Higher conversions of heat into usable energy is achieved in the infrared region. Read More >
PRESIDENT'S REPORT 
You want education? We got education. (posted on October 15, 2018)
STLE followed a three-point strategy to create the lubricant industry's highest level of technical training. 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

Register for 2019 STLE Metalworking Fluid Management Program
(Nov. 8, 2018)

STLE's Metalworking Fluid Management Program offers a comprehensive overview of the latest fluid management best practices and techniques to improve your MWF operations. The 2019 program will be held on  March 5-7, at the Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport in Philadelphia, PA. Click here for more details and to register.

2018-2019 STLE Presidential Awards scholarship applications now open
(Sept. 11, 2018)

STLE is now accepting applications for the society’s academic scholarship program. These scholarships are designed to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to pursue an advanced degree or a career in tribology or lubrication engineering by subsidizing a research project related to the field. Click here for more information. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2018.

STLE Early Career Awards available for students and young professionals
(Sept. 11, 2018)

Each year STLE’s Early Career Awards honor outstanding research contributions made by students, postdoctoral fellows, and other recent graduates to the field of tribology. Click here for more information. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2018.

STLE App Challenge - Test Your Knowledge
(April 10, 2018)

The STLE Challenge is an ongoing contest for 2018 that asks players to answer tribology and lubrication-related questions. Every Monday new challenge questions will be available. Players must answer questions correctly to gain challenge points. The players with the top three scores at the end of each month will be selected as our challenge winners. Click here for details.

Upcoming Events

STLE Philadelphia Section Meeting
Oreland, PA | Nov. 15

STLE Lower Ohio Valley Region Education Event
Indianapolis, IN | Nov. 15

STLE Chicago Section Meeting
Willowbrook, IL | Nov. 15

STLE Alberta Section Meeting
Edmonton, AB, Canada | Nov. 19

STLE Hamilton Section Meeting
Hamilton, ON, Canada | Nov. 20

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