Overview
ISO 19291:2016 specifies a tribological test method for evaluating lubricants (oils and greases) using a high-frequency, linear‑oscillation (translatory oscillation) apparatus. The standard defines procedures for measuring key tribological quantities in a ball-on-disk contact geometry, including coefficient of friction, wear, load carrying capacity and extreme pressure behaviour. The test is performed on a fully computer‑controlled translatory oscillation machine (SRV‑type), allowing controlled test frequency, stroke length, temperature, normal load and test time.
Keywords: ISO 19291:2016, lubricants test, translatory oscillation apparatus, tribological quantities, ball-on-disk, friction, wear, oils, greases
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test principle: A hardened bearing‑steel ball is oscillated against a stationary disk; lateral friction force measurements yield the coefficient of friction.
- Measured quantities: Coefficient of friction, wear scar dimensions/volumes for ball and disk, pass load (O.K. load) and load carrying capacity, and detection of adhesive failure/seizure.
- Apparatus and specimens: Requirements for the translatory oscillation apparatus, test balls and disks (material and preparation), and installation in the test chamber.
- Test parameters: Control and reporting of frequency, stroke, temperature, normal force (load) and test duration.
- Calibration & precision: Procedures for machine calibration, inspection, and statistical performance indicators (repeatability r and reproducibility R).
- Cleaning and reagents: Use of a specified non‑chlorinated cleaning solvent (DIN 51631 type 2 special‑boiling‑point spirits) and associated safety guidance.
- Data reporting: Detailed expression of results, required test report information and optional annexes for compiled results.
- Reference methods: Wear volume determination can follow DIN 51834‑3 or ASTM D7755 where applicable.
Applications and Users
ISO 19291:2016 is intended for:
- Lubricant manufacturers for R&D and quality control of oils and greases
- Independent test laboratories performing tribological evaluations
- Tribologists and materials engineers assessing friction, wear and extreme pressure behaviour
- Automotive, bearing and industrial equipment designers needing laboratory data to compare lubricants or screen formulations
Note: The standard harmonizes several national methods (e.g., DIN, ASTM, SH/T) but users should verify how laboratory results correlate with field performance for specific applications.
Related Standards
- ISO 683‑17 (bearing steels)
- ASTM D7755 (wear volume determination for SRV)
- DIN 51834‑2 / DIN 51834‑3
- ASTM D6425, D7421, D5706, D5707 and various SH/T methods (harmonized methods)
ISO 19291:2016 delivers a reproducible, comparable laboratory protocol for tribological screening of lubricants using the translatory oscillation apparatus, helping engineers and labs quantify friction, wear and load capacity under controlled oscillatory conditions.