95% OF YOUR FERROGRAM ANALYSIS CAN BE IDENTIFIED ON THIS CHART

TYPICAL FERROGRAPHIC
WEAR PARTICLES
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RUBBING WEAR DARK METALLO OXIDES FIBERS

Flat platelets < 15 microns Black particles aligned in Non-aligned and passes
in major dimension magnetic field transmitted light

Cause Cause Cause

Normal machine wear High operating temperatures Possible paper filter failure
Magnification 500x and/or insufficient lubrication Magnification 200x
Magnification 500x

SEVERE WEAR RED OXIDE FRICTION POLYMERS

Flat elongated > 20 microns Red-orange particles aligned Amorphous materials which
with striations in magnetic field pass transmitted light

Cause Cause Cause

Excessive load/speed on Water in the oil or poor Excessive load or stress
sliding surface. This example lubricant condition on lubricant
is composed of copper alloy. Magnification 500x Magnification 500x
Left: Magnification 500x
Right: 3D photomicroscopy

ABRASIVE WEAR CORROSIVE WEAR CONTAMINANT SPHERES

Long, curved strips of metal Heavy concentration of fine An indication of welding,
Heat treated particles at exit of ferrogram grinding, sandblasting, etc.,
near the equipment
Cause Cause
Misalignment or abrasive Oil additive condition Cause
contamination in lubricant Magnification 100x Outside contamination
Magnification 500x Magnification 500x

LOW ALLOY & MEDIUM

CHUNKS NON FERROUS ALLOY STEEL PARTICLES
Flat striated particles White metal particle misaligned Heat treated ferrogram
Heat treated with magnetic field (330°C/625°F) show both
blue and gold temper colors
Cause indicating low alloy steel and
Cause
Aluminum component wear medium alloy steel respectively
Fatigue, scuffing or scoring
of gear teeth Magnification 500x Cause
Magnification 500x Abnormal gear wear
Left: Magnification 400x
Right: 3D photomicroscopy

LAMINAR WEAR RED & DARK METALLO OXIDE LEAD/TIN BABBITT

Laminar platelets Red-orange particles are red Nonferrous - before and
Heat treated oxides and black particles are after heat treatment
black oxides
Cause Cause
Rolling contact failure Cause Babbitt journal bearing wear
Magnification 500x Poor lubrication conditions Magnification 500x
Magnification 100x

SPHERES NONMETALLIC CRYSTALLINE MOLYBDENUM DISULFIDE

Small spheres < 5 microns Hard abrasive debris that Nonferrous particle, gray in
in diameter can initiate an abnormal color with many shear planes
wear condition
Cause Cause
Early warning of rolling Cause Solid lubricant additives
element bearing failure Outside contamination in system
Magnification 500x Magnification 500x Magnification 400x

Chart is in accordance with ASTM D 7690 standard. © 2011 Trico Corporation

Do you have a question on wear particle analysis? Call 216-691-9336 for help.

Trico Corporation | 1235 Hickory Street | Pewaukee, WI 53072 | 800.558.7008 / 262.691.9336 | www.tricocorp.com