ASTM D4172-25 PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM D4172-25
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM D4172-25
Original standard ASTM D4172-25 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM D4172-25 — Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four‑Ball Method). This standard specifies a laboratory procedure using the four‑ball wear test machine to evaluate the anti‑wear (wear‑preventive) performance of fluid lubricants by measuring wear scar diameters produced on test balls under controlled load, speed and temperature conditions.
Abstract
ASTM D4172-25 (designation indicates the 2025 revision) provides a reproducible comparative test for ranking and quality‑control of lubricating oils based on mean wear scar diameter produced in the four‑ball arrangement. The method is intended for comparative evaluation rather than direct field performance prediction and references the related grease procedure in ASTM D2266. Test outputs are typically used for R&D, formulation benchmarking and production QC.
General information
- Status: Active / Current.
- Publication date: 01 December 2025 (designation D4172‑25).
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 75.100 — Lubricants, industrial oils and related products.
- Edition / version: D4172‑25 (current revision).
- Number of pages: 5 pages (concise test method).
Scope
This method covers a laboratory procedure for making a preliminary, comparative evaluation of the anti‑wear properties of fluid lubricants in sliding contact using the four‑ball wear tester. The standard defines specimen preparation, ball specifications, test loads, temperatures and durations, and reporting of mean wear scar diameter (MWSD). It is not intended to simulate specific service conditions, and evaluation of grease using the same machine is addressed in ASTM D2266. Units and reporting conventions (SI and force units used by equipment) are specified.
Key topics and requirements
- Test apparatus: Four‑ball wear test machine (one rotating top ball pressed against three stationary lower balls immersed in test fluid).
- Measured output: Mean wear scar diameter (MWSD) measured on the three lower balls (typically averaged from multiple diameter readings).
- Typical conditions: Standardized loads, rotational speed (commonly 1 200 rpm in ASTM practice), test temperature (commonly 75 °C), and test duration (commonly 60 min) for the wear test variant. Specific load/speed/time combinations and EP variants may also be defined.
- Reporting and units: Scar diameters reported in millimetres (SI); where equipment uses force units in kgf or newtons those units and conversions are addressed in the method.
- Precision and reproducibility: The method includes guidance on repeatability and reproducibility limits for scar diameter measurement to support comparative use.
Typical use and users
Used by lubricant and additive formulators, independent testing laboratories, OEM engineering and quality teams, and procurement/specification engineers for R&D, comparative ranking of oil anti‑wear performance, batch quality control, supplier qualification, and troubleshooting wear issues in components. The test is quick, repeatable and suited for formulation screening and production QA.
Related standards
Commonly referenced alongside ASTM D2266 (Four‑Ball method for greases) and international equivalents such as ISO 20623 (Four‑Ball method — EP and anti‑wear, European conditions). Other related methods: ASTM D2596, D2783 (EP/weld tests), DIN and IP methods for four‑ball testing.
Keywords
four‑ball, wear test, mean wear scar diameter, MWSD, lubricating fluid, anti‑wear, EP (extreme pressure), lubricant testing, ASTM D4172, four‑ball method, quality control.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM D4172‑25 is the ASTM International test method that defines the four‑ball wear test procedure to evaluate wear‑preventive characteristics of liquid lubricants by measuring wear scar diameters produced on test balls.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers specimen and ball preparation, apparatus requirements, standard test conditions (load, speed, temperature and time), measurement and reporting of mean wear scar diameter, and precision guidance. It is intended for comparative laboratory evaluation rather than direct prediction of in‑service wear.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Lubricant manufacturers and formulators, independent test labs, OEMs, quality/control engineers and standards committees use the method for R&D, formulation ranking, batch acceptance testing and supplier qualification.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The designation D4172‑25 indicates a 2025 revision; vendor and standards catalog listings identify D4172‑25 (publication date 01 December 2025) as the current edition. For historical context, earlier active versions include D4172‑20 and prior revisions. Users should obtain the official ASTM publication for the definitive text and date of withdrawal/supersession.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of a family of four‑ball test methods and lubricant test procedures; closely associated standards include ASTM D2266 (grease four‑ball wear), ASTM D2596/D2783 (EP/weld tests), and international counterparts such as ISO 20623.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Four‑ball, wear scar, MWSD, lubricant testing, anti‑wear, EP, ASTM D4172, grease (D2266), quality control.