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.


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 May TLT - Digital Edition | TLT Archives

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 
FEATURED ARTICLE
The future of lubricating greases in the electric vehicle era
(posted on April 22, 2019)
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche curiosities. Although projections vary greatly, EVs are rapidly gaining a mainstream market worldwide. As with any burgeoning technology, the surrounding landscape also is shifting rapidly. Lithium, the key element in EV batteries, is making a parallel transition from specialty product to mainstream chemical. But lithium also is the key component in the most popular lubricating greases. How will the grease market need to adapt to life in the shadow of EVs? Read more >
COVER STORY
Can you grease a squeaky wheel and still stop a train? (posted on April 22, 2019)
Trains traverse the land, weaving disparate communities into a single fabric (1). Ubiquitous, their presence is usually marked by their metal wheels clacking along metal tracks. On long, straight, flat rails, metal meeting metal moves the train along at a constant speed easily and safely. But come upon a curve, a hill or the end of the line and circumstances change. A curve needs slip, a hill needs traction, trains must stop. Read more >
MARKETING TRENDS
Analysis: The global polyisobutylene market (posted on April 22, 2019)
Polyisobutylene (PIB) is a liquid or semisolid vinyl polymer formed by the cationic polymerization of isobutylene, but the raw materials also can include mixtures of isobutane and isobutylene and fractions of C4 hydrocarbons along with isobutylene. The C4 hydrocarbons are derived from naphtha of a crude oil refinery and also can be a derived from plants where natural gas is used as a feedstock.  Read more >
PRESIDENT'S REPORT 
Is it globalization or being global? (posted on April 22, 2019)
The question about what we are doing globally comes up more than you know. This is not only because it is exciting to consider interactions outside of your home country but also, as many of us work for global companies, we see the opportunity to extend our value proposition (Connect, Learn, Achieve) around the world. Therefore, I want to dedicate some space to explain what we have been doing (and not doing) globally. 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
STLE celebrates its 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.

STLE is looking for a few good volunteers
(Jan. 21, 2019)

STLE is currently seeking volunteers from the membership community, with the expertise and skills, to help the Society continue to improve upon its professional and technical resources to those in the lubrication field. If you're interested, please complete the STLE Volunteer Interest Form. Click here to view available volunteer opportunities for 2019.

Upcoming Events

Modern Materials & Manufacturing 2019
Tallin, Estonia | April 23-26

JIFT 2019
Tours, France | April 24-26

STLE Detroit Section Meeting
Southfield, MI | April 24

STLE Northern California Section Meeting
Oakland, CA | April 24

STLE Portland Section Meeting
Portland, OR | April 26

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