When we came up with the PlastiX Dots, we knew they were going to be a super durable alternative to PTFE skates. However, we wanted to quantify that improvement so we could better inform you, our customers. So, let’s go over our PlastiX dot skate durability testing and the results.
Test Machine
The first step in this process was to build a testing machine. This relatively simple machine simply moves a mouse back and forth a set number of times. These repeated movement are converted to a distance for easy comparison’s sake. The machine has adjustable fingers to accommodate different shapes and sizes of mice. This also allows the mouse to fit loosely so that it adjusts naturally as the skates wear and the testing is done.
Test Procedure
The testing procedure is setup to be as much of an apples-to-apples comparison as possible. A weight is added on top of the mouse to duplicate the weight of a hand. After each cycle is completed, the skates are removed from the mouse and the thickness is measured. The skates are then put back on the mouse in the same position. The cycle is repeated, and data is collected. The two skates that we have tested so far are 6mm PTFE dots and our 6mm PlastiX dots.
Results
The results of our PlastiX skate durability testing exceeded our expectations by a huge margin. The tests shows that PTFE lost an average of .0007″ per 1km of travel. They started at 0.029″ thick and ended at 0.0235″ after 7 km of travel. We stopped testing after 7km of travel as the material lost was very consistent. After 250 km of travel, the PlastiX Dots didn’t even loose .001″ of material. The PlastiX skates started at 0.033″ and ended at 0.033″. After 250km, we just stopped testing.
The difference in the longevity of the PlastiX versus PTFE is gigantic. Our testing shows that the PlastiX skates last at least 250 times as long as PTFE skates. In our eyes, these skates will basically last as long as you want to keep your mouse.
You can pick up your set of PlastiX skates here.
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