TaberTests

TaberTests is a set of standardized test procedures used to assess the wear resistance of materials by employing the Taber Abraser, a laboratory instrument that simulates sliding wear. The tests measure material loss as the wheels rotate against a mounted specimen under a defined load for a specified number of cycles, providing a controlled metric of durability and service life. TaberTests are commonly applied to coatings, plastics, composites, textiles, and elastomeric materials to evaluate how they endure real-world wear.

Equipment and method: A Taber Abraser rotates specimens on a platform while abrasive wheels, such as CS-10 or CS-17 types, carry an abrasive material. Weights apply a defined load, and the test cycles are predetermined. Specimens are prepared and conditioned according to standard guidelines. After testing, mass loss is measured or thickness loss assessed, and wear is expressed as milligrams lost per a set number of cycles or by a similar metric.

Standards: TaberTests are conducted following recognized standards published by organizations such as ASTM International and ISO, which specify wheel types, loads, speed, cycles, and conditioning. Results are typically reported with the exact wheel configuration, load, cycles, and conditioning used.

Interpretation: Results are comparative; a lower material loss indicates better abrasion resistance under the tested conditions. Tests may be supplemented with surface profiling or microscopy to characterize wear mechanisms. Limitations include that the Taber test models specific sliding wear conditions and may not reflect all service environments.

History: The Taber Abraser and its associated test methods emerged in the 20th century and have become a standard approach in material durability testing.