ASTM D3704-96(2017)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases Using the (Falex) Block on Ring Test Machine in Oscillating Motion
Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases Using the (Falex) Block on Ring Test Machine in Oscillating Motion
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to differentiate between greases having high, medium, and low wear preventive properties using oscillating motion. The user of this method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of wear properties of lubricating greases by means of the Falex block-on-ring friction and wear test machine.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard except where equipment is supplied using inch-pound units and would then be regarded as standard.
1.2.1 Exception—The metric equivalents of inch-pound units given in such cases in the body of the standard may be approximate.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 14-Nov-2017
- Technical Committee
- D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
- Drafting Committee
- D02.G0.04 - Functional Tests - Tribology
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
Overview
ASTM D3704-96(2017) is the internationally recognized standard test method for assessing the wear preventive properties of lubricating greases using the Falex Block-on-Ring test machine in oscillating motion. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers a laboratory procedure for differentiating greases with high, medium, and low wear resistance. Applying this method helps industries ensure their lubricants meet required performance metrics, supporting both equipment longevity and operational reliability.
Key Topics
- Wear Testing of Greases: Utilizes the Falex Block-on-Ring test machine to measure the wear properties of lubricating greases under controlled oscillating motion.
- Test Methodology: The standard specifies preparing test specimens, applying grease, and measuring wear scar width to evaluate grease performance.
- Significance and Use: Differentiates greases by their wear preventive properties, which is critical where lubrication failures can lead to equipment damage.
- Safety and Compliance: Users are responsible for their own safety and compliance with relevant health and environmental regulations during testing.
- International Harmonization: Developed in accordance with the World Trade Organization’s guidelines for the creation of globally recognized standards.
Applications
The ASTM D3704 test method provides valuable data on the wear preventive capabilities of lubricating greases, making it highly relevant for several key industries, including:
- Manufacturing and Industrial Machinery: Essential for selecting greases that can withstand intensive oscillating mechanical operation, thus extending machine component life.
- Automotive and Transportation: Useful in qualifying greases for automotive parts where oscillating movement and high load bearing are typical, such as suspension components or joints.
- Heavy Equipment & Construction: Ensures greases can protect against wear under demanding field conditions, reducing maintenance frequency.
- Quality Assurance and Product Development: Grease manufacturers employ this method for benchmarking formulations during R&D and quality control to meet end-user expectations.
- Comparative Analysis: Laboratories and grease users can apply the test to compare products and validate supplier claims, contributing to informed purchasing decisions.
Related Standards
- ASTM D2714 - Test Method for Calibration and Operation of the Falex Block-on-Ring Test Machine. This standard guides the accurate setup and calibration of the equipment used for ASTM D3704.
- ASTM D1403 - Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease. Related for grease sample preparation.
- ASTM G40 - Terminology Relating to Wear and Erosion. Provides authoritative definitions for terminology used in wear testing.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM D3704 delivers several benefits:
- Objective Assessment: Standardized procedure ensures reproducible, comparable test results for different lubricating greases.
- Equipment Protection: Identifies greases that minimize wear under oscillating conditions, leading to fewer breakdowns and longer intervals between repairs.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing wear reduces the need for part replacements and unscheduled downtime.
- Market Confidence: End-users and manufacturers can use recognized, standardized data to support product claims and regulatory compliance.
By following ASTM D3704, manufacturers, laboratories, and end-users enhance lubricant performance validation, fostering higher reliability and safety across applications where lubricating greases play a crucial protective role.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3704-96(2017) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases Using the (Falex) Block on Ring Test Machine in Oscillating Motion". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is used to differentiate between greases having high, medium, and low wear preventive properties using oscillating motion. The user of this method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of wear properties of lubricating greases by means of the Falex block-on-ring friction and wear test machine. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard except where equipment is supplied using inch-pound units and would then be regarded as standard. 1.2.1 Exception—The metric equivalents of inch-pound units given in such cases in the body of the standard may be approximate. 1.3 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. 1.4 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is used to differentiate between greases having high, medium, and low wear preventive properties using oscillating motion. The user of this method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of wear properties of lubricating greases by means of the Falex block-on-ring friction and wear test machine. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard except where equipment is supplied using inch-pound units and would then be regarded as standard. 1.2.1 Exception—The metric equivalents of inch-pound units given in such cases in the body of the standard may be approximate. 1.3 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. 1.4 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.
ASTM D3704-96(2017) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.100 - Lubricants, industrial oils and related products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3704-96(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3704-96(2012), ASTM D1403-20b, ASTM D1403-20a, ASTM D1403-20, ASTM D1403-19, ASTM D2714-94(2019), ASTM D1403-18, ASTM G40-15, ASTM D2714-94(2014), ASTM G40-13, ASTM G40-12, ASTM G40-10b, ASTM G40-10a, ASTM D1403-10, ASTM G40-10. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3704-96(2017) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: D3704 − 96 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Wear Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases Using
the (Falex) Block on Ring Test Machine in Oscillating
Motion
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3704; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of wear
3.1 Definitions:
properties of lubricating greases by means of the Falex
3.1.1 coeffıcient of friction, µ or f, n—in tribology, the
block-on-ring friction and wear test machine.
dimensionless ratio of the friction force (F) between two
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as bodies to the normal force (N) pressing these two bodies
standardexceptwhereequipmentissuppliedusinginch-pound
together.
units and would then be regarded as standard.
µ or 5 F/N (1)
~ !
1.2.1 Exception—The metric equivalents of inch-pound
3.1.1.1 Discussion—A distinction is often made between
units given in such cases in the body of the standard may be
static coeffıcient of friction and kinetic coeffıcient of friction.
approximate.
G40
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 friction force, n—the resisting force tangential to the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- interface between two bodies when, under the action of an
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
externalforce,onebodymovesortendstomoverelativetothe
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
other. G40
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.3 kinetic coeffıcient of friction, n—the coefficient of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
friction under conditions of macroscopic relative motion be-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tween two bodies. G40
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.4 wear, n—damage to a solid surface, generally involv-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ingprogressivelossofmaterial,duetorelativemotionbetween
that surface and a contacting substance or substances. G40
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4. Summary of Test Method
D1403Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
4.1 The tester is operated with a steel test ring oscillating
Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone
against a steel test block.Test speed, load, angle of oscillation,
Equipment
timeandspecimensurfacefinishandhardnesscanbevariedto
D2714Test Method for Calibration and Operation of the
simulate field conditions.
Falex Block-on-Ring Friction and Wear Testing Machine
G40Terminology Relating to Wear and Erosion
4.2 The width of the wear scar, developed on the test block
from contact with the oscillating test ring, is measured.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
5. Significance and Use
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.G0.04 on Functional Tests - Tribology.
5.1 Thistestmethodisusedtodifferentiatebetweengreases
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally
having high, medium, and low wear preventive properties
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D3704–96(2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D3704-96R17. using oscillating motion. The user of this method should
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. machines.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3704 − 96 (2017)
6. Apparatus 7.3 Solvent, non-film forming, nonchlorinated.
6.1 Falex Block-on-Ring Test Machine with Friction
NOTE 1—Solvents formerly used in this test method were eliminated
due to possible toxic effects. Each user should select a solvent that can
Recorder, described in detail in Annex A1 and illustrated in
meethisapplicablesafetystandardsandstillthoroughlycleanthemachine
Fig. 1.
parts.
6.2 Falex Oscillating Drive Accessory, described in detail
8. Calibration and Standardization
in A1.6 and illustrated in Fig. 2.
8.1 RunTestMethodD2714calibrationproceduretoensure
6.3 Microscope, low-power (50× to 60×) having sufficient
good mechanical operation of test equipment.
clearance under objective to accommodate the test block. It
should be fitted with a filar micrometer so that scar width may
9. Procedure
be measured with accuracy of 60.01 mm.
9.1 Before each test, clean the apparatus with appropriate
6.4 Timer, graduated in minutes and seconds.
solvent chosen in 7.3 and blow dry.
7. Reagents and Materials
9.2 Select a new test ring and block, wash with solvent, and
7.1 Test Rings, Falex Type S-10 or S-25 —SAE 4620 dry with clean soft cloth or paper.
carburize steel, having a hardness of 58HRCto 63 HRC. The
9.3 The grease sample should be worked 60 strokes, one-
test ring has a width of 8.15 mm (0.321 in.), a diameter of 35
half scale or one-quarter scale (Test Methods D1403), prior to
mm (1.3775 in.), and a maximum radial run out of 0.013 mm
starting runs. One working per running day is sufficient. For
(0.0005 in.). The surface roughness of the S-10 ring shall be
those who may not have small workers, working briefly with a
0.15µm to 0.30 µm (6µin. to 12 µin.) rms. The surface
spatula is sufficient.
roughnessoftheS-25ringshallbe0.51µmto0.71µm(22µin.
9.4 Adjust the amplitude of oscillation for the desired arc.
to 28 µin.) rms.
3 9.5 Lubricate the quarter segment (or the ball seat) of the
7.2 Test Blocks, Falex Type H-30 or H-60 —SAE 01 tool
specimen holder with the grease to be tested.
steel having two ground test surfaces of 0.10 to 0.20 µm (4 to
8µin.)rms.Thetestblockhasawidth6.35mm(0.250in.)and 9.6 Withnoweightsonthebalerod,applyathinfilmofthe
a 15.76 mm (0.620 in.) length. The H-30 test block has a test grease to the surface of a clean test block and mount the
hardness of HRC 27 to 33. The H-60 test block has a hardness testblockinthequartersegment(orballseat)andpositionboth
of HRC 58 to 63. securely in the specimen holder. On models with the ball seat,
tighten the set screws so that the block is held lightly.Apply a
thinfilmofthetestgreasealongthetestsurfaceofthering,and
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
slipitonoverthetestshaft,takingcarethatgreasedoesnotget
is Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
1 Consult instruction manual for proper operation.
responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
FIG. 1 Falex Block on Ring Test Machine
D3704 − 96 (2017)
FIG. 1 Falex Ring and Block Test Machine (continued)
FIG. 2 Falex Oscillating Drive Assembly
on the seat and the test surfaces are not scratched. for running.
...




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