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 August TLT - Digital Edition | TLT Archives

In the Spotlight

FEATURED ARTICLE
Countdown to GF-6
(posted on July 17, 2018)
Formulators are collaborating feverishly to avoid further delays and eliminate inefficiencies for future categories. Read More >



LUBRICATION FUNDAMENTALS

Antioxidants: The challenge for additive manufacturing (posted on July 17, 2018)
Formulators are tasked with reducing oxidation with fewer choices in their chemical toolbox. 
Read More >

20 MINUTES WITH...
Lars-Erik Stacke
 
(posted on July 17, 2018)
This SKF engineer discusses advances in simulation technology—and why the lubricant’s influence on the bearing performance still is not fully understood. Read More >

PRESIDENT'S REPORT 
How to keep sane in the work force (posted on July 17, 2018)
Four rules for keeping cool, staying sharp and feeling fulfilled. 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 STLE Foundations of Lubrication Engineering Course on Oct. 3
(July 19, 2018)

STLE's Foundations of Lubrication Engineering Course is a one-day program that covers the first seven key subject areas in STLE's Lubrication Specialist Learning Path. The course will take place on Oct. 3 at the Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Airport in College Park, GA. Click here for details and to register.

Align your company with an industry gem - Sponsor the 2018 STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference
(July 17, 2018)

STLE once again is taking a look into the future of tribology with its Annual Fall Meeting, 2018 Tribology Frontiers Conference, Oct. 28-31 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL. Your company can help support this exciting industry event while gaining maximum exposure and a heightened profile amongst leaders in the lubrication technology field. Click here for details on sponsorship opportunities.

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 Cleveland Section Golf Outing
Medina, OH | Aug. 6

US Base Oils & Lubricants Summit
Des Moines, IA | Aug. 22-23

STLE Certification Exam

Wichita, KS | Aug. 23

STLE Certification Exam
Middleburg Heights, OH | Aug. 31

Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology
Leeds, United Kingdom | Sept. 4-7

BFPA International Conference on Managing Fluid & Lubricant Contamination
Bath, United Kingdom | Sept. 10-11

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