Pfungstadt, Germany - Test equipment specialist Instron has developed BioCoat, a new polyurethane protective cover designed for Instron Series 5940 single-column testing systems.
The company says likely applications for the product include mechanical low-force in-vitro testing of biomaterials and components. It is also suitable for testing materials for medical and biotechnology devices in temperature-controlled baths containing fluids such as water, saline solutions, blood or blood-simulation products.
According to Instron, the cover prevents leaking or spilled fluids from these baths from penetrating into the test system and damaging its sensitive electronic components. BioCoat's extremely smooth surface enables contaminations to be removed easily and is resistant to the usual detergents.
The cover is available as a separate component and can be retrofitted on the test frame in just a few steps. All connections and controls remain easily accessible, and the system's functionality is fully retained. BioCoat is compatible with all fixtures, grips, baths, extensometers and platens from the Instron standard range of accessories.
Instron says that biomedical testing is a typical application for its Series 5940 single-column testing systems. With various models -- 5942, 5943 and 5944 -- combining high accuracy and optimum flexibility when testing medical devices and biomaterials such as tissues, elastomers, wires, or films.
These models have a small footprint that saves valuable space in the test laboratory. A high-stiffness test frame ensures optimum repeatability of test conditions and reliable test results. Test speeds range from 0.05 to 2500 mm/min; nominal force capacities are 0.5 kN for the 5942 system, 1 kN for the 5943, and 2 kN for the 5944 system.
All three are designed to work with both Instron's BioPuls submersible grips and Instron's BioPuls bath, specifically dedicated to biomedical testing.
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