Oscillating abrasion and wear testing machine
Model 6160 Taber Industries

The TABER® Oscillating Abrasion Tester - Model 6160 is best known as an "oscillating sand tester". Described in ASTM F735 (Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and Coatings Using the Oscillating Sand Method), the oscillating sand tester is used to measure the relative abrasion resistance of a material to surface abrasion and / or marring. The primary application of the Oscillating Sand Abrasion Tester is for transparent materials and coatings utilized in windows and lenses, but it might also be used to evaluate organic paints & coatings, plastics, metals and other materials.

Rigid specimens that are 100mm square and less than 12.5mm in thickness are mounted in a holder located in the bottom of a sand tray so the surface is flush within 1mm. The tray is filled to a uniform depth (e.g 12.5mm) with a standardized abrasive media such as quartz silica or alumina. A scotch-yoke drive system reciprocates the tray in a back-and-forth (to-and-fro) motion which causes the entire mass of the abrasive media to shift significantly within the tray. The oscillating movement of the abrasive media results in a random pattern of scratches which simulates normal everyday wear. An optional kit is available to conduct the Bayer Abrasion Test on contoured lenses.