EQUIPMENT NEWS
Testing systems offered in a variety of configurations
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A company has developed an instrument for testing mechanical properties of materials prior to their implementation in medical devices. The Smart RHEO 5000, pictured here, from CEAST S.p.A. (Pianezza, TO, Italy; www.ceast.com), is a benchtop rheometer developed for quality-control labs and R&D teams. Designed to reach a maximum force range of 50 kN, the machine is available with single- and twin-bore barrels. A range of force and pressure transducers is also available for the machine.
The firm’s Dartower Plus instrument is offered for falling-weight impact tests. With a maximum potential energy of 400 J and a range of accessories and possible configurations, the Dartower Plus is a versatile instrument for impact characterization. The instrument can be used for classic dart puncture testing, impact tests on bars and pipes, or other semifinished or finished parts of suitable size.
The basic Dartower Plus unit offers pneumatic clamping, a photocell for speed detection, motorized weight lifting and positioning, and microprocessor-controlled operation. Fixed or adjustable specimen supports can be added.
A version equipped with a thermostatic chamber for tests at different temperatures is available, extending the capabilities of the instrument to tests from –50° to 100°C.
Testing system measures materials’ elastic and damping properties
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Developed by BuzzMac International (Glendale WI, USA; www.buzzmac.com), a PC-based nondestructive testing system measures the elastic and damping properties of materials at room and at high temperature. Using the impulse excitation technique, the systems can measure properties such as Young’s modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, sound velocity, shear velocity, and internal friction. All systems are offered with the software and hardware required for the testing process, including microphones, sound cards, cables, sample supports, and impulse tools.
The Buzz-o-sonic nondestructive system is designed to measure elastic and acoustic properties. The device implements the impulse excitation technique as follows: a test piece or product is tapped lightly with a small hammer causing a standing wave to be generated in the solid. The resulting sound is analyzed using a fast Fourier transform algorithm. The waveform along with the power and frequency spectrum are displayed and used to determine the resonant frequencies.
Custom and high-temperature systems are available from the firm. Rental and testing services are also offered.
Jigs offer versatility in syringe testing
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Test jigs that can be used to evaluate the force required to pull off the end caps from syringes and the force required to expel fluid through syringes are available from Lloyd Instruments (Fareham, Hants, UK; www.lloyd-instruments. com). The versatile jigs can accommodate 30- and 125-ml syringes. Originally designed for use with the company’s LRXPlus single-column 5-kN materials-testing instrument, the jigs also can be used with the company’s twin-column testing machines.
The jigs consist of a rectangular frame mounted on the baseplate of the materials-testing machine. The top plate of the jigs have a centrally located hole and a pair of locking levers. Both 30- and 125-ml syringes can be attached vertically to the top plate using adapter plates, pointing either up or down through the hole. A pair of rails is positioned halfway between the top and bottom plate.
For end cap removal tests, each syringe is clamped vertically with the end cap pointing upwards. The end cap is held in the upper grip of an adjustable rear-face grip and the tensile force required to remove the plastic cap is measured.
The force required to expel fluid from the syringe is measured by clamping the syringe so that it passes down through the hole. A removable bowl is used to receive the fluid expelled from the syringe. For 125-ml syringes, this bowl is positioned on the bottom plate of the jig. For 30-ml syringes, it is positioned on the rails. The compression piston is brought down to engage the top of the syringe plunger. The end cap is removed and the force required to push out the fluid is then measured.
Noninvasive blood pressure simulator supports a range of custom settings
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A handheld noninvasive blood pressure simulator is suited for fast and accurate testing of all types of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitors. Available from Rigel Medical (Peterlee, Co. Durham, UK; www.rigelmedical.com), the lightweight and battery-powered Rigel BP-Sim uses patented technology to simulate a range of blood pressures to verify the accuracy and safe operation of NIBP monitors.
The simulator incorporates a range of custom settings that include a variety of paediatric and adult NIBP pressures, pulse volume adjustments, heart rate, and manufacturer-specific O curves.
The Rigel BP-Sim is reportedly the first hand-held NIBP simulator combining full performance features with a large-capacity internal memory for the data capture, storage, and downloading of test results for recordkeeping.
In addition, the Bluetooth-enabled technology allows wireless connectivity of the tester with PCs and other accessory equipment to enable fast downloading of performance data and uploading of manufacturer-specific test programs.
Other features of the BP-Sim include a built-in pump for generating user-specific pressure settings for comprehensive system leak tests and overpressure tests. An integral digital manometer also enables accurate static pressure measurements to be taken using a range of selectable pressure units.
