The South African Institute of Tribology

The South African Institute of Tribology 'Understanding Friction, Lubrication & Wear'
"knowledge in friction and wear to achieve a lower TCO"

In 1983 a group of industrialists and researchers, concerned with the extent of tribological wear in South Africa, convened and formed the 'Wear Society'. Following a number of presentations on a wide range of subjects, the South African Institute of Tribology was formally launched on 29 March 1985. From these modest and early beginnings, the SAIT has grown into a significant and active member of

the Southern African engineering community. Having established technical transfer through technical meetings, mini-seminars and plant visits, the main objective of SAIT was put into operation by the introduction of training courses, on the principles and technology of lubrication and materials. The knowledge gained by over 2 500 students, who have attended the courses, has been put into practice back in industry. In addition to the training courses, the SAIT holds regular international tribology conferences, and also one day seminars on topics of interest in the lubrication and materials fields. These seminars have proved to be of great interest and benefit to industry. The SAIT is a member of the world tribology body The International Tribology Council (ITC), based in UK, and has a working agreement with the Society for Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE) of United States. The SAIT is committed to improving and expanding its services to meet the changing needs of Southern Africa.

El Niño & Tribology: Changing Operating Conditions, Greater Focus on ReliabilityEl Niño can influence regional temperatu...
09/09/2026

El Niño & Tribology: Changing Operating Conditions, Greater Focus on Reliability

El Niño can influence regional temperature and rainfall patterns, creating changing operating conditions that may present new challenges for lubrication, contamination control and equipment reliability.

For industries operating across Southern Africa, these conditions can have important tribological implications:

• Elevated temperatures can reduce lubricant viscosity and accelerate oxidation, potentially affecting lubricant film strength and service life.
• Drier and dustier conditions can increase airborne contamination, contributing to abrasive wear, filter loading and lubricant degradation.
• Rainfall variability and water ingress can introduce moisture into oils and greases, increasing the risk of corrosion and reduced lubrication effectiveness.
• Humidity and condensation can contribute to water contamination, corrosion and changes in lubricant performance.

For mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and transport, changing operating conditions reinforce the importance of correct lubricant selection, contamination control, condition monitoring and effective lubrication management.

Good tribology means understanding not only the machine and lubricant but also the environment in which they operate.

People | Knowledge | A More Reliable Tomorrow

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real indust...
07/09/2026

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real industrial applications.

The course covers lubrication chemistry, friction, correct application, safety, and lubrication management. It supports better equipment reliability, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency.

Our Lubrication Engineering Advanced LE-A Courses are ECSA Category 1 CPD credits accredited by SAIMENA 00345 5 CPD Credits.

Date: 12 to 16 October 2026
Time: 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Benvenuto Hotel & Conference Centre, Johannesburg

Registration closes: 21 September 2026

Register online at www.sait.org.za/training or email [email protected].
Information pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-12-16-October-JHB-Info-2.pdf
Registration form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-JHB-Reg-Form.pdf

The Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) invites you to attend our upcoming technical webinar:Driving Reliabil...
01/09/2026

The Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) invites you to attend our upcoming technical webinar:

Driving Reliability Through Effective Lubrication Programs
Presenter: Henco Booysen
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 18:00–19:00 SAST
Platform: Microsoft Teams

Join Henco Booysen from SAIT for a practical discussion on improving equipment reliability through effective lubrication practices.

The webinar will cover the complete lubrication process, from the storeroom to the point of use, with a focus on contamination control, proper lubricant management, and moving beyond a culture of cheap hydraulics.

A valuable session for engineers, maintenance professionals, and anyone responsible for equipment reliability.

Please register using the link below:

52a9edad-805e-46f1-9471-54420d6892c7@09838c6f-58a5-4983-8bd6-685c668728a5" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/52a9edad-805e-46f1-9471-54420d6892c7@09838c6f-58a5-4983-8bd6-685c668728a5

Important: After registering, you will receive an automated confirmation email from Microsoft Teams containing your unique webinar join link.

Please check your Junk/Spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox, and mark the message as Not Junk.

We look forward to welcoming you to this informative SAIT technical session.

Kind regards,
Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT)

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real indust...
01/09/2026

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real industrial applications.

The course covers lubrication chemistry, friction, correct application, safety, and lubrication management. It supports better equipment reliability, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency.

Our Lubrication Engineering Advanced LE-A Courses are ECSA Category 1 CPD credits accredited by SAIMENA 00345 5 CPD Credits.

Date: 12 to 16 October 2026
Time: 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Benvenuto Hotel & Conference Centre, Johannesburg

Registration closes: 21 September 2026
Register online at www.sait.org.za/training or email [email protected].

Information pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-12-16-October-JHB-Info-2.pdf
Registration form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-JHB-Reg-Form.pdf

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real indust...
27/08/2026

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real industrial applications.
The course covers lubrication chemistry, friction, correct application, safety, and lubrication management. It supports better equipment reliability, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency.
Our Lubrication Engineering Advanced LE-A Courses are ECSA Category 1 CPD credits accredited by SAIMENA 00345 5 CPD Credits.
Date: 12 to 16 October 2026
Time: 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Benvenuto Hotel & Conference Centre, Johannesburg
Registration closes: 21 September 2026
Register online at www.sait.org.za/training or email [email protected].
Information pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-12-16-October-JHB-Info-2.pdf
Registration form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-JHB-Reg-Form.pdf

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real indust...
17/08/2026

Join the Lubrication Engineering Advanced Course LE A 155 and build a stronger understanding of tribology in real industrial applications.

The course covers lubrication chemistry, friction, correct application, safety and lubrication management. It supports better equipment reliability, maintenance planning and operational efficiency.

Our Lubrication Engineering Advanced LE-A Courses are ECSA Category 1 CPD credits accredited by SAIMENA 00345 5 CPD Credits.

Date: 12 to 16 October 2026
Time: 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Benvenuto Hotel & Conference Centre, Johannesburg

Registration closes: 21 September 2026
Register online at www.sait.org.za/training or email [email protected]

Information pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-12-16-October-JHB-Info-2.pdf
Registration form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lubrication-Engineering-Advanced-LE-A-155-JHB-Reg-Form.pdf

Tribology in Aviation: Small Contact Areas, Critical ConsequencesEvery aircraft depends on controlled friction, wear and...
24/06/2026

Tribology in Aviation: Small Contact Areas, Critical Consequences

Every aircraft depends on controlled friction, wear and lubrication.

From jet engine bearings and landing gear systems to hydraulic actuators, gearboxes, wheel bearings and control mechanisms, tribology plays a direct role in aviation safety, reliability and efficiency.

In aircraft, lubricants must operate under demanding conditions, including:
• High rotational speeds
• Wide temperature ranges
• Heavy loads during take-off and landing
• Oxidation stress
• Vibration and shock loading
• Strict cleanliness and contamination control requirements

A small lubrication failure in the wrong component can lead to excessive wear, heat generation, loss of efficiency or mechanical failure. This is why aviation lubrication requires carefully selected fluids, disciplined maintenance practices, condition monitoring and a strong understanding of tribological principles.

Tribology is not only about reducing friction. It is about protecting critical components, extending service life, improving energy efficiency and supporting safe operation.

At The Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT), we promote the science and practical application of friction, wear and lubrication across industries where reliability matters.

Learn more: www.sait.org.za

SAIT Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006SAIT will be hosting the **Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 0...
18/06/2026

SAIT Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006

SAIT will be hosting the **Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006** from **13 to 15 July 2026** in Randburg.

This 3-day course is designed to give participants a practical basic understanding of tribology from a lubrication engineering perspective. It covers the fundamentals of rubbing contact, friction, wear and lubrication in automotive and industrial applications.

This is a valuable course for maintenance teams, technical personnel, reliability engineers, sales engineers, lubricant representatives and anyone involved in machinery lubrication.

**Course details**

Date: 13 to 15 July 2026
Time: 08:30 to 16:00
Venue: Benvenuto, 1 Pitsani Road, Kelland, Randburg, 2194
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/auaBeNfgsFgA3FEx8

SAIT courses are ECSA CPD accredited.
The Basic Course carries **2.5 CPD credits**.

Register online: [www.sait.org.za/training](http://www.sait.org.za/training)
Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Information Pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Basic-LE-B-006-3-Day-Course-Info-26-1.pdf

Registration Form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lubrication-Engineering-Basic-LE-B-006-13-15-July-26-Reg-Form.pdf

SAIT Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006SAIT will be hosting the Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006...
09/06/2026

SAIT Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006

SAIT will be hosting the Lubrication Engineering Basic Course LE B 006 from 13 to 15 July 2026 in Randburg.

This course is designed to give participants a basic understanding of tribology from a lubrication engineering perspective. It covers the fundamentals of rubbing contact, friction and lubrication in automotive and industrial applications.

Course details
Date: 13 to 15 July 2026
Time: 08:30 to 16:00
Venue: Benvenuto, 1 Pitsani Road, Kelland, Randburg, 2194
https://maps.app.goo.gl/auaBeNfgsFgA3FEx8

SAIT courses are ECSA CPD accredited.
The Basic Course carries 2.5 CPD credits.

Register online at www.sait.org.za/training
or email [email protected]

Information Pack:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SAIT-Lubrication-Engineering-Basic-LE-B-006-3-Day-Course-Info-26.pdf
Registration Form:
https://www.sait.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lubrication-Engineering-Basic-LE-B-006-13-15-July-26-Reg-Form.pdf

Tribology in Marine PerformanceWhere water, speed, load and surfaces interact, tribology is at work.In speedboats and ma...
09/06/2026

Tribology in Marine Performance

Where water, speed, load and surfaces interact, tribology is at work.

In speedboats and marine systems, friction, wear, lubrication and surface conditions all play a role in performance and reliability. These factors can influence hull drag, propeller cavitation, shaft bearings, seals, gearboxes and engine protection.

Marine performance is not only about power. It is also about controlling friction, reducing wear and understanding how surfaces behave under demanding operating conditions.

At SAIT, we continue to promote a better understanding of tribology across industries where reliability, efficiency and component protection matter.

Improve marine reliability through better tribology and lubrication understanding.

Address

9 Swazi Road
Sandton
2125

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00
Thursday 09:00 - 15:00

Telephone

+27118043710

Website

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