NBS Abrasion Testing – Requirements, Specimens and Process
Rubber is put to quality and durability tests just like other consumer goods. A material's resistance to rubber abrasion will be determined using the NBS Abrasion test. The durability of rubber materials used in footwear is also assessed using this test method. Among them is rubber, which is used in heels and shoes. The NBS Abrader is suitable for tests on the rubber of shoes or soles. Testing on vulcanized rubber abrasion is also a good use for it.
TRUSTED BY
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
NBS Abrasion Testing Overview
NBS abrasion testing is a standardized method for evaluating the resistance of rubber and elastomer materials to wear under controlled abrasive conditions. It is widely used in materials for footwear, tires, and industrial rubber components, where durability against surface wear is critical.
The test is commonly performed in accordance with ASTM D1630, using a rotating abrasive surface and a controlled load. It simulates real-world wear conditions by subjecting specimens to friction against abrasive paper, allowing accurate measurement of material loss and abrasion resistance.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
NBS abrasion testing evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance of rubber materials
- Material wear under controlled friction
- Volume or thickness loss due to abrasion
- Relative abrasion index compared to the standard reference
- Durability of elastomeric materials
Applications
- Footwear soles and heels
- Rubber tires and automotive components
- Conveyor belts and industrial rubber parts
- Elastomeric materials and coatings
- Consumer rubber products
Benefits
- Simulates real-world wear conditions
- Provides quantitative abrasion resistance data
- Enables comparison with standard reference materials
- Supports product design and material selection
- Helps improve durability and performance
NBS Abrasion Test Process
Sample Preparation
Rubber specimens (typically ~25.4 × 25.4 × 6.35 mm) are prepared and mounted on holders.
1Abrasion Setup
Specimens are pressed against rotating abrasive paper under a specified load (~22 N).
2Abrasion Testing
The drum rotates (~45 ± 5 rpm), causing controlled wear on the specimen surface.
3Data Analysis
Abrasion resistance is calculated based on material loss or number of revolutions required for wear.
4NBS Abrasion Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM D1630 |
| Applicable Materials | Rubber and elastomers (≥2.5 mm thickness) |
| Specimen Size | ~25.4 × 25.4 × 6.35 mm |
| Load | ~22 N (2265 g) |
| Drum Speed | ~45 ± 5 rpm |
| Abrasive Medium | #40 grit abrasive paper |
| Measured Outputs | Volume loss, thickness loss, abrasion index |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- NBS abrasion tester (rotary drum type)
- Abrasive paper (standard grit)
- Specimen holders and loading weights
- Rotational drive system
- Thickness/volume measurement tools
- Data acquisition system
Results and Deliverables
- Abrasion resistance value
- Volume or thickness loss data
- Relative abrasion index
- Wear behavior analysis
- Comparative performance across materials
Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose is to measure the abrasion resistance of elastomeric materials like rubber to predict their performance and durability in real-world applications.
Industries such as footwear manufacturing, tire production, and industrial equipment rely on this test to assess the wear resistance of their materials.
The ARI is a ratio that compares the wear resistance of a test material to a standard reference material. A higher ARI indicates better abrasion resistance.
While primarily designed for rubber, the test can also be adapted for other elastomeric or polymeric materials, provided they meet the required sample preparation guidelines.
Sample thickness affects the accuracy of weight loss measurements. Standardized thickness ensures comparability and reproducibility.
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