ASTM D4172-21

Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method can be used to determine the relative wear preventive properties of lubricating fluids in sliding contact under the prescribed test conditions. No attempt has been made to correlate this test with balls in rolling contact. The user of this test method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of fluid lubricants in sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine. Evaluation of lubricating grease using the same machine is detailed in Test Method D2266.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Because the equipment used in this test method is only available in kgf units, SI units in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2021
• ICS: 75.100 - Lubricants, industrial oils and related products
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.L0.11 - Tribological Properties of Industrial Fluids and Lubricates

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2266-01(2008) - Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2266-91(1996) - Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001
• Refers: ASTM D2266-01 - Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001

Overview

ASTM D4172-21, officially titled Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method), is a globally recognized test method that assesses the anti-wear properties of lubricating fluids under controlled sliding contact conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines a preliminary procedure to evaluate fluid lubricants’ ability to minimize wear using the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine. While the method provides valuable comparative data about lubricant performance in sliding contact, it does not correlate results for rolling contact scenarios or directly predict field performance.

Adherence to ASTM D4172-21 ensures consistent, repeatable, and valid test results, supporting quality control, product development, and benchmarking efforts within the lubricants industry. The current edition aligns with internationally recognized standardization principles and is trusted by global organizations, including those in the defense sector.

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Key Topics

• Test Principle: The Four-Ball Method evaluates a lubricant's capacity to prevent wear by rotating a steel ball under load against three stationary balls immersed in the test fluid. The extent of wear, measured as the average scar diameter on the stationary balls, indicates the fluid's anti-wear performance.
• Test Conditions: Standardized parameters include a rotational speed of 1200 r/min, a test temperature of 75°C, and loads of either 15 kgf (147 N) or 40 kgf (392 N). Scar diameters are measured to an accuracy of 0.01 mm.
• Lubricant Types: Applicable to a wide range of fluid lubricants; a separate standard (ASTM D2266) covers lubricating greases.
• Apparatus and Materials: Specifies use of precisely manufactured chrome alloy steel balls and dedicated wear test machines.
• Measurement and Reporting: The average wear scar diameter is reported in millimeters, offering a quantitative basis for lubricant comparison.
• Precision and Bias: The method details reproducibility and repeatability, ensuring reliable results across laboratories.

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Applications

The ASTM D4172-21 Four-Ball Wear Test is widely used to:

• Compare Lubricants: Evaluate the wear preventive performance of different fluid lubricants for industrial or automotive applications.
• Quality Control: Ensure consistent anti-wear properties in lubricant production batches.
• Research and Development: Screen new formulations for improved wear resistance properties during the product development cycle.
• Performance Benchmarking: Benchmark lubricant products against industry standards or competitors.
• Conformance Assessment: Meet testing requirements for product specifications, OEM qualifications, and regulatory compliance.

Industries that benefit from this standard include automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and any sector reliant on high-performance lubricants to reduce equipment wear and extend operational life.

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Related Standards

Professionals referencing ASTM D4172-21 may also require:

• ASTM D2266 - Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method), for evaluating greases rather than fluid lubricants.
• ANSI/ABMA/ISO B3.123290-1-2014 - Specification for Metal Rolling Bearings – Balls – Part 1: Steel Balls, for test ball requirements.
• ASTM Standards on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants, for broader context and complementary test methods.

Keywords

wear preventive characteristics, lubricating fluid, four-ball method, lubricant testing, anti-wear properties, ASTM D4172-21, friction reduction, lubricant comparison, industrial lubricants, quality control

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ASTM D4172-21 supports the reliable, standardized evaluation of lubricating fluids, contributing to improved machinery performance, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced product development in lubrication technology.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4172 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-
Ball Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4172; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 2.2 ANSI/ABMA/ISO Standard:
3290-1-2014 Rolling Bearings – Balls – Part 1: Steel Balls
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a
preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of fluid
3. Terminology
lubricants in sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear
3.1 Definitions:
Test Machine. Evaluation of lubricating grease using the same
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
machine is detailed in Test Method D2266.
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear, or both, between
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
them.
standard. Because the equipment used in this test method is
3.1.2 wear, n—damage to a solid surface, generally involv-
only available in kgf units, SI units in parentheses are for
ing progressive loss of material due to relative motion between
information only.
that surface and a contacting substance or surface.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Three 12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) diameter steel balls are clamped
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
together and covered with the lubricant to be evaluated. A
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
fourth 12.7 mm diameter steel ball, referred to as the top ball,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
is pressed with a force of 15 kgf or 40 kgf (147 N or 392 N)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
into the cavity formed by the three clamped balls for three-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
point contact. The temperature of the test lubricant is regulated
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
at 75 °C (167 °F) and then the top ball is rotated at 1200 r/min
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
for 60 min. Lubricants are compared by using the average size
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of the scar diameters worn on the three lower clamped balls.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—Because of differences in the construction of the various
2 machines on which the four-ball test can be made, the manufacturer’s
2.1 ASTM Standards:
instructions should be consulted for proper machine set up and operation.
D2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
NOTE 2—Although the test can be run under other parameters, the
Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
precision noted in Section 10 may vary. No aqueous fluid was included in
the round-robin to establish the precision limits.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
5. Significance and Use
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of
5.1 This test method can be used to determine the relative
Subcommittee D02.L0.11 on Tribological Properties of Industrial Fluids and
Lubricates.
wear preventive properties of lubricating fluids in sliding
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published January 2022. Originally
contact under the prescribed test conditions. No attempt has
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D4172 – 20. DOI:
been made to correlate this test with balls in rolling contact.
10.1520/D4172-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4172 − 21
The user of this test method should determine to his own 8. Test Conditions
satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with
8.1 The test conditions used to develop the precision data as
field performance or other bench test machines.
stated in Section 10 were:
AB
6. Apparatus
Temperature 75 °C ± 2 °C (167 °F ± 4 °F) 75 °C ± 2 °C (167 °F ± 4 °F)
Speed 1200 r ⁄min ± 60 r ⁄min 1200 r ⁄min ± 60 r ⁄min
6.1 Four-Ball Wear Test Machine —See Figs. 1-3.
Duration 60 min ± 1 min 60 min ± 1 min
Load 15 kgf ± 0.2 kgf (147 N ± 2 N) 40 kgf ± 0.2 kgf (392 N ± 2 N)
NOTE 3—It is important to distinguish between the Four-Ball E.P. and
the Four-Ball Wear Test Machines. The Four-Ball E.P. Test Machine is
9. Preparation of Apparatus
designedfortestingunderheavierloadsandlacksthesensitivitynecessary
for wear tests.
9.1 Set up the drive of the machine to obtain a spindle speed
6.2 Microscope, capable of measuring the diameters of the
of 1200 r⁄min 6 60 r⁄min.
scars produced on the three stationary balls to an accuracy of
9.2 Set temperature regulator to produce a test-oil tempera-
0.01 mm. It is more efficient to measure the scars without
ture of 75 °C 6 2 °C (167 °F 6 4 °F).
removing the three balls from the holder.
9.3 When an automatic timer is used to terminate a test, it
7. Materials
should be checked for the required 61 min accuracy at 60 min
elapsed time.
7.1 Test Balls, chromealloysteel,madefromAISIstandard
steel No. E-52100, with diameter of 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Grade
9.4 The loading mechanism must be balanced to a zero
25 EP (Extra Polish). Such balls are described inANSI B3.12.
reading with all parts and test oil in place. To demonstrate
The extra-polish finish is not described in that specification.
proper precision an addition or subtraction of 0.2 kgf (1.96 N)
The Rockwell C hardness shall be 64 to 66, a closer limit than
should be detectable in imbalance. Determination of accuracy
is found in the ANSI requirement.
of loading at 15 kgf and 40 kgf (147 N and 392 N) is difficult
and generally limited to careful measurement of lever-arm
7.2 Cleaning Fluids for preparing balls and apparatus for
ratios and weights or piston diameter and pressure gauge
the test should be those approved as nontoxic, capable of
calibration.
removing antirust coatings from the balls, eliminating test-oil
carryover from one test to the next, and not contribute to wear
10. Procedure
or antiwear of the test lubricant. When the fluid(s) is
10.1 Thoroughly clean four test balls, clamping parts for
flammable, appropriate precautions should be taken (see Note
upper and lower balls and the oil cup using solvent or solvents
1). In the round-robin tests to determine repeatability and
with precautions indicated in 6.2. The parts can be final wiped
reproducibility no specific directions were given for cleaning
using a fresh (unused) lint free industrial wipe.After cleaning,
balls and machine parts. Operators reported using various
all parts are only to be handled using a fresh wipe. No trace of
solvents with and without a sonic cleaning bath. Cleaning
solvent should remain when the test oil is introduced and the
techniques reported by s
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4172 − 20 D4172 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-
Ball Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4172; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of fluid lubricants in
sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine. Evaluation of lubricating grease using the same machine is detailed
in Test Method D2266.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Because the equipment used in this test method is only available
in kgf units, SI units in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
2.2 ANSIANSI/ABMA/ISO Standard:
B3.123290-1-2014 Specification for Metal Rolling Bearings – Balls – Part 1: Steel Balls
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two surfaces that reduces the friction or wear, or both, between them.
3.1.2 wear, n—damage to a solid surface, generally involving progressive loss of material due to relative motion between that
surface and a contacting substance or surface.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.L0.11 on Tribological Properties of Industrial Fluids and Lubricates.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2020January 2022. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20182020
as D4172 – 18.D4172 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/D4172-20.10.1520/D4172-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4172 − 21
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Three 12.7 mm ( ⁄2 in.) diameter steel balls are clamped together and covered with the lubricant to be evaluated. A fourth
12.7 mm diameter steel ball, referred to as the top ball, is pressed with a force of 15 kgf or 40 kgf (147 N or 392 N) into the cavity
formed by the three clamped balls for three-point contact. The temperature of the test lubricant is regulated at 75 °C (167 °F) and
then the top ball is rotated at 1200 r/min for 60 min. Lubricants are compared by using the average size of the scar diameters worn
on the three lower clamped balls.
NOTE 1—Because of differences in the construction of the various machines on which the four-ball test can be made, the manufacturer’s instructions
should be consulted for proper machine set up and operation.
NOTE 2—Although the test can be run under other parameters, the precision noted in Section 10 may vary. No aqueous fluid was included in the
round-robin to establish the precision limits.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method can be used to determine the relative wear preventive properties of lubricating fluids in sliding contact under
the prescribed test conditions. No attempt has been made to correlate this test with balls in rolling contact. The user of this test
method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other
bench test machines.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Four-Ball Wear Test Machine —See Figs. 1-3.
NOTE 3—It is important to distinguish between the Four-Ball E.P. and the Four-Ball Wear Test Machines. The Four-Ball E.P. Test Machine is designed
for testing under heavier loads and lacks the sensitivity necessary for wear tests.
6.2 Microscope, capable of measuring the diameters of the scars produced on the three stationary balls to an accuracy of
0.01 mm. It is more efficient to measure the scars without removing the three balls from the holder.
7. Materials
7.1 Test Balls, chrome alloy steel, made from AISI standard steel No. E-52100, with diameter of 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Grade 25 EP
(Extra Polish). Such balls are described in ANSI B3.12. The extra-polish finish is not described in that specification. The Rockwell
C hardness shall be 64 to 66, a closer limit than is found in the ANSI requirement.
7.2 Cleaning Fluids for preparing balls and apparatus for the test should be those approved as nontoxic, capable of removing
antirust coatings from the balls, eliminating test-oil carryover from one test to the next, and not contribute to wear or antiwear of
FIG. 1 Schematic of a Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
The Four-Ball Wear Test Machine and the Falex Model #6, Multi-Specimen Friction and Wear Test Machine, both made by Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Drive, Sugar
Grove, IL 60554, have been found satisfactory for this purpose. This company can also furnish a microscope with a special base to measure the wear scars without removing
the balls from the test-oil cup. Discontinued models of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine made by Precision Scientific Co. and Roxana Machine Works are also satisfactory.
Steel balls meeting this description were used in developing the precision of the test. They are available from the manufacturer of the test machine and some ball
manufacturers. Some operators prefer to check a new box of balls by running an oil with a known result.
D4172 − 21
FIG. 2 Falex Model #6, Multi-Specimen Friction and Wear Test Machine
the test lubricant. When the fluid(s) is flammable, appropriate precautions should be taken (see Note 1). In the round-robin tests
to determine repeatability and reproducibility no specific directions were given for cleaning balls and machine parts. Operators
reported using various solvents with and without a sonic cleaning bath. Cleaning techniques reported by some cooperators are
included in Research Report RR:D02-1152, see Note 4.
8. Test Conditions
8.1 The test conditions used to develop the precision data as stated in Section 10 were:
A B
Temperature 75 °C ± 2 °C (167 °F ± 4 °F) 75 °C ± 2 °C (167 °F ± 4 °F)
Speed 1200 r ⁄min ± 60 r ⁄min 1200 r ⁄min ± 60 r ⁄min
Duration 60 min ± 1 min 60 min ± 1 min
Load 15 kgf ± 0.2 kgf (147 N ± 2 N) 40 kgf ± 0.2 kgf (392 N ± 2 N)
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Set up the drive of the machine to obtain a spindle speed of 1200 r ⁄min 6 60 r ⁄mi
...