3.1 Membrane switch keys are subjected to repeated actuations, usually by a human finger. This can transfer body oil, hand creams, automotive fluids and so forth. Materials are often subjected to other conditions (for example, wiping, cleaning, rubbing) during handling, end-use, shipment, or storage that may cause abrasion damage. The result may be a significant removal of the coatings, text, or decorative inks.

3.2 This test method is applicable to a wide range of materials. The main criterion is that the abrasion process produces visible wear or breakthrough of the surface being tested.

3.3 The amount of abrasion damage to a surface is dependent on numerous variables. This test method provides a way of comparing relative abrasion resistance and the effect of chemicals on inks, coatings, and substrates. In no way do the results provide a correlation value of the number of human finger touches before coating failure. It only provides a means to compare results of tests performed using the same equipment, abrasive materials and loading conditions.

3.4 The test method can be used for quality control purposes, as a research and development tool, to evaluate material combinations for a given application, or for the comparison of materials with relatively similar properties and the effect of chemicals on the abrasion resistance.