Key Information About the Rubber Abrasion Tester

The rubber abrasion tester is a specialized testing device designed to measure the abrasion resistance of rubber and similar elastomeric materials. It is particularly developed to evaluate the durability of rubber products used in the automotive, construction, industrial, and medical sectors against friction, abrasive conditions, and similar external factors.

Rubber Abrasion Testing Methods and Technical Details

Rubber abrasion testers employ standardized testing methods to accurately evaluate material performance. A commonly used method is the rotating cylindrical drum method, where the material is subjected to movement on an abrasive surface under specific pressure to determine its wear resistance.

Testing Methods

  • Method A (Non-Rotating Sample): The material is kept stationary, and the abrasion process is performed solely on its surface.
  • Method B (Rotating Sample): The material rotates and is also abraded on its surface, allowing for a more complex abrasion assessment.

Testing Process

  • Sample Preparation: Rubber materials are prepared in standardized sizes and shapes for testing.
  • Abrasive Surface: Standardized abrasive paper or sanding surfaces are used.
  • Pressure and Speed: Specific pressure is applied, and the movement speed of the sample is adjusted.
  • Abrasion Duration: The abrasion process is performed over a predetermined duration or distance.
  • Result Evaluation: Post-test, the mass or volume loss of the material is measured to calculate its wear resistance.

Applications of Rubber Abrasion Testing

Rubber abrasion tests are widely used across industries to assess the durability of rubber materials:

1. Automotive Industry:

  • Assessing the durability of tires under road conditions.
  • Measuring the wear resistance of rubber seals and other automotive parts.

2. Construction and Industry:

  • Evaluating the wear life of rubber flooring.
  • Measuring the durability of rubber seals in industrial machinery.

3. Medical Devices:

  • Determining the abrasion levels of rubber-based medical products during use.

Testing Conditions and Compliance with Standards

National and international standards play a crucial role in rubber abrasion tests, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures:

  • ISO 4649: Measurement of abrasion resistance of vulcanized rubbers using the rotating cylindrical drum method.
  • ISO 20344: Abrasion testing for materials used in footwear.
  • DIN 53516: Abrasion testing methods for rubbers and elastomers.
  • TS EN ISO 12947 / 20344: Abrasion resistance testing for textile-based materials.
  • TS 11007/5548: A local standard for measuring friction and abrasion resistance in rubber materials.
  • ISO 20871: Method for assessing the abrasion resistance of footwear soles.
  • ASTM D 5963-4: An international standard used for abrasion tests of rubber materials.

Evaluation of Results

Test results are typically reported in two forms:

  • Relative Volume Loss: The volume of material lost during testing is measured.
  • Abrasion Resistance Index: The material's resistance to abrasive conditions is expressed as a numerical value.