The TVAB abrasion testing equipment is so precise that it has set the standards for ISO 6722-1. It has been designed to test the durability of cable insulation under extreme conditions, and measures very specific durability variables.

This device does abrade the surface of the insulation in both directions along the longitudinal axis of the test sample. A counter will record the numbers of cycles to failure. When the needle abrades through the insulation and makes contact with the conductor, the machine will stop operating.
The testing can be performed on main types of wires with different types of insulation materials, with exception of certain types of very soft and tough materials. The testing can further more be performed on wires with all main insulation thickness with an overall diameter from minimum 1,0mm up to 6,0mm. Recommended over all diameters for test is 2,0mm.

The principal of testing operation is built on simulating the scraping of the wire against a sharp metal edge. The wire to be tested is placed in a special fixture in the testing equipment.
A loaded abrasion tongue effects the abrasion of insulation with a well defined piano wire moving forwards and backwards along the wire. The wire resistance to abrasion is determined by the number of cycles that are performed before the wire insulation has been worn away. The equipment stops in this position automatically as there will be an electric short circuit between the piano wire and the wire conductor. The number of cycles can directly be noted from the counter on the equipment.

The testing can be performed with the wire either in the air or submerged in liquids (i.e. water). The testing under water makes it possible to detect micro cracks in the wire insulation. The equipment will not have a container for this type of testing in standard version.

The testing equipment is furthermore equipped with an effective cooling fan to avoid negative effects troughs heating of equipment by own produced heat during testing procedure.

• Diameter of needle: (0,45 ± 0,01) mm
• Type of needle: Spring wire (polished) material according to ISO 6931-1;
• Frequency: (55 ± 5) cycles/min (one cycle consists of one reciprocating movement);
• Displacement of the needle: (20 ± 1) mm;
• Length of abrasion: (15,5 ± 1) mm;
• Mass: The vertical force on the test sample shall be constant under dynamic conditions;
• Test sample mounting force: The test sample shall not move during test. If fixing is necessary, the tension applied on the conductor shall not exceed 100 MPa (N/mm2);

Apply a total vertical force as specified in table 11 to the test sample. Determine the number of cycles by taking four measurements at a temperature of (23 ± 1)°C. After each reading, move the test sample 100 mm and rotate it clockwise 90°. Change the needle after each reading. The minimum value shall be noted.

The TVAB abrasion testing equipment is marketed and serviced exclusively by Inhol B.V.