This test method is designed to rank material couples in their resistance to the failure mode caused by galling and not merely to classify the surface appearance of sliding surfaces.

This test method should be considered when damaged (galled) surfaces render components non-serviceable. Experience has shown that galling is most prevalent in sliding systems that are slow moving and operate intermittently. The galling and seizure of threaded components is a classic example which this test method most closely simulates.

Other galling-prone examples include: sealing surfaces of value trim which may leak excessively due to galling; and pump wear rings that may function ineffectively due to galling.

If the equipment continues to operate satisfactorily and loses dimension gradually, then mechanical wear should be evaluated by a different test such as the crossed cylinder Test Method (see Test Method G 83). Chain belt pins and bushings are examples of this type of problem.

This test method should not be used for quantitative or final design purposes since many environmental factors influence the galling performance of materials in service. Lubrication, alignment, stiffness and geometry are only some of the factors that can affect how materials perform. This test method has proven valuable in screening materials for prototypical testing that more closely simulates actual service conditions.