It's clear that abrasion testing is essential to evaluate how your product's material performs after wear and tear. However, there are various factors that can affect it, and just as many types of abrasion testing. So, what sets them apart? And which one should you be using?
Here, Qualitest, will guide you to look at the different types of abrasion tests and what makes each one unique. Stick with us until the end to gain insights into the current abrasion testing regulations in the U.S. as well.
What is Abrasion Testing?
Abrasion testing is an evaluation method used to assess the durability of materials against friction or rubbing. It is typically conducted to project a product’s quality over its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. This test applies to a wide range of materials, which is why there are several types of abrasion testing tailored to specific material categories.
The scope of materials covered by this test is quite broad, ranging from textiles and rubber to plastics and beyond. Abrasion testing is now widely adopted across various industries, not only by fabric manufacturers but also in the automotive, medical, and construction sectors.
While abrasion testing focuses on material wear caused by continuous rubbing or friction, it is often confused with surface roughness testing. Both evaluate surface changes, but in different ways. Surface roughness testing measures the texture and microscopic irregularities of a material’s (commonly for metal materials) surface, often after wear or machining.
The distinction can be subtle, especially when evaluating materials post-abrasion, which is why the two are sometimes hard to differentiate.
Surface roughness tests commonly use profilometers that can capture precise surface measurements. These instruments are available in both benchtop and portable versions. If your primary goal is to assess scratches, fine grooves, or surface texture after wear, a surface roughness test would be more appropriate.
Types of Abrasion Testing
There are several common types of abrasion testing, each developed to match the specific properties of materials and the nature of wear they experience. Let’s break them down to see what makes each one unique:
1. Rotary Drum Test
As the name suggests, this method involves placing the test sample inside a rotating drum lined with an abrasive surface. When the drum spins, either manually or with the help of a motor, the material experiences repeated contact and rubbing. This method tries to simulate long-term wear.
Also, the sample is typically weighed before and after the test to determine how much material was lost due to abrasion. It’s a simple yet effective way to test general wear resistance, especially for products exposed to rolling or tumbling forces.
2. Taber Abrasion Test
This test is performed using a Taber Abraser machine to assess how a material responds to rotary wear. The material is placed on a spinning platform, while two abrasive wheels apply constant pressure to its surface.
As the platform rotates, the wheels cause surface wear which is mimicking real friction. After a set number of cycles, the sample is inspected and weighed to measure material loss.Taber Abrasion Test is widely used across materials, including plastic, coatings, wood, and even metal due to its speed and accuracy.
3. Martindale Abrasion Test
Amongst the types of abrasion testing, this test is especially designed for testing fabrics. It evaluates how textiles perform under a mild and repetitive rubbing. The technique used here is by securing a sample on a flat surface, then rubbed in a circular motion using low-pressure abrasive pads.
Depending on the fabric type, the test may run for minutes or up to several hours. Today, Martindale is particularly popular in the carpet and upholstery industries because it offers consistent and repeatable results on thick or woven textiles.
4. Reciprocating Wear Test
It’s used to simulate back-and-forth movements that cause repetitive stress to the materials. Reciprocating Wear Test checks the wear resistance of parts that slide repeatedly, such as pistons, rails, or bearing surfaces.
The test involves a flat sample being rubbed against another surface in a linear motion over time. This continuous movement creates friction and wear, which allows you to evaluate both surface deformation and material loss.
5. Sand Slurry Abrasion Test
This testing method aims to evaluate material under slurry-based environments. Typically this test is practiced in construction, pipelines, or industrial machinery sectors.
During the test, the material is exposed to a pressurized mix of sand and water, which erodes the surface layer over time. This test helps to determine whether a material’s coating or base layer can withstand abrasive environments like dredging, mining, or coastal exposure.
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6. Flex Abrasion Test
This technique tests how materials respond when they’re flexed repeatedly against an abrasive surface. It’s especially useful for materials that undergo frequent bending or folding, such as flexible plastics, coated fabrics, or rubber parts. The abrasion is measured either by tracking weight loss or by examining the changes in surface texture.
7. Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Test
This test is used primarily to evaluate the strength and wear resistance of aggregates like gravel or crushed stone. LA Abrasion Test got its name after this testing method firstly performed in 1920 by a group of engineers in LA.
In this test, the sample is placed inside a rotating drum filled with steel balls. As the drum spins, the steel balls impact and grind the sample. The resulting dents and fractures are measured to assess the material’s durability. It’s a common method for road, bridge, and building material testing.
Related Content to Read: Why Material Testing Is Required: Key Reasons and Industry Benefits
Factors Affecting Abrasion Testing Results
The results of abrasion testing can vary significantly depending on several factors. Below are some of the most critical factors that can affect your abrasion test results:
- Test Method and Standard Selection: Choosing the right testing method is the foundation of accurate results. Many industries already have preferred and standardized methods outlined by organizations such as ASTM International or ISO.
- Apparatus Design and Test Equipment: The design of the testing instrument directly impacts the outcome. Variations in machine setup, including the type of abrasion wheel, movement pattern, and specimen holder can influence the amount and pattern of wear.
- Material Pairing: The hardness and texture of the abrasive element all contribute to how the test material wears down. For example, using a coarser grit will result in more aggressive wear than a fine-grit surface.
- Contact Geometry and Pressure: How the test material makes contact with the abrasive surface affects the distribution of pressure and the wear pattern. Higher loads typically increase the rate of wear, but may also introduce unintended deformation.
- Sliding Speed and Motion Type: Faster speeds may increase heat and accelerate wear, while different motion types can mimic various real wear conditions. Adjusting this parameter helps model your test more closely to actual product use.
How to Choose the Right Abrasion Test?
Now that you have learned some common types of abrasion testing, which one is suitable for your project? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Define The Use Case
Begin by clearly identifying how your product or material will be used. Will it experience rubbing, sliding, or exposure to harsh conditions?
2. Check The Industry Standards
Refer to testing standards recommended by your industry or region. If a standard exists, that should be your starting point.
3. Consider The Test Objective
Ask yourself: are you looking to rank material options or replicate field performance? If you only need comparative data, a simplified or convenient test might be enough. But for deeper R&D or product certification, you’ll need a more precise and application-specific approach.
4. Assess The Resources
Some abrasion testers require an investment in equipment and time. Evaluate whether your lab has the tools, expertise, and time required to conduct the test consistently.
5. Ensure Repeatability and Consistency
Whichever method you choose, make sure the test can be repeated under the same conditions to deliver consistent results. Consider how easily the test can be standardized in your workflow to maintain accuracy over time.
Related Content to Read: Top Material Testing Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors and How to Prevent Them
Abrasion Testing Standards and Regulations in the U.S.
In the U.S., types of abrasion testing is widely practiced across various industry sectors, including automotive, construction, and medical devices. To maintain consistency and credibility, many manufacturers and labs rely on standardized procedures developed by organizations such as ASTM International and ISO.
For instance, ASTM D3884 outlines procedures for the Taber Abrasion Test, while ASTM D4966 covers the Martindale method, they both are commonly used in textile and coating evaluations. Other standards, like ASTM C131 are used in construction to assess aggregate toughness through the Los Angeles Abrasion Test.
Final Thought
Hopefully this article is able to help you better understand the different types of abrasion testing and how to choose the method that best fits your project needs.
To test with confidence, use high-quality equipment like the abrasion testers by Qualitest. Our machines are recognized for their precision and reliability, and they comply with both U.S. and international standards.
Contact us to find the most suitable tester for your application and check the product availability today.
