ASTM D1403 - Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment

Significance and Use

5.1 These test methods are applicable to greases of National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) consistency numbers 0 to 4 and are intended for use only where the size of the sample prevents the use of Test Methods D217.

5.2 Actual reduced-scale penetration values are not used or reported. They are converted to full-scale penetration values (see Sections 9 and 10). This test method is not intended to replace the full-scale penetration as described in Test Methods D217. Precision is better in the full-scale penetration method.

5.3 Worked penetration results, after conversion to full-scale values, may be used to establish the consistency of lubricating greases within the above NLGI consistency numbers. The results obtained from these test methods are widely used for specification purposes, however, no correlation with field performance has been established.

5.4 Unworked reduced-scale penetration results provide a means of evaluating the effect of storage conditions on grease consistency.

Scope

1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for measuring the consistency of small samples of lubricating greases by penetration of a 1⁄4-scale cone or a 1⁄2-scale cone. These test methods include procedures for the measurement of unworked and worked penetrations.

1.2 Unworked penetrations do not generally represent the consistency of greases in use as effectively as do worked penetrations. The latter are usually preferred for inspecting lubricating greases.

1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. In the United States, the equipment dimensions stated in inches are to be regarded as the standard.

Extracted, with permission, from ASTM D1403-20b - Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ASTM International, astm.org