ISO 18535-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Diamond-like carbon films — Determination of friction and wear characteristics of diamond-like carbon films by ball-on-disc method (ISO 18535:2016). This International Standard specifies a controlled ball-on-disc test procedure and reporting guidance to determine the coefficient of friction and the specific wear rate of diamond‑like carbon (DLC) coatings under dry sliding conditions.

Abstract

ISO 18535:2016 provides a standardized ball-on-disc test method for characterizing the tribological behaviour of diamond‑like carbon (DLC) films. The standard describes specimen configurations (coated ball and/or coated disc pairs), required environmental restraints (dry conditions), measurement outputs (coefficient of friction and specific wear rate) and essential reporting items so results are repeatable and comparable between laboratories. Results are not intended to represent performance in lubricated service conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed at ISO review).
• Publication date: 18 March 2016.
• Publisher: ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
• ICS / categories: 25.220.01 — Surface treatment and coating in general.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 12.

Scope

Specifies a procedure and guidance for the determination of the coefficient of friction and the specific wear rate of DLC films using a ball-on-disc configuration. Tests are performed under dry sliding conditions on paired specimens (combinations of coated and/or uncoated ball and disc), and the standard explains limitations and the appropriate contexts for application of the test results (not applicable to lubricated service environments).

Key topics and requirements

• Ball-on-disc test configuration and specimen orientation (coated ball/coat on disc combinations and rationale for choosing a coated counterbody to measure DLC wear reliably).
• Definition and calculation methods for coefficient of friction (µ) and specific wear rate (Ws = wear volume / (normal force × sliding distance)).
• Specification of key test parameters to be recorded and reported (normal force, sliding distance, sliding speed, track radius, counterbody material/diameter, temperature and humidity, number of repeats).
• Specimen preparation and handling instructions (cleaning, storage, surface condition) to reduce variability.
• Guidance on instrumentation, calibration and measurement of wear (e.g., measurement of wear scar/volume or track geometry) and friction force measurement.
• Reporting requirements and recommended test-repeat counts to ensure comparability and statistical relevance.
• Limitations and applicability: method intended for dry sliding; results should not be extrapolated to lubricated contacts without additional testing.

Typical use and users

Used by DLC coating manufacturers, tribology and materials testing laboratories, R&D teams in surface engineering, OEMs specifying coating performance, and quality/acceptance testing facilities. Typical applications include comparative performance screening of DLC formulations, quality control checks, research into coating friction/wear behavior in dry sliding contacts (e.g., bearings, micro‑mechanical contacts, sliders), and generating test data for specification or research purposes.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and related documents include general surface and dimensional standards used for specimen preparation and measurement (for example ISO standards on surface texture and geometric tolerancing), and other tribological methods such as ASTM G99 (pin-on-disk), ASTM F732 (wear of polymeric materials in prosthetic applications), and newer ISO work items addressing DLC load‑carrying capacity and adhesion in lubricated conditions (examples: ISO 4821 for dynamic adhesion under lubrication; ISO/AWI 20511 work item on DLC load carrying capacity). Normative references in the full text include standards covering measurement, calibration and surface specification required to execute and report the test correctly.

Keywords

diamond-like carbon; DLC; ball-on-disc; friction; wear; coefficient of friction; specific wear rate; tribology; coatings; dry sliding; test method; surface engineering.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18535:2016 is an ISO test method that defines a ball-on-disc procedure to determine friction and specific wear rate of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films under dry sliding conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen configurations, measurement definitions and calculations (coefficient of friction and specific wear rate), required test parameters and environment (dry), specimen preparation, instrumentation considerations, and reporting requirements so results are repeatable and comparable.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: DLC coating manufacturers, tribology and materials testing labs, R&D groups in surface/coating development, OEMs specifying coating performance, and quality control teams performing comparative or acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition was published in March 2016. The standard has been through the ISO periodic review cycle and is available as the 2016 edition; users should check with their national standards body or ISO for any amendments or later confirmations if up‑to‑date status is critical.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 18535 sits alongside other ISO work on carbon‑based films and tribological testing. There are related ISO items and work items addressing DLC adhesion, load carrying capacity and lubricated behaviour; laboratories commonly use it together with general metrology and surface texture standards and with other tribological standards (e.g., pin‑on‑disk methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Diamond-like carbon, DLC, ball-on-disc, coefficient of friction, specific wear rate, wear testing, friction testing, dry sliding, tribology, coatings.