Klass.-Nr.

55 16 5 November 2001
The English translation is believed to be accurate. In case
O-Rings PV
3948
of discrepancies the German version shall govern.

Self-Lubricating, Determining the Friction Coefficient

Konzernnorm
Descriptors: O-rings, frictional coefficient, self-lubricating, anti-friction coated, sliding
properties

1 Scope

The purpose of the test procedure is to determine the sliding properties of o-rings used for mount-
ing and operating internal or external lubricants.
The friction coefficient is used as a quantitative variable to determine o-ring performance. As the
friction coefficient depends on the respective friction partner, the test is attuned to the friction part-
ner.
Examples: Self-lubricating o-rings, o-rings in quick couplings, anti-friction coated o-rings

2 Designation

The following can be entered in the illustrations:

Friction coefficient on (friction partner) acc. to PV 3948: < 0.5 (e. g.)

3 Test procedure

The friction coefficient µ is the quotient derived from the force required for sliding and the specimen
force due to weight.
Required for measuring are (cf. also Figure 1: Test setup):
- A universal tester with 50 N load cell
- A precisely horizontally-aligned table, fixed to the machine, for holding the flat friction partner
- A slide for receiving specimens, which is connected by a thin thread to the load cell via a de-
flection pulley with ball bearings. The force due to weight of the slide should be between 7 and
10 N.
Form FE 41 - 10.99

page 1 of 2
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Page 2
PV 3948: 2001-11

Precision load cell

Deflection pulley

Friction partner

Slide with 4 o-rings (here shown

in inverted position)

Figure 1: Test setup

4 Testing

Four o-rings are fixed to the underside of the specimen slide. The slide weight is determined.
The flat fiction partner is cleaned with isopropanol before each test.
The rings are pulled three times with the slide a distance of 60 mm over the friction partner at a
transverse speed of 500 mm/min.

5 Evaluation
The friction coefficient µ is noted as the mean value of three successive, single measurements.
For each measurement, µ is the quotient derived from the mean value of the required tensile force
over a distance of 60 mm and the force due to weight.
Unusual aspects such as rattling, stick-slip effects, etc., are to be specified in the test report.