Originally Published EMDM January/February 2002
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Testing EquipmentTester Exceeds ISO Standard
 |
| A pneumatic bursting-strength tester provides an alternative to hydraulic instruments. |
A new pneumatic bursting-strength tester is suited for use on prosthetic liners and sleeves, angioplasty balloon catheters, artificial tissue, and wound dressings. The TruBurst strength tester, from James H. Heal & Co. Ltd. (Halifax, W Yorks, UK), exceeds the requirements of the ISO 13938-2 standard. The standard calls for the measurement of distension, as well as pressure, at burst and specifies an accuracy of ±1 mm up to a distension of 70 mm for the testing of elastomers and other fabrics. Currently available burst testers measure the total pressure required to burst a single specimen and to distend the diaphragm over which it is stretched. TruBurst, on the other hand, is able to test several specimens simultaneously. The tester also automatically subtracts the pressure required to distend the diaphragm, and the unit then calculates the true bursting strength of the sample.
Michael Kaye, technical and marketing manager for James Heal & Co., explains that on the machine, the digital control system automatically regulates a proportional control valve to ensure a uniform linear pressure increase, allowing manufacturers to sidestep the variability of conventional systems.
TruBurst automates functions that are typically performed by the operator. The machine has a digital control system that detects specimen size, records the number of times that each diaphragm is employed, and stores test methods to display them on the backlit LCD screen. Users can select the units in which the pressure and distension are displayed, and choose one of five languages in which to view the results.
Kelly Donoghue
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
