Profilometric measurements of wear scars: A review

Wear leads to loss of functions of machines and to a decrease in their efficiencies. Controlling wear through wear resistance tests is a very important task. Wear tests aim to obtain wear levels of the elements of assemblies in contact. The profilometric method is very helpful. In this paper, measurements of wear scars using the profilometric method are reviewed. Volumetric wear determinations in various configurations, including ball-on-disc tests, block-on-ring tests, reciprocating ball-on-plate tests, and scratch tests were studied. The measurement of the volumetric wear of balls or rounded pins was also analysed. Possible errors in wear levels determinations were discussed. Limitations of profiloemtric measurement methods were considered. •• The best practice is to perform a complete areal surface measurement of wear scar.•• The profilometric measurement of wear scar is subjected to errors.•• Areal surface measurement of wear scar leads to more precise results than approximate methods.•• Existing standards related to wear scar measurements should be modified.