5.1 The amount of wear in any system will, in general, depend upon the number of system factors such as the applied load, machine characteristics, sliding speed, sliding distance, the environment, and the material properties. The value of any wear test method lies in predicting the relative ranking of material combinations. Since the pin-on-disk test method does not attempt to duplicate all the conditions that may be experienced in service (for example, lubrication, load, pressure, contact geometry, removal of wear debris, and presence of corrosive environment), there is no insurance that the test will predict the wear rate of a given material under conditions differing from those in the test.

5.2 The use of this test method will fall in one of two categories: (1) the test(s) will follow all particulars of the standard, and the results will have been compared to the ILS data (Table 2), or (2) the test(s) will have followed the procedures/methodology of Test Method G99 but applied to other materials or using other parameters such as load, speed, materials, etc., or both. In this latter case, the results cannot be compared to the ILS data (Table 2). Further, it must be clearly stated what choices of test parameters/materials were chosen.

1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the wear of materials and friction during sliding using a pin-on-disk apparatus. Materials are tested in pairs under nominally non-abrasive conditions. The principal areas of experimental attention in using this type of apparatus to measure wear are described.

1.2 This test method standard uses a specific set of test parameters (load, sliding speed, materials, etc.) that were then used in an interlaboratory study (ILS), the results of which are given here (Tables 1 and 2). (This satisfies the ASTM form in that “The directions for performing the test should include all of the essential details as to apparatus, test specimen, procedure, and calculations needed to achieve satisfactory precision and bias.”) Any user should report that they “followed the requirements of ASTM G99,” where that is true.

1.3 Now it is often found in practice that users may follow all instructions given here, but choose other test parameters, such as load, speed, materials, environment, etc., and thereby obtain different test results. Such a use of this standard is encouraged as a means to improve wear testing methodology. However, it must be clearly stated in any report that, while the directions and protocol in Test Method G99 were followed (if true), the choices of test parameters were different from Test Method G99 values, and the test results were therefore also different from the Test Method G99 results. This use should be described as having “followed the procedure of ASTM G99.” All test parameters that were used in such case must be stated.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.