About PCS Instruments

PCS Instruments are global leaders in the tribology test equipment industry. Established in 1987, we design and manufacture cutting edge instruments for analysing the properties of lubricants and fuels.

Our instruments give researchers the tools to benchmark their products against market leading brands, and play a pivotal role in the development of world class lubricants, materials and formulations.

We have a worldwide client base, spanning over 100 countries, of users performing to ISO and ASTM test methods as well as specialised tribology research in a wide range of industries.

We support our products either directly from the UK or through our extensive network of trained distributors, which ensures all our customers receive fast, reliable service and support.

Our mission is to develop and supply the most innovative tribology research equipment, to help our customers provide market-leading products & services.

Why choose PCS Instruments

Compact, benchtop and highly automated, our instruments require minimal lab space and user intervention.

Intuitive software applications make defining and running different test profiles a straightforward task.

Simple test setup and calibration procedures help users to produce fast, repeatable results and reduce training time.

Test data can be easily imported into other applications for further analysis.

Tribology Key Elements

Friction

The resistance that one object encounters when sliding over another.

Wear

The damaging, gradual removal of material at contacting solid surfaces in relative motion.

Lubrication

The process of introducing a substance to reduce friction and wear between surfaces in contact.

Unlock Better Performance with Proven Tribological Solutions

Enhance your operations with cutting-edge tribology solutions designed to improve efficiency, optimise performance, and tackle complex engineering challenges effectively.

Our Timeline

1987
PCS began as a consultancy company formed by a group of academic and post grad students from the Tribology department of Imperial college.
1994
HFRR launched
First EHD sold
1995
Clive & John, Technical Director and Managing Director of PCS, moved into an office in Albert Court, adjacent to Royal Albert hall
1996
CEC F- 06 – A-96 published and includes PCS' HFRR instrument
MTM launched
1997
ISO 12156 - First ISO diesel fuel lubricity standard First full time employee, Matthew, joins PCS and is still with PCS today Relocation to Warple Way, West London
Exhibited at WTC, London
1998
Exhibited at STLE conference for the first time
1999
MPR launched
2000
JBM launched
ABS launched
2001
Relocation to 78 Stanley Gardens, West London to accommodate expanding business
2002
ABSSL launched
2003
New control unit on HFR2
2005
USV launched
2008
ASTM jet fuel lubricity standard (ASTM D5001) approved
2009
EHD2 launched
MTM2 launched
2012
25 years of trading
2013
Due to further expansion acquired additional premises in Stanley Gardens
2015
Opening of the Marketing suite
2016
Sponsors of BioTribology conference at Imperial College
2017
30th Anniversary
2018
TCU launched
2019
ETM launched
FES launched
2022
EHD-HS launched
Ingram Roots Lubricity Rating System (IRLRS) launched
PCS App launched
2023
MTM-EC launched
HPR launched
2024
Sleeker HFRR launched

PCS Core Values

Innovation

We are a world-leading tribology company dedicated to providing the most advanced products, processes and services.

Integrity

We operate our business to the highest level of quality and ethical standards.

Customer Focus

We partner with our customers and share our expertise to exceed their expectations and achieve sustainability goals.

Client Testimonials

With PCS being such an approachable company, it was easy to discuss my research needs for soft tissue interactions. PCS were able to help us to select the most appropriate testing set-up to allow for bespoke adaptions to be made by our team allowing us to push forward with our research.

Dr Sarah Crossland

Independent Researcher, University of Hull

We use test data from our PCS machines to develop high-performance cost-effective products. I prefer PCS machines for my Tribological work. I really appreciate the exceptional customer service that we receive from PCS on instruments, specimens, and maintenance. We now started working on EV specific products from PCS: EHD-HD and MTM-EC.

Anant Kolekar

Chief Scientist & Tribologist, Valvoline Global Operations

We will keep using PCS machines because PCS equipment is becoming the industry standard, i.e., OEMs specifically ask lubricant suppliers to get data by using PCS equipment. I’ve learned quite a lot about PCS machines during my PhD in Imperial College London. This makes me more confident to set a condition using PCS equipment to simulate a particular phenomenon such as mild wear, scuffing and pitting.

Mao Ueda

Project Leader, Shell Lubricants Japan

I have continued to use PCS instruments during the length of my career as a tribologist. We have various rigs from various manufacturers in our labs at Southwest Research Institute including two MTMs, a HFRR and hope to soon be placing an order for an MPR and an EHD-HS.

Dr Peter Lee

Institute Engineer & Chief Tribologist, Southwest Research Institute

PCS machines have a robust operating range for our use cases, but more importantly, the tool allows our team confidence that our results are repeatable and scientifically sound.

Parker LaMascus

Doctoral Candidate, University of Pennsylvania Department of Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics

I am committed to maintaining my use of PCS instruments in my work. PCS ranks among my favourite companies, leaving a lasting impression that I frequently reflect upon. Their support and the collaborative environment have been instrumental in my success.

Pourya Parsaeian

Senior Technologist and Project Manager, BP

chevron-down