STLE 2026 brought together the tribology and lubricant community for a week of technical discussion, customer conversations and insight into the applications shaping the future of testing.

Representing PCS Instruments this year were Tom Welham, R&D Manager, Dr Kieran Nar, Applications Development Engineer, Dr Simon Quinn, Applications Development Manager, and Dr Boumedienne Boudjelida, Global Head of Sales.

Across the exhibition, technical programme and wider event, one theme came through clearly: tribological testing continues to evolve as applications become more demanding, more specific and more closely tied to real operating conditions.

Conversations Across the Community

Throughout the week, the PCS Instruments team had a steady flow of conversations with customers, collaborators and those newer to tribology.

Many discussions centred around the types of tests and measurements best suited to specific applications. These conversations highlighted not only the flexibility of our instruments, but also the ingenuity of the people using them to investigate complex and highly application-specific challenges.

It was particularly rewarding to hear first-hand how PCS Instruments are being used in laboratories around the world, from established lubricant testing and formulation work to newer areas of research where operating conditions are still being defined.

The event also offered a valuable opportunity to reconnect with regular STLE attendees and meet newer members of the community, including those just beginning their tribology journey. For newer members of the PCS Instruments team, STLE provided an immediate introduction to the quality of the technical programme, the openness of the community and the positive feedback from customers using PCS instruments in their work.

Technical Themes from the Event

The technical programme offered plenty of insight into the questions currently shaping tribology and lubricant research.

EV lubrication remained a strong area of interest, particularly around how lubricants, surfaces and test methods need to adapt as electric drivetrains continue to place new demands on performance, efficiency and reliability.

New formulations, novel measurement techniques and faster ways to validate lubricant performance were also recurring themes. Across multiple conversations, it was clear that researchers and engineers are looking for test methods that can provide meaningful, reliable data while better reflecting the conditions seen in real applications.

Marine lubricants were another key topic, with the keynote talk offering valuable perspective on the challenges and requirements facing this area. Space lubricants also stood out as a particularly interesting subject, highlighting the unique demands of harsh environments where conventional assumptions around lubrication, materials and reliability may not always apply.

Supporting Application-Led Testing

A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to match testing more closely to application requirements.

As customers continue to explore new environments, new formulations and new operating conditions, the question is no longer simply whether a lubricant performs well in a standard test. Increasingly, the focus is on whether a test can generate data that is relevant, repeatable and useful for the specific system being studied.

This came through clearly in conversations at the PCS Instruments booth. Customers were interested in how our instruments can support both established test methods and more tailored approaches, helping them better understand friction, wear, film formation and lubricant behaviour under conditions that matter to their own applications.

These discussions also reinforced the importance of flexibility. From customers using existing instruments in new ways to those looking to extend their testing capabilities, STLE showed how much of today’s tribology work is being driven by application-specific questions.

The Wider STLE Community

Beyond the technical sessions and booth conversations, STLE 2026 was also a reminder of the strength of the wider tribology community.

The event brought together industry, academia, experienced researchers, students and those newly entering the field. Discussions around regional sections, STEM teaching in schools and wider community activity showed how much work is being done to support the next generation of tribologists.

That open and collaborative atmosphere was felt throughout the week. Whether speaking with long-standing customers, first-time attendees or researchers exploring new areas of tribology, the event encouraged useful conversations and genuine technical exchange.

Beyond the Booth

Of course, no STLE week is made up of technical sessions alone.

Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, the team also had the chance to experience New Orleans, from city views and evening walks to some memorable Cajun food. The seafood may have required bibs and gloves, but by all accounts, it was worth the mess.

Moments like these are part of what makes STLE such a valuable event. It is not only a place for technical discussion, but also a space for building relationships, continuing conversations and strengthening the community around tribology.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined a conversation or took the time to share their work with the PCS Instruments team.

STLE continues to be an important space for technical exchange, collaboration and community, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event in Chicago.