Testing the mechanical properties of biological soft tissues requires specialized test equipment. Test samples must be kept at 37°C in a moist environment when testing tissues such as ligaments, tendons, muscle and cartilage, blood vessels, brain, esophagus, skin and bio-engineered replacement tissues. It is important to test these materials in a true working environment because the mechanical properties change considerably when tested in ambient conditions.
Biological test samples are typically small and delicate with low strength characteristics, so it’s especially important to configure the system using a high-resolution test controller outfitted with low force load cells and precision displacement or strain sensors. Gripping the test specimen tends to remain experimental by nature and may require specialized lightweight test fixtures. Many grips are configured to match sample characteristics by blending grip concepts including line contact jaws, roughened jaw surfaces, interlocking wave jaws, adhesively bonded specimen tabs, staples and even sample stitched ends.
Modular physiological baths produce temperature controlled saline environments that replicate in vivo conditions. Baths are commonly used to ensure the biological samples mechanical properties are maintained or that replacement materials are tested in true working environments.
Recommended Test Machines
- All-electric design ensures clean, portable operation in small labs
- Modular design approach to match forces and performance of actuators together for an optimized solution
- Integration of video DIC technology is available
- Lower purchase, operating, and maintenance costs than hydraulic equivalents
- Quiet, quick installation, no external cooling or water necessary, repeatable, durable, configurable to specific testing application and flexible
Forces up to 10 kN (2250 lbf)
Low force static tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Static and fatigue forces ranging from subgram control to over 10 kN (2248 lbf)
Frequency ratings up to 15 Hz
Oil-free, all electric actuator for clean test conditions
Lower purchase, operating, and maintenance costs than hydraulic equivalents
Force ratings up to 2.5 kN (580 lbf) and torque ratings up to 20 Nm (177 lbf∙in)
Can apply axial and torsional loads simultaneously
Axial frequencies up to 15 Hz and torsional frequencies up to 30 Hz
All electric and oil-free operation
Load ranges from subgrams to 5 kN (1124 lbf)
Frequency ratings up to 15 Hz
Testing for equal and unequal states of stress in X & Y directions
All-electric design ensures clean operation
