Biomedical applications are all subjected to multiaxis mechanical loading during their product lifecycle. Biaxial testing for biomedical applications includes biomaterials, medical device products, pharmaceutical products and implantable devices. Biaxial testing applies active control to both axial load and torque to a specimen and is one of the most common types of multiaxis test in the biomedical industry.

Biaxial testing in the biomedical industry is driven both by standards such as ASTM and ISO, which have added torque and axial requirements to many standards, but also by functional testing from others performing R&D on biomaterials. The prevalence of biaxial testing rises as biomedical companies comply with standards or performance functional testing to meet FDA regulations.

At first look, biaxial testing may seem complicated. Challenges on how to test or what equipment to use become easy when you break things down. Biaxial systems can be categorized into 3 types of systems:

 

  • Axial and torsion combined systems (most common test situation in the biomedical industry)
  • Simple biaxial systems capable of monotonic axial loading and torsional loading
  • Fatigue systems capable of monotonic, cyclical axial, and torsional loading and control.

It is important to define your specific test requirements based on standards and future product development. For example, an advanced system is required because of the precision and the proper phase control needed for each axis.

The next step is to determine what type of fixturing is needed to grip your specific specimen. It is common to find many samples potted due to irregular specimen geometries in the biomedical industry which makes gripping the specimen difficult. Versatile vise style grips can be used to hold the potted specimen. The ability to grip samples with a variety of shapes and sizes is important for biomedical research because you can test more samples at a faster rate.

There are many benefits of performing biaxial testing to simulate functional product use or to meet ASTM and ISO standards. Our application engineers have extensive knowledge in biaxial testing and can help you get started. Contact us today to start planning for your biaxial testing system.

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