| 1 | Documented ASTM D5264 Compatibility | The instrument should support abrasion-resistance testing of printed materials using the Sutherland rub principle described by ASTM D5264. | Obtain the current user manual, test procedure, configuration list, and a written statement identifying ASTM D5264 support. | 20% | Critical |
| 2 | Load and Sled Configuration | Controlled contact pressure is essential because the applied load directly affects rubbing severity and result repeatability. | Check supplied weights, sled dimensions, contact materials, load identification, and the method used to confirm the applied force. | 15% | Critical |
| 3 | Stroke and Cycle Control | Consistent stroke movement and cycle counting help laboratories reproduce rubbing conditions between tests and operators. | Verify stroke length, motion control, programmable cycle count, counter resolution, and automatic stop functionality. | 12% | High |
| 4 | Sample Holding and Alignment | Secure and repeatable specimen positioning reduces variation caused by shifting, wrinkles, or inconsistent contact alignment. | Review the sample bed, clamps, template or positioning marks, usable test area, and ease of alignment. | 10% | High |
| 5 | Repeatability and Reproducibility Evidence | A suitable tester should produce consistent results under repeated runs when load, specimen, rubbing material, and cycle settings remain controlled. | Request repeatability data, laboratory correlation results, acceptance criteria, and examples of measurement uncertainty reporting. | 12% | High |
| 6 | Calibration and Verification Support | Periodic verification of load, stroke, cycle counting, and alignment supports reliable test records and quality-system compliance. | Confirm calibration procedures, traceable reference equipment, certificates, verification intervals, and service documentation. | 10% | High |
| 7 | Test Material and Accessory Availability | Specified or controlled rubbing materials and replacement components are necessary for comparable results over the instrument’s service life. | Check availability, identification, lot traceability, storage guidance, replacement lead time, and compatibility of consumables. | 8% | Medium |
| 8 | Construction Quality and Operator Safety | Stable construction and appropriate guarding help maintain alignment, protect operators, and reduce mechanical variation during routine use. | Inspect frame rigidity, moving-part protection, emergency stop provisions, electrical safety documentation, and surface durability. | 7% | Medium |
| 9 | Technical Support and Training | Correct specimen preparation, setup, operation, and result interpretation are important for minimizing operator-dependent variation. | Evaluate installation assistance, operator training, troubleshooting resources, response time, and availability of application support. | 3% | Medium |
| 10 | Serviceability and Total Ownership Cost | Accessible maintenance and predictable operating costs help preserve test consistency throughout the equipment lifecycle. | Compare warranty coverage, preventive maintenance requirements, spare-part support, repair procedures, and expected consumable costs. | 3% | Medium |