ASTM Int'l Releases Test Method for Galling Resistance of Material Couples - ASTM G 196

December 22, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee G02.40 on Non-Abrasive Wear.

According to Scott Hummel, Ph.D., associate professor, head of the department of mechanical engineering at Lafayette College and chair of Committee G02, the primary application of ASTM G 196 will be characterizing the galling resistance of unlubricated metals, in particular stainless steel.

"Although stainless steel has high corrosion resistance, its wear resistance is relatively low," said Hummel, who also said, "in certain applications, such as medical instrumentation, lubrication is either minimal or nonexistent.

"With its low wear resistance, stainless steel can rapidly experience severe wear, which would render components inoperable. ASTM G 196 can be helpful in providing designers and engineers better galling resistance data so that they can make more informed decisions when selecting materials for their applications."

In addition to medical instrumentation, ASTM G 196 will be useful in the nuclear power industry, where stainless steel components are coupled via threaded connections, said ASTM International. These types of connections are prone to galling wear.

In the food processing industry, stainless steel pumps are used to move food products. Lubrication is often inadequate in this application and can lead to galling wear between mated pump components.

"G02 is concerned with all aspects of wear and erosion including friction," said Hummel. "Several of our members also serve on Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants because lubrication and wear are very much related."

Source: ASTM International.