COMPEND , with its assorted interfaces, was designed to be a general purpose, software configurable, control and data acquisition system. During its lifetime, it has been used for controlling everything from tribometers to engine test beds and large transmission rigs.
By maintaining ownership and control of both software and hardware, we have been able to ensure forward and backward compatibility, allowing us to extend product life by many years. Eventually, however, electronic components become obsolete and it is then time for a complete electronic update. Not all manufacturers are willing to offer this service, however, many machines remain mechanically sound long after the electronics have ceased to be supported, so are often worth saving.
Over the last fifteen years we have upgraded and refurbished more than sixty tribometers, returning them to useful service. Of these, 60% have been our own products and mostly TE 77 machines, however 40% have been machines from other manufacturers, including numerous Falex block on ring machines.
We have also upgraded a CSM pin on disc machine, including provision of a new friction force transducer. We are currently working on upgrade packages for both the CETR UMT and the Optimol machine.
