Abrasion test (DIN 53516)

DIN 53516 was an important guideline for evaluating the abrasion resistance of elastomers such as those used in seals and O-rings . This method involved pressing a piece of rubber, also known as a test specimen, against a rotating roller covered with sandpaper at a contact pressure of 1 kilopond (kp). During the test, the sample traveled a friction distance of 40 meters and the abrasion resistance of the material was determined by the loss of volume of the rubber sample, measured in cubic millimeters. This method provided valuable data for determining durability and formed a basis for many industry standards.

Updating the Abrasion Testing Standard

Although DIN 53516 was widely used, it was withdrawn and replaced by the more modern DIN ISO 4649:2006-11. This innovation contributes to better international harmonization of standards and facilitates the comparability of results worldwide.

The Importance of Abrasion Testing

Abrasion testing is an important means of evaluating the resistance of materials to mechanical stress. This is particularly important for products such as seals, O-rings and molded parts that are used in highly stressed environments. The tests go far beyond a theoretical exercise and reflect realistic stresses that the materials are exposed to in the field. This allows engineers and designers to fine-tune the materials to ensure the best possible performance and longevity of their products.

Other methods for abrasion testing

In order to meet the special requirements of elastomer products, other abrasion testing methods are used in addition to DIN ISO 4649:

ASTM D5963-22

ASTM D5963-22 (Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Abrasion Resistance / Rotary Drum Abrader) defines a standardized procedure for measuring the abrasion resistance of vulcanized thermosets and thermoplastic elastomers . This test is used for many rubber products where abrasion resistance is an essential performance aspect, such as tires, conveyor belts, power transmission belts, hoses, footwear, and flooring.

This abrasion test is a reliable method of measuring abrasion resistance, taking into account the uniformity of wear behavior under abrasive or frictional service conditions. Although no direct correlation can be established between this accelerated test and the actual performance of the elastomer, it is ideal for comparative quality control, specification testing, arbitration purposes and research and development work.

ISO 4649:2017

ISO 4649:2017 (Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic, Determination of abrasion resistance using a rotating cylindrical drum device) specifies methods for determining the abrasion resistance of rubber using a rotating cylindrical drum device. This standard was last reviewed in 2022 and remains current. It is to be replaced by ISO/DIS 4649 in the future.

The standard describes two methods in which the volume loss due to the abrasive action is measured by rubbing a test specimen over a specified sandpaper:

• Method A: for a non-rotating test specimen
• Method B: for a rotating test specimen

The result can be reported either as a relative volume loss or as an abrasion resistance index. Both methods are suitable for comparative testing, quality control, specification compliance, arbitration purposes and research and development work. However, the results of this abrasion test do not allow any direct conclusions to be drawn about the performance of the tested rubber products under actual service conditions.