The lubricant and implants influence above tribological behaviour at three cone bits bearings

Sliding bearings at three cone bits are lubricated in heavy conditions. To improve tribological behaviour, samples of bearing materials were made with implants with antifriction materials having different rapports between the implant and free base material in the presence of different greases. Tests made on a CSM microtribometer and on an Amsler A135 were to establish the proper implant rapport, measuring friction coefficient, and wear. The behaviour of the greases containing P.T.F.E was also established. In a second phase of the tests was designed and realised a device for testing three cone bits bearings at real axial loads. A SPIDER 8 device and inductive traducers were used to establish the friction coefficients and the temperature on the friction surface, depending on implants’ dimensions and grease lubricant type.