Applications And Types of Taber Abrasion Resistance Tester

The Taber Abrasion Resistance Tester, also known as the Taber Abraser, is a professional instrument used to evaluate the wear resistance and surface durability of materials. By applying controlled friction through rotating abrasive wheels, the tester accurately simulates real-world abrasion such as rubbing, scuffing, and mechanical wear.

This device is essential for product development, quality inspection, and material performance comparison, helping manufacturers assess lifespan, optimize formulations, and ensure compliance with global standards.

Applications

The Taber Abrasion Tester is widely used across multiple industries and material categories, including:

Automotive: interior panels, coatings, trims, leather

Plastics & Polymers: sheets, films, molded components

Textiles: upholstery fabrics, industrial fabrics, protective fabrics

Coatings & Paints: wood coatings, metal coatings, decorative finishes

Flooring: laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, composite materials

Paper & Packaging: printed surfaces, laminated cartons

Electronics: device housings, keypads, controllers

Its versatility makes it suitable for factories, testing laboratories, R&D centers, and certification agencies.

Applicable Standards

The Taber Abrasion Resistance Tester meets major international abrasion test standards, including:

ASTM D4060 – Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings (Taber Abraser Method)

ASTM D1044 – Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics

ASTM D3884 – Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)

ISO 5470-1 – Rubber- or Plastics-Coated Fabrics — Abrasion Resistance (Taber Abraser)

ISO 9352 – Plastics — Determination of Resistance to Wear by Abrasion (Taber Abraser Method)

DIN 53109 – Abrasion Resistance of Paper and Board (Taber Method)

JIS K 7204 – Plastic Abrasion Resistance Test (Taber Method)

GB/T 1768 – Paints and Varnishes — Determination of Abrasion Resistance (Taber Abraser Method)

Complying with these standards ensures reliable, repeatable results recognized worldwide.

Technical Parameters

Product Types

1. Single-Head Taber Abraser

Standard configuration suitable for daily QC and basic material evaluation.

2. Double-Head Taber Abraser

Allows simultaneous testing with two abrasive wheels, improving efficiency and stability.

3. Digital/Touchscreen Taber Abraser

Equipped with programmable settings, cycle presets, and digital control for higher accuracy.

4. Industrial Heavy-Duty Taber Abraser

Designed for high-load, aggressive abrasion testing on flooring, coatings, and industrial materials.

Working Principle

The Taber Abrasion Tester operates using a rotating platform abrasion mechanism:

The specimen is mounted on a circular rotating turntable.

Two abrasive wheels are pressed against the surface under a specified load.

As the platform rotates, the wheels create a circular wear path.

Wear is measured through:

weight loss

thickness reduction

haze or gloss changes

visual observation

cycles required to reach failure

This principle accurately replicates surface wear caused by handling, walking, rubbing, and long-term usage.

FAQ

1. What materials can be tested with a Taber Abrasion Resistance Tester?

It can test plastics, coatings, textiles, leather, paper, flooring, automotive materials, and electronic housings.

2. How do I select the correct abrasive wheel?

Choose based on your material and test standard:

CS-10: mild abrasion (coatings, plastics)

H-18: moderate–heavy abrasion

H-10: aggressive abrasion

CS-17: general-purpose abrasion

3. How are abrasion test results evaluated?

Evaluation may include weight loss, visual grading, haze increase, gloss decrease, or the number of cycles required to produce wear failure.

4. Do I need a vacuum system during testing?

Yes. Vacuum suction removes debris and ensures consistent friction on the specimen surface.

5. What is the typical number of cycles for a Taber abrasion test?

Common ranges include:

100–1,000 cycles for coatings

1,000–10,000 cycles for plastics, flooring, and composite materials

6. How often should I replace or resurface the abrasive wheels?

Wheels should be resurfaced or replaced when they become glazed, worn unevenly, or reach the minimum allowable diameter specified by the standards.