ASTM D2509-20ae1

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.
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Designation: D2509 − 20a
Standard Test Method for
Measurement of Load-Carrying Capacity of Lubricating
Grease (Timken Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2509; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially improved Fig. 1 in March 2021.
1. Scope* 3.1.2 scoring, in tribology, n—a severe form of wear char-
acterized by the formation of extensive grooves and scratches
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the load-
in the direction of sliding.
carrying capacity of lubricating greases by means of the
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Whenthelubricantfilmissubstantially
Timken Extreme Pressure Tester.
maintained, a smooth scar is obtained on the test block, but
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
when there is a breakdown of the lubricant film, scoring or
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
surface failure of the test block takes place as shown in Fig. 1.
only.
Initssimplestandrecognizedform,scoringischaracterizedby
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the a wide scar on the test block and by the transfer of metal from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the thetestblocktothecontactingsurfaceofthetestcup.Theform
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of surface failure more usually encountered, however, consists
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- of a comparatively smooth scar, which shows local damage
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. that usually extends beyond the width of the scar. Scratches or
For specific warning statements, see 7.1, 7.2, and 9.4. striationsthatoccurinanotherwisesmoothscarandthatdonot
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- extend beyond the width of the scar are not considered scoring
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- in this test method. The term scuffing is sometimes used as a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the synonym for scoring.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.3 seizure or welding, n—localized fusion of rubbing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
metal, usually indicated by streaks of transferred metal, in-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
creased friction and wear, or unusual noise and vibration.
3.1.4 wear, n—the removal of metal from a rubbing surface
2. Referenced Documents
by mechanical action, or by a combination of mechanical and
chemical actions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
G40Terminology Relating to Wear and Erosion
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 extreme pressure (EP) additives, n—tribologically re-
3. Terminology
active species that prevent mating metallic surfaces from
adhering to each other under concentrated contact conditions
3.1 Definitions:
with high PV values. PV Product, G40
3.1.1 load-carrying capacity, of a lubricating grease, n—the
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The PV value is the product of the
maximum load or pressure that can be sustained by a lubricat-
contact pressure (MPa) and sliding velocity (m/s).
ing grease without failure of the sliding contact surfaces as
evidenced by seizure or welding.
3.2.2 extreme pressure (EP) lubricants, n—formulations
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The values of load carrying capacity of
whose effects may become observable at different operating
a lubricating grease vary according to test method.
conditions,preventingadhesivewearundermixedorboundary
lubrication regimes and are characterized by an increased load
carrying capacity, or increased tribofilm strength.
3.2.3 load carrying capacity, n—of a lubricant, the maxi-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
mum PV value [PV Limit, G40] that can be sustained by the
Subcommittee D02.G0.04 on Functional Tests - Tribology.
lubricant at a reported temperature without failure of the
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2020. Published January 2021. Originally
sliding contact surfaces as evidenced by adhesive wear or
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D2509–20.
DOI:10.1520/D2509-20AE01. localized welding.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D2509 − 20a
FIG. 1 Test Blocks Showing Various Types of Scar
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The PV value is the product of the 4.2 Two determinations are made: the minimum load (score
contact pressure (MPa) and sliding velocity (m/s). value) that will rupture the lubricant film being tested between
the rotating cup and the stationary block and cause adhesion;
3.2.4 OK value, n—the maximum mass (weight) added to
and the maximum load (OK value) at which the rotating cup
the load lever mass (weight) pan, at which no scoring or
will not rupture the lubricant film and cause adhesion between
seizure occurs.
the rotating cup and the stationary block.
3.2.5 score value, n—the minimum mass (weight) added to
the load lever mass (weight) pan, at which scoring or seizure
5. Significance and Use
occurs.
5.1 The test method is used widely for specification pur-
poses and is used to differentiate between greases having low,
4. Summary of Test Method
medium,orhighlevelsofextremepressurecharacteristics.The
4.1 The tester is operated with a steel test cup rotating
results may not correlate with results from service.
against a steel test block. The rotational speed is 800r⁄min 6
6. Apparatus and Materials
5r⁄min, which is equivalent to a linear speed of 123.71m⁄min
6 0.77m⁄min (405.88ft⁄min 6 2.54ft⁄min). Grease samples 6.1 Timken Extreme Pressure Tester, described in detail in
are brought to and applied at 24°C 6 6°C (75°F 6 10°F). Annex A1 and illustrated in Fig. 2.
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D2509 − 20a
FIG. 2 Timken Tester
6.2 Sample Feed Devices, for supplying the test specimens surface roughness should lie between 0.51µm and 0.76µm
with grease are described in Annex A1. (20µin. and 30µin.) C.L.A.
3,4
6.3 Loading Mechanism, for applying and removing the 6.5 Test Blocks with test surfaces 12.32mm 6 0.10mm
loadmass(weight)withoutshockattheuniformrate0.91kg⁄s (0.485in. 6 0.004in.) wide and 19.05mm 6 0.41mm
to1.36kg⁄s(2lb⁄sto3lb⁄s).Adetaileddescriptionisgivenin (0.750in. 6 0.016in.) long, of carburized steel, having a
Annex A1. Rockwell Hardness C Scale Number of 58 to 62, or a Vickers
2,3 Hardness Number of 653 to 746. Each block is supplied with
6.4 Test Cups, of carburized steel, having a Rockwell
fourgroundfacesandthesurfaceroughnessshouldliebetween
Hardness C Scale Number of 58 to 62, or a Vickers Hardness
0.51µm and 0.76µm (20µin. and 30µin.) C.L.A.
Number of 653 to 746. The cups have a width of 13.06mm 6
3,5
0.05mm (0.514in. 6 0.002in.), a perimeter of 154.51mm 6 6.6 Microscope , low-power (50× to 60×), having suffi-
0.23mm (6.083in. 6 0.009in.), a diameter of 49.22mm cient clearance under objective to accommodate the test block.
+0.025mm, −0.127mm (1.938in. +0.001in., −0.005in.), and Itshouldbefittedwithafilarmicrometersothatthescarwidth
amaximumradialrun-outof0.013 mm(0.0005in.).Theaxial maybemeasuredwithanaccuracyof 60.05mm(60.002in.).
6.7 Timer, graduated in minutes and seconds.
The sole source of supply of the test cups known to the committee at this time
is Falex Corporation, 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL, 60554-9585 under Part Thesolesourceofsupplyofthetestblocksknowntothecommitteeatthistime
No. F-25061. is Falex Corporation, 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL, 60554-9585 under Part
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to No. F-25001.
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider- The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend. is Falex Corporation, 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL, 60554-9585.
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D2509 − 20a
FIG. 2 Timken Tester (continued)
7. Reagents inproperalignment.Exercisespecialcareinplacingthestirrup
of the spring-weight platform assembly (selection of which
7.1 Acetone, reagent grade, minimum purity. (Warning—
will depend on the loading device) in the groove of the
Extremely flammable. Vapors can cause flash fire.)
load-leverarmtoavoidprematureshocktothetestblockwhen
7.2 StoddardSolvent,alsoknownasMineralSpirits,reagent
the load is applied. To ensure the test block, test block holder,
grade. (Warning—Combustible. Vapor harmful.)
and lever arms are properly aligned and seated, coat the test
block and test cup with the grease to be tested, and rotate the
8. Preparation of Apparatus
machine slowly for a few revolutions either by hand or by
8.1 Clean the apparatus with Stoddard solvent and acetone
suitable control mechanism. If the parts are in alignment, the
(see 7.1 and 7.2), and blow dry. Shield the sump outlet and
grease will be wiped off the cup over its entire width.
disconnecttheoilpumptoeliminatewearontheunusedpump.
NOTE 1—At this point it is recommended that a dial indicator be used
Replace the oil reservoir with the grease feed device.
tocheckthattheradialrun-outofthecup in situdoesnotexceed0.001in.
8.2 Select a new test cup and block, wash with Stoddard (0.025mm) total indicator movement.
solvent, and dry with a clean soft cloth or paper. Immediately
9. Procedure
before use rinse the test cup and block with acetone and blow
them dry. Do not use solvents such as carbon tetrachloride or 9.1 Bring the grease to 24°C 6 6°C (75°F 6 10°F). Fill
others that may inherently possess load-carrying properties the grease-feeding device with grease, avoiding the inclusion
which may affect the results. of air bubbles.Apply a film of grease to the test cup and block
and thoroughly grease the guide bushing with the test grease.
8.3 Assemble the tester carefully (Fig. 3), placing the test
Do not heat the grease.
cup on the spindle and making certain that it is well seated,
drawing it up firmly but avoiding possible distortion from 9.2 Applythegreaseat24°C 66°C(75°F 610°F)tothe
excessive tightening (Note 1). Place the test block in the test test block through the grease-feed mechanism at the uniform
blockholderandadjusttheleverssothatalltheknifeedgesare rate of 45g⁄min 6 9g⁄min (0.1lb⁄min 6 0.02lb⁄min). Start
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D2509 − 20a
FIG. 3 Assembly of Tester Showing Test Pieces
themotorandrunfor30stobreak-in.Iftheequipmentusedis 9.7 If a score is produced at the 133.4N (30lbf) load,
equipped with acceleration control, start the motor and gradu- reducetheloadby26.7N(6lbf)decrementsuntilnoscoringis
ally increase the rotational speed of the spindle to achieve realized. At this point, increase the load by 13.3N (3lbf) for
800rpm 6 5rpm after 15s. Run for a further 15s to complete the final determination.
the break-in.
9.8 When the wear scar evidence at any load stage makes
9.3 After the break-in period of 30s, start the timer and the definition of the onset of scoring questionable, repeat the
apply at 8.9N⁄s to 13.3N⁄s (2lbf⁄s to 3lbf⁄s), a load of testatthesameload.Ifthesecondtestproducesascore,record
133.4N (30lbf). (A starting load of 133.4N (30lbf⁄s) is a score rating for this load. Similarly, if the second test
recommended. The load lever arm, spring, and mass (weight) producesnoscoring,recordanoscorerating.Ifthesecondtest
carrier assembly are not considered part of the applied load.) againyieldsaquestionableresult,simplywithholdjudgmentof
Then allow the machine to run at 800rpm 6 5rpm for 10min the rating at this load stage and test the grease at the
6 15s after load application is initiated, unless a score is immediately next higher and lower load stages. Then assign a
detectedbeforethatperiod.Excessivenoiseandfluctuationsin rating to the load stage in question which is identical to the
the spindle speed indicate scoring of the test components. Stop rating obtained at the immediately next higher load stage
themachineatonce,turnoffthesupplyofgreaselubricant,and employed (see Annex A2).
remove the load.
NOTE 3—Two other procedures that may be conducted with this
apparatus are described by Appendix X1 and Appendix X2.
9.4 If, after the load has been applied, scoring is evident by
vibration or noise, stop the tester at once, remove the load, and
10. Calculation and Report
turn off the flow of lubricant. Since the excessive heat
10.1 Report the OK and score values in terms of the masses
developed with deep scoring may alter the surface character-
(weights) placed on the mass (weight) pan hanging from the
istics of the entire block, discard the test block. (Warning—
end of the load-lever arm; do not include the mass (weight) of
The machine and test pieces may be hot at this point and care
the pan assembly. Report the values in multiples of 2.27kg
should be exercised in their handling.)
(5lb) above 13.71kg (30lb) and in multiples of 1.36kg (3lb)
9.5 If no scoring/scuffing is detected, allow the tester to run
below 30lb.
for 10min 6 15s from the start of the application of the load.
10.2 When desired, the contact (unit) pressure which exists
At the end of the 10min 6 15s period, reverse the loading
between the cup and block at the conclusion of the test may be
device and remove the load from the lever arm. Turn off the
calculated. After the OK value has been determined, remove
motor, allow the spindle to come to rest, then turn off the flow
the test block and wash with Stoddard solvent, rinse with
of grease. Remove the load lever and inspect the condition of
acetone, and blow dry. By means of a filar micrometer
the test block surface. The lubricant has failed at the imposed
microscope, measure the width of the scars on those blocks
load if the wear scar indicates any scoring/scuffing or welding.
whichsuccessfullycarriedthisload.Makeallmeasurementsto
Significant
...