Standard Test Method for
Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (FourBall Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4172; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a
preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of the fluid
lubricants in sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear
Test Machine. Evaluation of lubricating grease using the same
the machine is detailed in Test Method D 2266.
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the test, the
inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in
each system are not exact equivalents, therefore each system
must be used independently of the other. Combining values of
the two systems may result in nonconformance with the
specification.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)2
2.2 ANSI Standard:
B3.12 Specification for Metal Balls3
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
surfaces that reduce friction or wear between them.
3.1.2 year, n—damage to a solid surface, generally involving progressive loss of material due to relative motion between
that surface and a contacting substance or surface.
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