Abrasion is an effect which occurs to most materials and products. These can include materials or products such as ceramics, rubber, metals, special coatings & paints, and even composite material parts or products. Manufacturers often use these types of testing tools to test the effectiveness of a product or material.
These tests determine the longevity of the coating, the product but also measure other factors such as appearance, denting, durability and the ability to keep its original shape. It is important that manufacturers test the abrasive resistance of their products through Abrasion Resistance Testing procedures so they can register the data and compare it to other products.
Abrasion Resistance Testing helps manufacturers see the endurance of materials and determine the lifespan of the material.
A tester will use the procedure on two competing materials to compare the resistance of the material or the coating and the lifespan of the material. It is a test for raw solid materials like metal, composites, rubber and ceramics.
The purpose of this procedure is to analyze the performance of the material and take note of the data, rank the resistance the material has to scratching and abrasions under different types of conditions.
Testing Equipment
Abrasion resistance testers are used by many manufacturers to test the functionality and durability of their final product. These testers are used in the vehicle manufacturing industry, in the construction product industry, and even in the production of everyday household products.
When it comes to improving a product, consumers want durability.
They want a product has a good appearance for a longer period of time. Abrasion has an undesirable effect on the product, or even on the packaging no matter when it occurs, whether it happens during distribution or once the product is being used in whatever environment it undergoes.
Scuffing, scratching, marring, wear, and rubbing are damages that occur to a product, but manufacturers always look to have the least amount of abrasion as possible for a longer period of time.
This is why they often conduct this type of testing, on materials and new products. There are a variety of testing products and materials that are used for testing the abrasion resistance of products or coatings.
Rub Test
This is a test using specific industry standards to evaluate the scuff or rub resistance of coated or printed surfaces which include papers, paperboards, films and other types of printed materials.
Abrasion Test
Abrasion testers can be used on most types of products or materials ( other than paper and cardboard). These testers are a rotary abrasion type of tool used to test any flat material. Although there are also adjustable testers that when properly adjusted can accommodate any type of product.
Why Is It Important to Make Products Abrasion Proof?
By making your products abrasion proof, a manufacturer streamlines the supply chain and boost the quality of the products. Here are a few of the advantages to using abrasion resistant products:
- Improved longevity
- Improved wear resistance
- Fewer needed repairs and maintenance processes
- Reduced damage caused from impact
- Improve barriers against scratching, abrasion, corrosion, erosion and wear
Reasons for The Testing
Abrasion testing procedures measure the resistance of products to environments such as weather conditions, scratches and normal wear. This information is recorded and then given to customers.
It is a test required by many manufacturers who buy certain materials to assemble or fabricate their own proprietary products. Testing helps researchers, buyers and engineers test a material to see how it stands up to abrasive environments.
The tester takes note of the loss of material and compares it to the original material in its natural form before the test.
Other things, like color, appearance, form, shape are also noted in this abrasion test. The comparison to the original material helps a company measure the substance of a material, its ability to withstand the elements and more.
