Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester – Model 6160 – Taber

Advanced Abrasion Testing Technology

The TABER® Oscillating Abrasion Tester – Model 6160 is best known as an “oscillating sand tester”. Described in ASTM F735 (Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and Coatings Using the Oscillating Sand Method), the oscillating sand tester is used to measure the relative abrasion resistance of a material to surface abrasion and / or marring.

Primary Applications

The primary application of the Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester is for transparent materials and coatings utilized in windows and lenses, but it might also be used to evaluate organic paints & coatings, plastics, metals and other materials.

Test Procedure

Rigid specimens that are 100mm square and less than 12.5mm in thickness are mounted in a holder located in the bottom of a sand tray so the surface is flush within 1mm. The tray is filled to a uniform depth (e.g 12.5mm) with a standardized abrasive media such as quartz silica or alumina. A scotch-yoke drive system reciprocates the tray in a back-and-forth (to-and-fro) motion which causes the entire mass of the abrasive media to shift significantly within the tray.

Customizable Test Parameters

Test parameters can be altered with Taber’s Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester, and allow the operator to select the operating stroke length (6.5 to 150 mm) and speed (variable from 100 – 200 cycles per minute). ASTM F735 specifies the sand tray travels a distance of 100mm at a speed of 300 strokes per minute (150 cycles per minute).

Evaluation Methods

Using a haze meter, the haze and light transmission of a transparent test specimen is measured and recorded. After subjecting the specimen to the specified number of abrasion cycles, the results are measured as a change in haze and light transmission. Abrasion resistance for opaque materials is measured visually or by weight loss.

Technical Specifications

  • Model6160
  • Specimen Size100mm square, less than 12.5mm thickness
  • Stroke Length6.5 to 150 mm (adjustable)
  • Speed Range100 - 200 cycles per minute (variable)
  • ASTM F735 Specification100mm travel distance at 150 cycles per minute
  • Abrasive Media Depth12.5mm (standard)
  • Surface ToleranceFlush within 1mm

FAQ - Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester – Model 6160 – Taber

What is the Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester used for?

The TABER® Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester - Model 6160 is used to measure the relative abrasion resistance of materials to surface abrasion and marring. It is primarily designed for transparent materials and coatings used in windows and lenses, but can also evaluate organic paints, coatings, plastics, metals and other materials.

How does the oscillating sand test work?

The test involves mounting 100mm square specimens in a sand tray filled with standardized abrasive media like quartz silica. A scotch-yoke drive system moves the tray back-and-forth, causing the abrasive media to shift and create random scratch patterns that simulate normal everyday wear.

What test parameters can be adjusted?

The operator can select the operating stroke length (6.5 to 150 mm) and speed (variable from 100 - 200 cycles per minute). ASTM F735 specifies a travel distance of 100mm at 150 cycles per minute for standardized testing.

What abrasive media can be used?

The standard abrasive media is quartz silica sand, graded 6/9 as specified in ASTM F735. Other potential abradants include alumina (zirconia), silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and glass bead. The sizing and shape of the abradant is critical for repeatable results.

How are test results evaluated?

For transparent materials, a haze meter measures haze and light transmission before and after testing, with results recorded as changes in these values. For opaque materials, abrasion resistance is measured visually or by weight loss.

What standard does this tester follow?

The tester follows ASTM F735 (Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and Coatings Using the Oscillating Sand Method), providing standardized procedures for reliable and repeatable testing results.

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