1.4 X-translation stage

The X-translation stage (x-stage for short) is used to move the disk horizontally so as to vary the wear track diameter of the test.

The movement of the disk is done by turning the knob located at the centre of the x-stage.

The black locking mechanism is to lock and prevent movement along the x-stage. If it is tilted left (as it is in the picture), it is locked. If it is tilted right, the x-stage can be adjusted.

The knob for the x-stage is currently faulty and cannot be turned by hand. However, a torque wrench can be used to turn it instead.

Reading of x-stage values are exactly the same as how a venier caliper is read.

Readings obtained from the right side of the x-stage are positive values while readings obtained from the left side are negative values.

Examples are shown in the pictures provided:

In the first picture (orange square), the value of x is "+4".

In the second picture (green square), the value of x is "-5".

For pin specimens,

Wear track radius = X + 25 - (S - 4.5)cos45

For ball specimens,

Wear track radius = X + 32.5

Size of specimen does not matter since it would be centered within the ball holder.

X is the reading from the x-stage (include a negative sign if the value is negative)

S is the size of the pin specimen. For a circular pin, S is its diameter. For a square pin, S is the length of its side.

More information on RPM and wear track calculations can be found on page 28 of Ziyou's manual.