ASTM D3233-19 Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Liquid Lubricants (Falex Pin and V-Block Methods)

The standard "ASTM D3233-19 Standard test methods for measuring extreme pressure properties of liquid lubricants (Falex Pin and V Block methods)" published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) describes two test methods for preliminary evaluation of the load-carrying properties of liquid lubricants by means of a Falex Pin and V Block testing machine. Additional information on the coefficient of friction, load cell conversions, and load cell calibration curve is included in the standard appendix (Annex X1).

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

The actual gauge load refers to the value obtained from the gauge while the test is being run and before any corrections are made. This gauge reading is independent of the particular gauge used and corrections are made by comparing it to a standard reference.
Direct load refers to the load applied linearly by dividing the angle of the V block by two, corrected to a gauge reference of 800 lbf or 3000 lbf. This load is equivalent to the actual load times cos 42 degrees.
Actual load is the sum of the forces applied perpendicular to the tangents of the contact between the surfaces of a V-block and the pivot pin and corrected to a 4500 lbf gauge reference line.
The true load failure value refers to the true load at which the tested lubricant can no longer support the applied load, resulting in test pin or shear pin breakage or failure to maintain or increase the load. This value is also called the overpressure limit.

Both test methods consist of running a rotating steel spindle at 290 rpm plus/minus 10 rpm against two fixed V-blocks immersed in a lubricant sample. The load is applied to the V-blocks by a ratchet mechanism. In Test Method A, the increasing load is applied continuously. In Test Method B, the load is applied in 1 lbf increments, holding the load constant for 250 minute with each increase in load. The load-loss value obtained in both methods is the criterion for the level of load-carrying characteristics. Both methods require that the load indicator be calibrated and that the test results be reported as true (corrected) loads rather than actual indicated loads. Test Method A is called the Falex run-in test. Test Method B is called the Falex one-minute step test.

The evaluations made by both test methods distinguish between fluids having low, medium and high extreme pressure properties. The user should determine any correlation between the results obtained by either method and service performance. The relative ratings made by both test methods on the fluids discussed in the tables given in the standard are in generally good agreement with the four-ball weld spot relative ratings obtained on the same fluids discussed in “ASTM D2783-21 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Four-ball Method)”.

The Falex Pin and V-Block Testing Machine used in these tests, as shown in the standard, is equipped with a 4500 lbf gauge or a 3000 lbf gauge. Calibration of this instrument requires: Allen screw with 10 mm Brinnell ball, spare plug, standard test coupon (soft, annealed copper), Brinnell microscope or equivalent, timer graduated in seconds and minutes, and steel ruler (approximately 150 mm long).

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