ASTM G137-97(2003)

The specific wear rates determined by this test method can be used as a guide in ranking the wear resistance of plastic materials. The specific wear rate is not a material property and will therefore differ with test conditions and test geometries. The significance of this test will depend on the relative similarity to the actual service conditions.

This test method seeks only to describe the general test procedure and the procedure for calculating and reporting data.

Note 2—This test configuration allows steady state specific wear rates to be achieved very quickly through the use of high loads and speeds. The thrust washer configuration described in Test Method D 3702 does not allow for the use of such high speeds and loads because of possible overheating (which may cause degradation or melting, or both) of the specimen. Despite the differences in testing configurations, a good correlation in the ranking of wear resistance is achieved between the two tests (Table X2.1).

1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure to measure the resistance of plastic materials under dry sliding conditions. The test utilizes a block-on-ring geometry to rank materials according to their sliding wear characteristics under various conditions.

1.2 The test specimens are small so that they can be molded or cut from fabricated plastic parts. The test may be run at the load, velocity, and temperature which simulate the service condition.

1.3 Wear test results are reported as specific wear rates calculated from volume loss, sliding distance, and load. Materials with superior wear resistance have lower specific wear rates.

1.4 This test method allows the use of both single- and multi-station apparatus to determine the specific wear rates.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.