An American National Standard

Designation: D 3233 – 93 (Reapproved 2003)

Standard Test Methods for

Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid
Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3233; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3.1.1.1 Discussion—This gage reading is irrespective of the

1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for making a particular gage used, and corrections are made by comparison
preliminary evaluation of the load-carrying properties of fluid to a standard reference.
lubricants by means of the Falex Pin and Vee Block Test 3.1.2 direct load, n—that which is applied linearly, bisect-
Machine. ing the angle of the vee block corrected to either the 800 or
3000-lbf gage reference.
NOTE 1—Additional information can be found in Appendix X1 regard- 3.1.2.1 Discussion—This load is equivalent to the true load
ing coefficient of friction, load gage conversions, and load gage cablibra-
times the cos 42°.
tion curve.
3.1.3 true load, n—the sum of the applied forces normal to
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the tangents of contact between the faces of one vee block and
standard. Because the equipment used in these test methods is the journal pin corrected to the 4500 lbf gage reference line.
available only in inch-pound units, the SI units are omitted 3.1.4 true load failure value, n—the true load at which the
when referring to the equipment and the test specimens. lubricant tested can no longer support the applied load resulting
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the in either test pin or shear pin breakage, or inability to maintain
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the or increase load.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.4.1 Discussion—This value is also referred to as the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- limit of extreme pressure.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Test Methods
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Both test methods consist of running a rotating steel
2.1 ASTM Standards: journal at 290 6 10 rpm against two stationary V-blocks
B 16/B 16M Specification for Free-Cutting Brass, Rod, Bar immersed in the lubricant sample. Load is applied to the
and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines2 V-blocks by a ratchet mechanism. In Test Method A (Note 1),
D 2670 Test Method for Measuring Wear Properties of increasing load is applied continuously. In Test Method B
Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pen and Vee Block Method)3 (Note 1), load is applied in 250-lbf (1112-N) increments with
D 2783 Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure load maintained constant for 1 min at each load increment. In
Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Four-Ball Method)3 both methods the load-fail value obtained is the criteria for
level of load-carrying properties. Both methods require cali-
3. Terminology
bration of the load gage and reporting of test results as true
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: (corrected) loads rather than actual gage loads.
3.1.1 actual gage load, n—the value obtained from the gage
while running the test and before any corrections are made. NOTE 2—Test Method A is referred to as the Falex Run-Up Test. Test
Method B is referred to as the Falex One-Minute Step Test.

5. Significance and Use

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM 5.1 Evaluations by both test methods differentiate between
Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is fluids having low, medium, and high levels of extreme-pressure
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.L0 on Industrial
Lubricants. properties. The user should establish any correlation between
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2003. Published September 2003. Originally results by either method and service performance.
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 3233–93(1998).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01. NOTE 3—Relative ratings by both test methods on the reference fluids
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. covered in Table 1 and Table 2 are in good general agreement with

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)
A
TABLE 1 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, E
(TEST METHOD A)
L-XI-1-2-A L-XI-1-2-B L-XI-1-2-C L-XI-1-2-D L-XI-1-2-E
Labora- Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf
Test
tory
Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True
A 1 1200 840 1200 840 4500 + 4100 + 4300 3950 2600 2100
2 1275 920 1275 920 4500 + 4100 + 4500 + 4100 + 2400 1925

B 1 800 860 1000 1050 4500 + 4250 + 4100 3900 2050 2050
2 850 900 950 1025 4500 + 4250 + 4300 4100 1950 1950

C 1 725 990 775 1020 4500 + 3200 + 3950 2900 1350 1460
2 650 910 750 980 4500 + 3200 + 4100 3000 1300 1430

D 1 1400 1050 1100 770 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 2900 2150
2 1400 1050 1250 900 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 2650 1975

E 1 825 900 1000 1060 4450 4500 + 4100 4475 1825 1970
2 750 820 925 1000 4450 4500 + 4150 4500 1825 1970

F 1 1000B 920B 1000 800 4500 + 4500 + 3500 4500 1850 1900
2 990B 910B 1050 850 4500 + 4500 + 2900 3510 1720 1720

G 1 800 900 690 800 4000 4275 3325 3625 1430 1600
2 700 800 660 750 3750 4000 3150 3450 1500 1675

H 1 700 700 1000 1000 4500 + 4500 + 3750 3750 1900 1900
2 700 700 1000 1000 4500 + 4500 + 4000 4000 1650 1650

I 1 750 600 1250 1000 4500 + 3750 + 4500 + 3750 + 1750 1450
2 750 600 1000 800 4500 + 3750 + 4500 + 3750 + 1750 1450

Min Avg 600 775 2950C 1445

Max Avg 1050 1037 4488C 2063
Grand Avg 854 920 3809C 1796
Repeatability Reproducibility
s = 0.0624 S = 0.140
r = 0.179 (TL)D R = 0.402 (TL)D
A
Reference fluids used and described in Test Method D 2783.
B
Calibration curves shifted.
C
Six laboratories.
D
TL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested.

four-ball weld-point relative ratings obtained on these same reference 7. Reagents and Materials
fluids, covered in Test Method D 2783.
7.1 Standard Coined-Blocks,5 96 6 1° angle, AISI C-1137
6. Apparatus steel, HRC 20 to 24, surface finish 5 to 10 µin. (1.3 3 10−7 to
2.5 3 10−7m), rms.
6.1 Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine,4 illustrated in 7.2 Standard Test Journals,5 1⁄4 in. (6.35 mm) outside
Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, fitted with 4500-lbf (20 000-N) gage diameter by 11⁄4 in. (31.75 mm) long, AISI 3135 steel, HRB 87
or 3000-lbf (13 350-N) gage. to 91 on −7a ground flat surface, surface finish 5 to 10 µin.
6.2 Required for Calibration: (1.3 3 10 to 2.5 3 10−7 m) rms.
6.2.1 Allen Screw, with attached 10-mm Brinnell ball.5 7.3 Locking Pins,5 1⁄2 H brass, conforming to Specification
6.2.2 Back-Up Plug.5 B 16/B 16M.
6.2.3 Standard Test Coupon,5 soft, annealed copper, Hb 7.4 Solvent, safe, nonfilming, nonchlorinated.
37–39. NOTE 4—Petroleum distillate and benzene, formerly used as solvents in
6.2.4 Brinnell Microscope, or equivalent. this method, have been eliminated due to possible toxic effects. Each user
6.2.5 Timer, graduated in seconds and minutes. should select a solvent that can meet applicable safety standards and still
thoroughly clean the parts.
6.2.6 Rule, steel, 6-in. (approximately 150-mm) long.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Cleaning:
4
The Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine, available from the Falex Corp., 8.1.1 Thoroughly clean the V-blocks, test journals, lubricant
1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554 has been found satisfactory for this cup, and supports for V-blocks and test journals by washing,
purpose. A new model of this machine has been available since 1983. Certain
operating procedures are different for this new model. Consult instruction manual of
successively, with solvent selected in 7.4. Dry the V-blocks,
machine for this information. test journals, lubricant cup, and supports by allowing the final
5
Available from Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. solvent to evaporate in air.

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)
TABLE 2 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, EA
(TEST METHOD B)
L-XI-1-2-A L-XI-1-2-B L-XI-1-2-C L-XI-1-2-D L-XI-1-2-E
Labora- Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf
Test
tory Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True
A 1 1100 750 1400 1000 4150 3750 4350 4000 2750 2250
2 1100 750 1400 1000 4350 4000 4150 3750 2200 1750

B 1 670 750 940 1000 4200 4000 3900 3750 2000 2000
2 670 750 670 750 3900 3750 4200 4000 1750 1750

C 1 520 750 520 750 4100 + 3000 + 4100 3000 1750 1750
2 520 750 790 1000 4100 + 3000 + 4100 + 3000 + 1750 1750

D 1 1600 1250 1080 750 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3000 2250
2 1600 1250 1080 750 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3300 2500

E 1 700 750 925 1000 3850 4250 3850 4250 1380 1500
2 700 750 925 1000 4150 4500 3650 4000 1850 2000

F 1 1075B 1000B 950 750 3350 4250 3350 4250 1925 2000
2 1075B 1000B 950 750 3500 4500 3050 3750 1560 1500

G 1 660 750 660 750 3500 3750 3000 3250 1550 1750
2 660 750 800 1000 3200 3500 2800 3000 1350 1500

H 1 750 750 1000 1000 3500 3500 4250 4250 1500 1500
2 750 750 1000 1000 4000 4000 4000 4000 1750 1750

I 1 930 750 910 750 4400 3750 4400 + 3750 + 1800 1500
2 930 750 910 750 4400 3750 4400 + 3750 + 1800 1500

Min Avg 750 750 3625C 3125D 1500

Max Avg 1250 1000 4375C 4125D 2375
Grand Avg 833 875 3932C 3837D 1846
Repeatability Reproducibility
s = 0.0624 S = 0.137
r = 0.179 (TL)E R = 0.391 (TL)E
A
Reference fluids used and described in Test Method D 2783.
B
Calibration curves shifted.
C
Seven laboratories.
D
Six laboratories.
E
TL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested.

FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Falex Standard Pin and Vee Block Test Machine

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)

FIG. 2 Falex Digital Pin and Vee Block Test Machine

Load, lbf (N) Diameter, mm

(Ordinate) (Abscissa)

500 (2224) 2.62

1000 (4450) 3.42
1500 (6672) 4.00
2000 (8896) 4.47

NOTE 5—Fig. 3 shows the true-load calibration curve for the prescribed
4500-lbf (20 000-N) gage, prepared as covered in 9.1. Copies of Fig. 4, 8
by 11 in., are available at a nominal cost from ASTM. Although not
originally used in development of these test methods, the 3000-lb direct
reading load gage should be satisfactory providing results are corrected
and reported with respect to the true load (4500-lbf) reference line. Refer
to Test Method D 2670 for calibration of 3000-lb load gage.

10. Calibration of Load Gage 4500 lbf (20 000 N)

FIG. 3 Exploded View of V-Blocks and Journal Arrangement,
Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machines 10.1 Remove the Allen set screw and 1⁄2-in. (12.70-mm) ball
from the left jaw socket (Fig. 5).
10.2 Insert the special Allen screw with the attached 10-mm
8.1.2 After cleaning, handle the test pieces with care to Brinnell ball into the working face of the left jaw. Adjust so
prevent contamination. Particularly, avoid contact of fingers that the ball projects about 5⁄32 in. (approximately 4 mm) from
with mating surfaces of V-blocks and test journals. the face of the jaw.
8.2 Assembly:
8.2.1 Insert the test journal into the test shaft and secure 10.3 Insert the back-up plug in the counterbore of the
with a new brass locking pin, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. right-hand jaw. Adjust so that the plug projects about 1⁄32 in.
8.2.2 Insert the V-blocks into the recesses of the loading (approximately 0.8 mm) from the face.
device and swing the V-blocks inward to contact the journal so 10.4 Support the standard test coupon so that the upper edge
that the V-grooves are aligned with the journal major axis, as of the coupon is about 3⁄32 in. (approximately 2.5 mm) below
shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. the upper surface of the jaws. Place a steel rule across the face
8.2.3 Place 60 mL of test lubricant in the lubricant cup and of the jaws. Adjust the Allen screw with the attached 10-mm
raise the cup so that the V-blocks are immersed in the test ball until the face of the jaws are parallel to the steel rule with
lubricant. With highly viscous fluids, open the jaws slightly to the test coupon in position for indentation.
ensure that the wear surfaces are covered with the lubricant. 10.5 With the test coupon in position for the first impres-
8.2.4 Place the automatic loading device, with attached sion, place the load gage assembly on the level arms. Remove
gage, on the jaw arms. the slack from the assembly by moving the ratchet wheel by
hand.
9. Preparation of True Load Calibration Curve 10.6 Place the loading lever on the ratchet wheel and actuate
9.1 On log-log paper (K & E 467080 or equivalent) draw a the motor. Allow the motor to run until the load gage indicates
straight-line plot of load, pounds-force (newtons) (ordinate), a load of 500 lbf (2224 N). A slight take-up on the ratchet
versus indentation diameter, millimetres (abscissa) using the wheel is required to hold the load due to the ball sinking into
data points shown below. Label this curve “True Load” (Note the test coupon. After a 500-lbf (2224-N) load is obtained, hold
5). for 1 min for the indentation to form.

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)

FIG. 4 Calibration Curve for 4500-lb Gage, Using 37-39 HB Copper Coupon

should be separated by a minimum distance of 2.5 times the

diameter of the initial indentation. Check the alignment of the
jaws, and repeat the procedure described in 10.6 at gage loads
of 1000, 1500, and 2000 lbf (4448, 6672, and 8896 N).
10.8 Remove the load gage assembly and test coupon and
measure the diameter of each indentation to 0.01 mm with a
microscope. Make three measurements of the indentation
diameter, rotating the test coupon to ensure that no two
measurements represent the same points. Average the three
measurements of each impression and record.
10.9 Plot the four impression readings on the same log-log
plot of true load prepared as prescribed in 9.1 and shown as
Fig. 4. Draw a straight line through the four impression
readings and label the line “Actual Gage Load.”
NOTE 6—Currently, load gages are calibrated at the factory such that
the actual 4500-lb gage load is equivalent to true load. Periodic calibra-
tions should be made to ensure correct values are being reported for true
load.

TEST METHOD A
FIG. 5 Schematic Drawing of Calibration Accessories for
Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machines 11. Determination of Actual Gage Load for Run-In
11.1 The procedure, Section 12, requires a run-in at an
actual gage load equivalent to 300-lbf (1334-N) true load
10.7 Turn off the machine and back off the load until the test (264-lbf direct load). This actual gage load is obtained as
coupon is free of the jaws. Advance the test coupon approxi- follows from the plot of actual gage load and true load prepared
mately 3⁄8 in. (approximately 9.5 mm). Additional indentations in Sections 9 and 10: Locate 300 lbf (1334 N) on the true load

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)
curve (264-lbf direct load). Through this point draw a vertical obtained. Record the gage load at failure. Record 4500 lbf
line to intersect the actual gage load curve. Through this point (20 000 N) if no failure is obtained.
of intersection draw a horizontal line to the left-hand or
right-hand load scale and read the actual gage load value. NOTE 9—Failure is indicated by (a) breakage of shear pin or test pin, or
(b) inability to take up the load automatically by means of the ratchet
Record this actual gage load for run-in on a suitable reporting wheel.
form.
12.2.2 Using the calibration curves prepared in Sections 9
NOTE 7—A suitable reporting form for Test Methods A and B, and data
obtained on one of the reference fluids by one of the cooperating
and 10, determine and record the true load failure equivalent to
laboratories, is shown in Table 3. Fig. 6 shows the calibration curves used the actual gage load failure, or, if no failure, the true load
by the laboratory reporting the data in Table 3. equivalent to the highest indicated actual gage load, with a plus
( + ) sign after the true load value.
12. Procedure
12.1 Run-In: NOTE 10—To convert actual gage load to true load, locate the gage load
on the actual gage load curve. Through this point draw a vertical line to
12.1.1 Turn on “Heat Control” switch and heat test lubricant intersect the true load curve. Through this point of intersection draw a
to 120 6 5°F (51.7 6 3°C); then turn off the switch. horizontal line to the left-hand or right-hand load scale and read the true
12.1.2 Remove slack from assembly by moving the ratchet load value.
wheel by hand. At this setting the torque gage should read zero,
or be adjusted to zero. TEST METHOD B
12.1.3 Actuate the motor, engage the automatic loading
ratchet, and increase the load to a gage load equivalent to 13. Determination of Actual Gage Load for Run-In and
300-lbf (1334-N) true load (264-lbf direct load), as determined 250-lbf (1112-N) True Load Increments
in 8.1. Disengage the loading ratchet, start the timer, and allow
13.1 The procedure, Section 14, requires a run-in at an
the machine to run at this loading for a 5-min run-in period.
actual gage load equivalent to 300-lbf (1334-N) true load
NOTE 8—Maintain load at near constant by taking up the load manually (264-lbf direct load), and testing at incremental gage loadings
or automatically by means of the ratchet wheel if necessary. equivalent to 250-lbf (1112-N) true load (224-lbf direct load)
12.2 Test: over the range from 500 to 4500-lbf (2224 to 20 000-N) true
12.2.1 Re-engage the automatic loading ratchet and leave it load (412 to 2885-lbf direct load). Determine the equivalent
engaged until failure (Note 9) or until the highest indicated actual gage loads as prescribed in Section 8, and Test Method
actual gage reading is reached. Stop the motor at failure or at A. Record on a suitable reporting form, such as shown in Table
the highest indicated actual gage load when no failure is 3.

TABLE 3 Suggested Report Form, Test Methods A and B, Showing Data

Operator: Laboratory A
Test Sample: L-XI-1-2-E Gage Type:
Calibration Indentation Results: 500 lbf = 2.13 mm 1500 lbf = 3.53 mm
1000 lbf = 2.90 mm 2000 lbf = 4.06 mm
TEST METHOD A
Run-In: 5 min at 520 lbf actual gage load, equivalent to 300 lbf true load.
Actual Gate Load, Equivalent True Load,
lbf, at Failure lbf at Failure
Test No. 1 2600 2100
Test No. 2 2400 1925
TEST METHOD B
Run-In: 5 min at 520 lbf actual gage load, equivalent to 300 lbf true load.
True Load, lbf Equivalent Actual Test No. 1 Test No. 2
Gage Load, lbf
500 800 pass pass
750 1100 pass pass
1000 1400 pass pass
1250 1650 pass pass
1500 1950 pass pass
1750 2200 pass fail
2000 2450 pass
2250 2750 fail
2500 3000
2750 3200
3000 3400
3250 3700
3500 3900
3750 4150
4000 4350
4250
4500

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)

FIG. 6 Calibration Curves Used by Laboratory Reporting Data Shown in Table 1

14. Procedure TEST METHODS A AND B

14.1 Run-In—Use the same procedure as prescribed in 12.1,
Test Method A. 15. Report
14.2 Test: 15.1 Report the true load value at which failure occurred.
14.2.1 Re-engage the automatic loading ratchet and leave it 15.2 If no failure is obtained, report the last true load run,
engaged until the actual gage reading is equivalent to 500-lbf with a plus ( + ) sign after the value.
(2224-N) true load (412-lbf direct load), as determined in
Section 13. Run for 1 min at this loading. 16. Precision and Bias
NOTE 11—Maintain load at near constant at this load and at subsequent 16.1 The precision of these test methods as determined by
incremental loading by taking up the load by means of the ratchet wheel statistical examination of interlaboratory results is as follows
when necessary. (see Note 15):
NOTE 12—Keep the motor running after run-in and throughout subse- 16.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between two test re-
quent loadings.
sults, obtained by the same operator with the same apparatus
14.2.2 Increase actual gage loads in the increments equiva- under constant operating conditions on identical test material,
lent to 250-lbf (1112-N) true load (224-lbf direct load), as would in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
determined in Section 13, running for 1 min at each increment the test method, exceed the following values only in one case
loading. Record the load at which failure occurs (Note 14, Note in twenty:
15). If no failure is obtained, record the last load run with a plus Test Method A, 27 % of the mean
( + ) sign after the value. Test Method B, 24 % of the mean

NOTE 13—Failure is indicated by (a) breakage of shear pin or test pin, 16.1.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two, single
or (b) inability to increase or maintain load by means of the ratchet wheel. and independent results obtained by different operators work-
NOTE 14—If failure occurs during run-up between load increments, ing in different laboratories on identical test material would, in
record the higher increment load as fail. the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
14.2.3 Determine and record the true load failure equivalent method, exceed the following values only in one case in
as described in 12.2.2. twenty:

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)
Test Method A, 40 % of the mean tests on L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, and E, covered in Table 1 and Table 2. These
Test Method B, 43 % of the mean are the same reference fluids used and described in Test Method D 2783.
16.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
because the value of the Falex Extreme Pressure Failure Load 17. Keywords
can be defined only in terms of a test method. 17.1 extreme pressure; Falex Pin and Vee Block; load-
NOTE 15—The precision data were derived from results of cooperative carrying; lubricant; wear

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION CALCULATION AND LOAD GAGE CONVERSIONS

X1.1 See Figs. X1.1-X1.3.

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)

FIG. X1.1 Falex #0 Pin and Vee Block Coefficient of Friction Calculation

FIG. X1.2 Contact Load (Normal) per Vee Block Face and Typical Falex Load Gage Conversions

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 D 3233 – 93 (2003)

FIG. X1.3 Calibration Curve Falex Load Gages

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