Optimizing the mechanical properties of biomedical devices is a key step in determining their clinical performance. Mechanical integrity and wear resistance of a biomaterial is vital to its continuing success in vivo, particularly important for long term implantable devices, such as total joint replacements, which need to function effectively over periods of 20 years or more. As actual simulator tests of the performance of artificial joints take several months to complete, it is not feasible to test each potential development, and laboratory tests are necessary to help optimize the biomaterial performance. This is where the NanoTest system has proved so effective in industry and academic research. The NanoTest is based on a versatile modular approach that enables a wide range of mechanical and wear tests to be carried out on actual medical devices, with complex geometries.

Typical tests which are carried out include:-

Nanoindentation (for hardness and modulus)

Scratch testing (for abrasive/sliding wear resistance and adhesion strength of coatings)

Impact testing (for fatigue wear and accelerated wear testing)

Contact fatigue testing (for durability/toughness testing)

Pin-on-disk (for extended wear testing)

Biomedical Application notes

Micro-scale Wear Testing

Hydroxyapatite Scratch Testing

Surface Hardening of UHMWPE

Ion implantation of Ceramics