In the quality inspection of textiles, automotive interior materials, and leather products, abrasion resistance is one of the core indicators for measuring product performance and durability. The Schopper Abrasion Tester, as an internationally recognised rotary abrasion testing device, is widely used in quality control and product development in the textile, automotive, and leather industries due to its precise testing principle and stable repeatability.

Ⅰ. Instrument Overview

The Schopper Abrasion Tester uses a rotary wear testing method, applying friction to the rotating sample in the tangent direction through a friction component, simulating multi-directional abrasion conditions in actual use. It evaluates the sample's appearance changes, material loss, and hole formation after friction. The instrument is compact and robust, equipped with a PLC touch screen control system, supporting manual and automatic control modes, making it easy to operate with high result repeatability.

Ⅱ. Applicable Standards

- DIN 53863 Part 2 "Textile Surface Abrasion Test (Rotary Abrasion Test)"

- GME Standard 60345

- GMW Standard 3283

- VW/Audi Central Standard PV 3908

- QC/T 216-1996 (Automotive Industry Related Standard)

Ⅲ. Working Principle

The core working principle of the Schopper Abrasion Tester is as follows:

1. Sample Mounting: Fix a circular sample (approximately 100 cm²) on the rotary testing head, clamped with an obtuse-angle conical chuck (cone angle 166°). The testing head bracket is inclined at 7° to ensure the testing area is 50 cm².

2. Friction Process: The motor drives the sample to rotate at 75 r/min. The friction material (usually sandpaper) remains in linear contact with the sample, producing a friction effect in the tangent direction.

3. Direction Switching: Every 100 friction cycles (adjustable), the instrument automatically stops and switches the rotation direction (alternating clockwise/counterclockwise) to simulate multi-directional friction in actual use.

4. Result Evaluation: After testing, observe the sample for material loss, hole formation, or surface wear to quantitatively assess its abrasion resistance.

IV. Pre-Test Preparation

1. Environmental Preparation

- Place the instrument on a stable, vibration-free laboratory bench and ensure there is no strong electromagnetic interference in the vicinity.

- The recommended laboratory temperature is 20±2°C, with a relative humidity of 65±5%.

2. Sample Preparation

- Cut circular test specimens with an area of approximately 100 cm² in accordance with relevant standards.

- The test specimens must undergo temperature and humidity conditioning: leave them under standard atmospheric conditions for at least 24 hours to eliminate the influence of environmental variations on the test results.

- Inspect the specimen surface for any obvious defects, wrinkles, or stains to avoid affecting test accuracy.

3. Inspection of Accessories

- Confirm that all accessories, including fixtures, weights (50 g–1500 g), sandpaper, and the arch height measuring device, are present.

- Check that the sandpaper is flat and undamaged; replace it with new sandpaper if necessary.

V. Detailed Operating Procedures

Step 1: Install the Test Specimen

1. Using the ring wrench and accessories provided with the instrument, install the temperature- and humidity-conditioned test specimen onto the specimen clamp to form the rotating test head.

2. Use the camber height measurement device to adjust the protrusion height of the test head. According to standard requirements, the camber height is generally set within the range of 5–8 mm. The accuracy of the camber height directly affects the specimen tension, which in turn affects the test results.

Step 2: Install the Test Head

1. Place the test head, with the specimen installed, onto the test head mounting plate on the instrument’s workbench.

2. Align the locating pins on the mounting plate with the locating holes beneath the test head, then install and secure it to ensure the test head is free of movement.

Step 3: Install the Friction Material (Sandpaper)

1. Use the friction material clamp on the pressure plate to secure the sandpaper to the underside of the pressure plate.

2. Tighten the clamp to ensure the sandpaper is securely fastened and installed flat, without wrinkles or air bubbles.

Step 4: Apply Pressure

1. Manually pull the lifting latch on the right side of the pressure plate outward to lower the pressure plate, bringing the sandpaper into contact with the specimen surface on the test head.

2. Based on the sample’s weight per unit area, load the corresponding weight onto the weight shaft above the pressure plate:

   - Weight per unit area ≤100 g/m²: Apply 1.0 N

   - 100–150 g/m²: Apply 2.0 N

   - 150–300 g/m²: Apply 5.0 N

   - >300 g/m²: Apply 10.0 N

   The instrument comes standard with weights of 50 g, 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1000 g, and 1500 g; different pressure values can be achieved by combining them. 

Step 5: Set Test Parameters

1. Turn on the instrument’s power switch to access the touchscreen interface.

2. Set the total number of rotations (according to standard requirements, such as 500 or 1000).

3. Set the number of rotations per direction (typically set to 100, meaning the direction automatically switches every 100 rotations).

4. Select the control mode: Automatic mode (recommended) or Manual mode.

Step 6: Start the Test

1. After confirming that all parameters are set correctly, click the Start button.

2. The instrument begins operation, and the test specimen undergoes rotational friction with the sandpaper.

3. After reaching the set number of rotations in one direction, the instrument automatically stops, switches directions, and continues operation.

Step 7: End the Test and Remove the Specimen

1. Once the total number of rotations is reached, the instrument automatically stops.

2. Raise the pressure plate and remove the test head.

3. Disassemble the fixture and carefully remove the specimen, taking care not to touch the abraded areas.

4. Perform a visual inspection, weigh the specimen (accuracy: 0.1 mg), or analyze any holes. Compare the results with the original specimen to evaluate its abrasion resistance.

VI. Pressure Selection Reference Table

Selecting the appropriate downward pressure based on the specimen’s weight is key to ensuring accurate test results:

> Note: Specific pressure values should be determined in accordance with the applicable test standard, as values may vary between standards.

VII. Operational Precautions

1. Arch Height Adjustment: The arch height of the specimen must be strictly adjusted in accordance with the standard. If it is too high or too low, it will cause uneven tension in the specimen, affecting the friction results.

2. Sandpaper Replacement: Sandpaper will gradually wear out during testing. It is recommended to replace it with new sandpaper after a certain number of tests, or as specified by the standard.

3. Weight Loading: When loading weights, ensure they are securely placed to prevent them from falling off during the test; remove the weights promptly after the test to reduce long-term stress on the lever system.

4. Direction Switching: If using manual mode, be sure to switch the rotation direction promptly after the instrument prompts you to do so, to avoid excessive wear in one direction.

5. Safety Precautions: Do not open the protective cover or touch moving parts during the test to ensure operator safety.

The information in this document is based on standards such as DIN 53863 Part 2 and GMW 3283. For specific operating procedures, please refer to the instrument’s user manual and the latest version of the standard.

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