Operating Guide for the Glazed Ceramic Tile Abrasion Tester

This operating guide describes the use of a glazed ceramic tile abrasion tester designed in accordance with ISO/DIS 10545-7:1994 (Ceramic tiles—Method for determining surface abrasion resistance of glazed tiles) and GB/T 3810.7-2016 (Test method for glaze abrasion resistance of ceramic tiles). The instrument abrades the glaze surface with a specified abrasive medium and classifies the visible wear of the test pieces by visual comparison. Classification by visible wear trace (revolutions): 0 at 100; 1 at 150; 2 at 600; 3 at 750 and 1500; 4 at 2100, 6000, and 12000; 5 at >120000 and passing ISO 10545-14 stain resistance. The tester is suitable for glazed ceramic tile manufacturers, national quality inspection agencies, and research institutes for quality control and R&D. Key technical parameters: Test specimen size is 100 × 100 mm, allowing abrasion tests on up to 4 specimens simultaneously. The distance from the supporting turntable center to each specimen center is 195, and spacing between adjacent specimen fixtures is equal. Rated speed of the support turntable is 300 ± 10% rpm. Eccentricity e = 22.5 mm. Each metal fixture with rubber seal has an inner diameter of Φ83 and an internal height of 25.5 mm, providing an approximate test area of 54 mm². Motor power is 370 W. Power supply is 380 V ± 10%, 50 Hz ± 10% (three-phase, four-wire). Structure and working principle: The tester consists of the machine body, transmission mechanism, support turntable, four metal fixture cups with rubber seals, and an electrical control unit. Driven by the motor and transmission, the support disk rotates at 300 rpm with an eccentricity of 22.5 mm, causing each specimen to move in a circular path of 45 mm diameter. This motion enables the abrasive to grind the glaze surface. A digital time relay controls the preset number of revolutions and stops the machine automatically upon reaching the target count. The device features smooth operation, low noise, and simple controls, and it can test four or fewer specimens automatically according to the set time (revolutions). Handling and storage: Always use a forklift to lift the unit from the base. During transport, ensure no vibration, no spillage, no inversion, and avoid impact or tipping. Storage conditions: temperature 40 ℃ to 70 ℃; humidity 80% RH to 90% RH for 48 h. Place the equipment in a well-ventilated environment free from strong electric or magnetic fields, corrosive or harmful gases. Installation: Place the tester on a solid, flat concrete bench. Anchor with three M12 × 50 foundation bolts aligned with the three equally spaced foot holes on the machine base. Ensure a reliable protective ground. Install near a 380 V power source. Adjustment and checks: Verify that all bolts and pins are tight. After power-up, confirm the support turntable rotates clockwise. Perform a trial run to check for any runout or wobble. Operation procedure: Prepare the abrasive media for each specimen as follows: steel balls Φ5, 70.00 ± 0.50 g; steel balls Φ3, 52.50 ± 0.50 g; steel balls Φ2, 43.75 ± 0.10 g; steel balls Φ1, 8.75 ± 0.10 g; plus 20 ml of distilled or deionized water. Clean each specimen, clamp it in the fixture, and add the abrasive through the top port before closing the lid. Set the DH145 digital time relay for the required revolutions: 100, 150, 600, 750, 1500, 2100, 6000, or 12000, corresponding to timing such as 20 seconds, 0.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 5 minutes, etc., then start the machine. Post-test cleaning and evaluation: After testing, wipe the specimen surface with a 10% hydrochloric acid solution, rinse under running water, and dry in an oven at 110 ± 5 ℃. If rust contamination occurs, clean again with 10% hydrochloric acid, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Evaluate the dried specimens according to ISO/DIS 10545-7:1994 and GB/T 3810.7-2006. If visible wear results are close between two adjacent grades, repeat the test. If results differ, report the lower of the two grades. Abrasive maintenance: After the test, pour the steel balls onto a sieve, rinse with running water, collect them in a beaker, clean with methanol or ethanol, dry, and store to prevent rust. Do not use the steel balls more than 200 times.

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