ASTM G176-03 Block-on-Ring

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Standard Test Method for Ranking Resistance of Plastics to Sliding Wear

in Block-on-Ring Wear Test (Cumulative Wear Method) Using Micro-Tribometer mod.
UMT-2
ASTM G176-03
Summary of Test Method:
This test method covers the procedure for determining sliding wear of plastic materials using the block-on
ring geometry. A stationary block specimen is pressed with a constant force against a rotating ring specimen
at 90 to the rings axis of rotation. Friction between the sliding surfaces of the block and ring results in loss of
material from both pieces. Many materials can be fabricated into blocks and rings, however the standards
emphasis is on plastics. The test may be run with different gaseous atmospheres and elevated temperatures to
simulate the service conditions. The standard lists typical parameters:
Ring dimensions 35 mm dia. x 8.7 mm width
Block dimensions 6.35 mm x 10.2 mm x 15.8 mm
Normal load 44.3 N
Velocity 200 rpm
Duration 20 hrs
Wear test results are reported as the volume loss in cubic millimeters for both the block and ring. . The UMT-2
can additionally measure in-situ (during the test) dynamic wear depth, friction force and coefficient.
Additionally, acoustic emission and temperature can be measured. The following is a typical test setup.
UMT Hardware Configuration:

4 Mounting Block PN M30C116

Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor
- range 1 to 100 N
Upper Specimen Holder for Blocks
- for sensors mod. DFH
Suspension with Linear Guide
Upper Specimen Test Block
Lower Block-on-Ring Drive
. BHHM
Lower Specimen Test Ring
Optional Additional Sensors
- mod. AE-5 Contact Acoustic Emission Detector
- mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording
- mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file which contains settings for the block-on-ring drive and the 100 N force/load sensor.

Test Sequence:

The Test Sequence should consist of 2 sheets.

Sheet 1 is for settling time for the carriage to establish the initial normal load.
Carriage - applies a 44.3 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.
Spindle Velocity is 0 revs/min.
Slider is idle.
Sheet 2 is the wear-life test period
Carriage - applies a 44.3 N Constant Force for a Duration of 20 hrs.

http://www.cetr.com/ASTM_Standard/ASTM%20G176-03%20Block-on-Ring.htm

2/12/2012

ASTM G176-03 Block-on-Ring

Page 2 of 2

Spindle Velocity is 200 revs/min, Move-Continuous, and Direction- Counterclockwise

Slider
is idle.

Data Collection:

The following should be checked under DataFile:

Fx Friction Force
Fz Normal Force
T Time
Z1 Carriage Position (Used to determine Wear Depth)
AE input Acoustic Emission (optional)
Te input Temperature (optional)

Report:
Use the Viewer program to plot test results.
Select the parameters to be displayed by checking
the appropriate box under Parameters on the Viewer screen.

http://www.cetr.com/ASTM_Standard/ASTM%20G176-03%20Block-on-Ring.htm

2/12/2012