It is a crucial requirement that manufacturers test their product's ability to resist ware in order to guarantee a long lifespan and good quality for their product. For example, you wouldn’t want the letters on your keyboard to rub off after only a few months of use, or the cover of your favourite book to ware out over time.

This is why manufacturers conduct abrasion tests on either the product itself, a sample of the material, or a coating used on the product – these tests are vital for ensuring a material or coating can withstand its intended use and desired lifespan within the environment its intended for.

The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester has the ability to condense a products lifespan to a much shorter duration within a controlled and monitored environment in a manner that is consistent, repeatable, reproducible, and not possible by hand.

To conduct an abrasion test using the Elcometer 1720, simply lift up the carriage to remove the tray, then use the provided tools to adjust the stroke length to your desired length. Place the tray back onto the tester, and insert the materials being tested into the tray, securing them tightly with the provided gasket frames. Input the speed and defined number of cycles using the buttons and dial.

The selected tool, or tools, are then placed into the carriage, the start button is pressed and the test begins. Once the cycle is completed the materials being tested are removed and inspected for abrasion.

Results can be determined visually by checking for signs of abrasion or faded coatings, but properties such as weight, gloss, and coating thickness can also be tested for more quantitative, comparable results.