Pin Abrasion Testing

 Using the Micro-Tribometer mod. UMT-2

ASTM G132-96

Test method for determining the wear resistance of a pin of test material during sliding on an abrasive cloth, paper, or plastic film using the UMT in a pin-on-disk configuration, pin-on-drum configuration, and pin-on-flat (x-y) configuration.

Summary of Test Method:

In this test method the pin upper specimen is perpendicular to and sliding against the abrasive surface of a lower specimen which is mounted on either a flat circular disk, or a cylindrical of a drum, or a flat lateral positioning table. The wear track of the pin is a continuous, non-overlapping path such as a spiral, a helix, or a square wave.

The UMT applies the load vertically downward with a motor driven carriage that uses a force/load sensor for feedback to maintain a constant load. The UMT allows for monitoring during the test the actual dynamic normal load, friction force and friction coefficient, and depth of wear. Optionally, it can measure additional parameters of contact acoustic emission and temperature.

ASTM G132-96 does not specify test parameters such as rpm, load, or test duration, but lists typical parameters.

Typical Test Results

The Viewer software program is used to plot test results. The recorded parameters are displayed by checking the appropriate boxes such WR for wear and COF for coefficient of friction under Parameters on the Viewer screen.

Described on the following pages are six possible UMT configurations for performing this test:

Non-rotating Pin on Rotating Disk

Rotating Pin on Rotating Disk

Non-rotating Pin on Rotating Drum

Rotating Pin on Rotating Disk

Non-rotating Pin on Flat

Rotating Pin on Flat

The configurations used in these examples are just a few of the many possible combinations of friction/load sensor, rotational drive, specimen holder, and specimens.

Non-Rotating Pin-on-Disk Test Method:

This test method uses a lower rotational drive with a 6” diameter specimen table on which an abrasive disk is fastened. While the lower drive rotates, the pin is slid across the abrasive disk with the x-axis stage. The wear track of the pin is a continuous, non-overlapping spiral path. The UMT automatically varies the rpm of the lower specimen and the velocity of the x-axis stage to maintain a constant translational speed between the pin and the disk.

UMT Hardware Configuration for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Disk:

·         4” Mounting Block – PN M30C116

·         Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor

-          range 1 N to 100 N

·         Suspension with Linear Guide-AM30C110D-2

·         1/4” Pin Holder –AM30B264B

                  -    for sensors mod. DFH

·         416 Stainless Steel Pin, Dia. 1/4”, Length 0.5”

               -    PN BM110006

·         Lapping Disk, Dia. 6”, 3.0 micron Alumina particles

·         Medium Torque Rotation Drive

-          Mod. SHHME

·         Adapter Table, Dia. 6”

-          PN M30D089B

·         Optional Additional Sensors

 - mod AE-5 Acoustic Emissions Sensor

 -     mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording

-         mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Disk:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file that contains settings for the Medium Torque Rotational Motion Drive and the 100 N force/load sensor.

Use the Semi-Automatic Mode to pre-position the x-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the center of rotation of the lower specimen. This will be the start of a non-overlapping  spiral wear track with a length of  3 meters. The track radius expands by 6.35mm per revolution. The translational velocity is constant at 40 mm/sec.

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 -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.

     Spindle  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Stage     – is idle.

Sheet 2 is a 100 sec. period

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 75 seconds.

     Spindle   – Velocity is 2400 mm /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Stage      – Working Velocity is 6.35 mm/rev. spindle 1, Initial Positioning Velocity is 2 mm/sec.,

                         and Position is Absolute from 5 mm to 75 mm. Check Move Immediately.

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)

    Te – Temperature (optional)

AE – Acoustic Emission (optional)

Rotating Pin-on-Disk Test Method:

This test method uses a lower rotational drive with a 6” diameter specimen table on which an abrasive disk is fastened. The pin is attached to the upper rotational drive. While the upper and lower drives rotate, the pin is slid across the abrasive disk with the x-axis stage. The wear track of the pin is a continuous, non-overlapping spiral path. The UMT automatically varies the rpm of the lower specimen and the velocity of the x-axis stage to maintain a constant translational speed between the pin and the disk. The upper rotational drive spins at a constant rpm. Because the pin is rotating, its wear is typically greater than that in the previous non-rotating pin test.

UMT Hardware Configuration for Rotating Pin-on-Disk:

·         Model USMHH Upper Rotational Drive

·         Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor

                   (internal to Upper Rotational Drive)

-          range 1 N to 100 N

·         Suspension with Linear Guide-AM30C110D-2

·         1/4” Pin Holder –AM30B264B

                  -    for sensors mod. DFH

·         416 Stainless Steel Pin, Dia. 1/4”, Length 0.5”

               -    PN BM110006

·         Lapping Disk, Dia. 6”, 3.0 micron Alumina particles

·         Medium Torque Rotation Drive

-          Mod. SHHME

·         Adapter Table, Dia. 6”

-          PN M30D089B

·         Optional Additional Sensors

 -     mod AE-5 Acoustic Emissions Sensor

 -     mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording

-         mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup for Rotating Pin-on-Disk:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file that contains settings for the Medium Torque Rotational Motion Drive for spindle 1,  and the Upper Rotational Drive with internal 100 N force/load sensor for spindle 2.

Use the Semi-Automatic Mode to pre-position the x-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the center of rotation of the lower specimen. This will be the start of a non-overlapping  spiral wear track with a length of  3 m. The track radius expands by 6.35mm per revolution. The translational velocity is constant at 40 mm/s.

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 -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.

     Spindle1  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Spindle2  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Stage     – is idle.

Sheet 2 is a 100 sec. period

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 75 seconds.

     Spindle1   – Velocity is 2400 mm /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Spindle2   – Velocity is 20 rev /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Stage      – Working Velocity is 6.35 mm/rev. spindle 1, Initial Positioning Velocity is 2 mm/sec.,

                         and Position is Absolute from 5 mm to 75 mm. Check Move Immediately.

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)

    Te – Temperature (optional)

AE – Acoustic Emission (optional)

Non-Rotating Pin-on-Drum Test Method:

This test method involves a pin upper specimen that slides against an abrasive surface of a drum mounted on a lower block-on-ring drive. While the lower drive rotates, the pin is slid across the abrasive surface with the x-axis stage. The  rpm of the lower drive and velocity of the upper specimen are constant. The wear track of the pin is a continuous, non-overlapping helix.

UMT Hardware Configuration for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Drum:

·         4” Mounting Block – PN M30C116

·         Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor

-          range 1 N to 100 N

·         Suspension with Linear Guide-AM30C110D-2

·         1/4” Pin Holder –AM30B264B

                  -     for sensors mod. DFH

·         416 Stainless Steel Pin, Dia. 1/4”, Length 0.5”

               -     PN BM110006

·         Drum, Dia. 110mm, Length 80mm

·         Block-on-Ring Drive

-          Mod. BHHM

·         Optional Additional Sensors

 -     mod AE-5 Acoustic Emissions Sensor

 -     mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording

-         mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Drum:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file that contains settings for the Block-on-Ring Drive and the 100 N force/load sensor.

Use the Semi-Automatic Mode to pre-position the x-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the right hand edge of the drum. This will be the start of a non-overlapping  wear track with a length of  4 m. The x-stage moves to the left by 6.5mm per revolution of the drum. The translational  velocity is constant at 40 mm/s.

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 -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.

     Spindle  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Stage     – is idle.

Sheet 2 is a 100 sec. period

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 100 seconds.

     Spindle   – Velocity is 6.95 rev. /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Stage      – Working Velocity is .75 mm/sec., Initial Positioning Velocity is 2 mm/sec., and Position is Increment Offset 75 mm., Check Move Immediately, Direction Left.

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)

    Te – Temperature (optional)

AE – Acoustic Emission (optional)

Rotating Pin-on-Drum Test Method:

This test method involves a rotating pin upper specimen that slides against an abrasive surface of a drum mounted on a lower block-on-ring drive. The pin is attached to the upper rotational drive. While the upper and lower drives rotate, the pin is slid across the abrasive drum with the x-axis stage. The  rpm of the upper and lower drives and the velocity of the x-axis stage are constant. The wear track of the pin is a continuous, non-overlapping helix. Because the pin is rotating, its wear is typically greater than that in the previous non-rotating pin test.

UMT Hardware Configuration for Rotating Pin-on-Drum:

·         Model USMHH Upper Rotational Drive

·         Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor

                   (internal to Upper Rotational Drive)

-          range 1 N to 100 N

·         Suspension with Linear Guide-AM30C110D-2

·         1/4” Pin Holder –AM30B264B

                  -     for sensors mod. DFH

·         416 Stainless Steel Pin, Dia. 1/4”, Length 0.5”

               -     PN BM110006

·         Drum, Dia. 110mm, Length 80mm

·         Block-on-Ring Drive

-          Mod. BHHM

·         Optional Additional Sensors

 -     mod AE-5 Acoustic Emissions Sensor

 -     mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording

-         mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup for Rotating Pin-on-Drum:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file that contains settings for the Block-on-Ring Drive for spindle 1,  and the Upper Rotational Drive with internal 100 N force/load sensor for spindle 2.

Use the Semi-Automatic Mode to pre-position the x-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the right hand edge of the drum. This will be the start of a non-overlapping  wear track with a length of  4 m. The x-stage moves to the left by 6.5mm per revolution of the drum. The translational  velocity is constant at 40 mm/s.

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 -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.

     Spindle1  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Spindle2  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Stage     – is idle.

Sheet 2 is a 100 sec. period

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 100 seconds.

     Spindle1   – Velocity is 6.95 rev. /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Spindle2   – Velocity is 20 rev. /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Stage      – Working Velocity is .75 mm/sec., Initial Positioning Velocity is 2 mm/sec., and Position is Increment

                        Offset 75 mm., Check Move Immediately, Direction Left.

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)

    Te – Temperature (optional)

AE – Acoustic Emission (optional)

Non-Rotating Pin-on-Flat Test Method:

This test method involves a pin upper specimen that slides against an abrasive surface on a lower y-axis stage. While the lower stage is stationary, the pin is slid across the abrasive surface with the x-axis stage. At the end of each x-axis stroke the y-axis stage moves the width of the pin toward the rear. The x-axis stage reverses direction, and the sequence is repeated until the entire abrasive surface has been covered. The wear track of the pin is continuous and non-overlapping . The maximum travel of the x and y-axis stages is 75mm, which corresponds to a coverage area of 5625 mm². For non-overlapping tracks with a  width of 6.35 mm, the maximum length of the wear track is thus 807 mm (10 tracks X 75mm in the x direction plus 9 tracks X 6.35mm in the y direction). The maximum velocity of the x and y-axis stages is 10 mm/sec.

UMT Hardware Configuration for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Flat:

·          4” Mounting Block – PN M30C116

·          Model DFH-10 Dual Friction/Load Sensor

-          range 1 N to 100 N

·          Suspension with Linear Guide-AM30C110D-2

·          1/4” Pin Holder –AM30B264B

                  -     for sensors mod. DFH

·          416 Stainless Steel Pin, Dia. 1/4”, Length 0.5”

               -     PN BM110006

·          Abrasive Sheet  with Adhesive Backing

·          Lateral Positioning and Sliding Drive

-          Mod. LWY-M

·          Optional Additional Sensors

 -     mod AE-5 Acoustic Emissions Sensor

 -     mod. TMR-150 Temperature Measurement & Recording

-          mod. RTD Temperature Sensor

UMT Software Test Setup for Non-Rotating Pin-on-Flat:

UMT Options File:

Load the options file that contains settings for the Lateral Positioning and Sliding Drive and the 100 N force/load sensor.

Use the Semi-Automatic Mode to pre-position the x-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the right hand edge of the abrasive sheet. Pre-position the y-axis stage so that the pin is 5 mm from the back edge of the abrasive sheet. This will be the start of a non-overlapping  wear track with a length of  0.807 m.

Test Sequence:

The Test Sequence should consist of 20 sheets.

Sheet 1 is for settling time for the carriage to establish the initial normal load.

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 10 sec.

     Spindle  – Velocity is 0 revs/min.

     Stage     – is idle.

Sheet 2 moves the pin from right to left 75mm.

     Carriage - applies a -67 N Constant Force for a Duration of 7.5 seconds.

     Spindle   – Velocity is 0 rev. /min, Move-Continuous,  and Direction- Clockwise

     Stage      – Working Velocity is 10 mm/sec., Initial Positioning Velocity is 2 mm/sec., and Position is Increment

                        Offset 75 mm., Check Move Immediately, Direction