Dr Steve Barrett from the University of Liverpool, UK, has been studying
rare earth metals for 20 years. Here he explains how preparation of the
surface layer is crucial to the functionality of these scarce elements.
This article by Dr. M.Gee (NPL) and Dr.M.J.Neale (Neale Consulting Engineers) aims to provide introductory guidance on unlubricated sliding wear testing.
Surface engineered thin films have a great commercial importance in a wide range of applications including precision engineering, data storage, microelectronics, automotive and many others.
This paper from NPL discusses the importance of developing test methods for surface engineering that reproduce as closely as possible the actual conditions seen in service. The paper also discusses issues of trade-off between testing simplicity and replicating serives conditions and methods of establishing confidence in the test process and the data produced. The paper then goes on to outline the support services available to the surface engineer and briefly lists some standards and standards committees for surface engineering tests.