What type of wear is categorized as being caused by improper use of a machine?

The correct choice identifies abnormal wear as the type of wear caused by improper use of a machine. Abnormal wear refers to the excessive deterioration that occurs when a machine is operated outside of its intended parameters or subjected to incorrect handling practices. This type of wear can result from factors such as inadequate lubrication, incorrect settings, overloading, or foreign contamination, which deviate from the manufacturer's guidelines.

Understanding abnormal wear is crucial for maintenance and operational practices, as it highlights that the wear could potentially be avoided through proper use and care of the equipment. This contrasts with normal wear, which is expected over time due to standard operational use, and accelerated wear, which typically indicates an increase in wear due to specific conditions, such as higher stress levels than normal but still within operational guidelines. Cyclic wear relates to wear patterns resulting from repeated loading and unloading cycles.