Developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the ASTM D1403-20 standard defines two defined test methods for measuring the consistency of small lubricating grease samples by penetrating a 1/4 scale cone or a 1/2 scale cone. These test methods include procedures for the measurement of raw and processed penetrations. Untreated penetrations do not generally represent the consistency of greases used as effectively as treated penetrations. Machined penetrations are generally preferred for the control of lubricating greases.
The test methods described in ASTM D1403-20 are applicable to greases with National Lubricant Grease Institute (NLGI) consistency numbers 0 through 4, and are intended for use only when sample size prevents the use of ASTM D217.
This test method is not intended to replace full scale penetration as is the ASTM D217 test method. The precision is better in the full-scale penetration method.
Raw, reduced-scale penetration results appear useful for assessing the effect of storage conditions on grease consistency.
Grease is a complex material that can be produced using significantly different base oil viscosities and thickener types. Grease testing is primarily done to support quality assurance and the marketing of new grease products. Cone penetration is considered the most important of the tests performed in the laboratory. Alternative tests for cone penetration using touch to determine grease hardness have been developed, but these test methods are often immature and do not provide accurate results.
The cone penetration method uses a weighted cone that is deposited into a fixed-size volume of grease for a specified period of time. The depth at which the cone can penetrate the grease is used to evaluate the consistency of the grease with a scale developed by the National Lubricant Grease Institute (NLGI).
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it has given for businesses in various sectors, our organization, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, is the standard for the cone penetration of lubricating grease using a quarter and half scale cone equipment within the scope of ASTM D1403-20 standard. It also provides testing services.
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