Question:
The recently issued ANSI/AGMA 9005 – F16 specification added the FE8 wear test to Table 3 and appears to inadvertently require that the test be run on all viscosity grades with no read across. This is a $3000 test and for 11 different viscosity grades a lubricant manufacturer could spend as much as $33,000 meeting the new specification. Is it the intention of the standard to require that the FE8 wear test be run on all viscosity grades?
Response to question:
The intent of adding the FE 8 testing listed in Table 3 of ANSI/AGMA 9005-F16 was not to require all viscosity grades to be tested. The intent of the Lubrication Committee when the FE 8 test was added to ANSI/AGMA 9005-F16 was to require the FE 8 test be performed consistently with existing international standards. This means that the lowest viscosity grade and the highest volume viscosity grade sold by the manufacturer shall be tested and reported.