Zany measurements and theories

Most estimates for stylus surface temps range between 300-
500 degrees(F). The temperature of your record will be
at(or close to) room temperature, except at the point of
contact with the stylus. Much will depend on VTF and
RPM(higher numbers there=higher temps). You're only talking
about milliseconds of contact, between the sylus and any
given point in the groove. Maybe a few molecules of vinyl
will be heated and the surrounding vinyl acts as a
heatsink(ice skate example, on a much smaller scale). I've
got a number of test records, that I used in my shoppe, for
setting up turntables. They were, of necessity, played
multiple times, during a setup. They are still as pristine
in function & sound as when I purchased them. Even the very
high velocity, "Tracking Torture Test Tracks." My
favorite demo record tracks, were often played numerous
times, within a few minutes, to compare my various speaker
models to customers. That was in the 80's and I'm still
enjoying those vinyls, with no loss of presentation.

All of us who play records, at some point, have seen a little buildup of dust on the stylus while a record plays every now and then. I'm not sure what the combustion temperature is of dust, but I think it'd be safe to say that those grooves aren't getting hotter than what it would take for dust to smolder or even ignite.

From a theoretical standpoint, the real issue here is what Rodman9999 points to; how much heat is actually transferred from the stylus contact point (very small) and the vinyl (which is only in contact with the stylus for what I would venture to guess is milliseconds at a time). Also the elasticity of the vinyl, how that varies with temperature, and it's heat transfer properties.

OTOH, the empirical evidence he presents gives me a high degree of confidence that the interaction of those variables in real-life situations is such that this is a non-issue. Thanks, Rodman. Very important information.

"OTOH, the empirical evidence he presents gives me a high degree of confidence that the interaction of those variables in real-life situations is such that this is a non-issue. Thanks, Rodman. Very important information.
Swampwalker (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

What empirical evidence?

The empirical evidence is that no one has reported any ill effects attributable to repeated playing using better quality equipment properly setup.

As a precaution I never play my records because there's no telling what damage dragging a rock on a stick thru a jellified oil compound can inflict. Be afraid, very afraid.