Pin on disk testing provides a method of characterizing the wear between two materials. Our Engaged Experts use this method to evaluate the performance of a “wear couple” or to characterize the performance of different materials against a standard surface.

Pin on disk can simulate multiple wear modes, including: unidirectional, bidirectional, omnidirectional and quasi-rotational wear. Our equipment allows us to test virtually any combination of materials to determine the effect of wear on a medical device. While we can accommodate a variety of projects, we commonly test in reference to ASTM G99, ASTM G133 and ASTM F732.

When is wear testing needed?

The FDA and other regulatory bodies will often request mechanical wear testing when the device being tested is introducing a new material couple, or if a new material interaction hasn’t been adequately characterized through mechanical testing alone.

Wear testing is also critical for comparing the wear properties of new devices to a previous generation device. However, it may not be cost-effective, or even feasible, to perform wear testing on a finished product. Pin on disk testing allows for quick simultaneous comparison of multiple materials under controlled conditions.

After completing pin on disk testing, our Engaged Experts conduct mass-loss evaluations and particulate analyses of test fluids to characterize wear debris. In addition, profilometry can be utilized to evaluate the changes in surface topography due to articulation. Metallurgical evaluations of the post-test wear scarring can also be performed. In some cases, we can also introduce third body debris to characterize wear under real-world worst-case conditions.

High capacity pin on disk testing

51Թperforms pin on disk wear testing in reference to ASTM G99, ASTM G133 and ASTM F732 on our in-house, custom-built, 12-station wear test frames. These unique, high capacity machines allow for the testing of several material combinations at a time, on a single test frame. The 12-station setup also allows for additional confidence by testing multiple samples per condition.

For more information about our pin on disk testing capabilities, or to speak with an expert, contact us today.

pin on disk wear testing

Additional wear testing services

Element's Engaged Experts have the ability to provide a wide range of specialized testing and analysis for your next pin-on-disk wear testing.

Third Body Wear Analysis

51Թcan perform third body wear analysis as part of a pin-on-disk project. By introducing a third body particulate into the articulation of the test, an accurate simulation of a specific condition can be created (e.g., bone cement in the joint space).

Scratched-Surface Wear Analysis

This test may also be performed by introducing an engineered scratch network on the disk prior to pin-on-disk testing. This specific application is typically used to simulate the effects of complex, prolonged wear when evaluating a hard, metallic coating.

Post-Test Metallurgical Analysis

Upon the conclusion of testing, both pins and disks can be evaluated metallurgically using a stereoscope or high magnification scanning electron microscope (SEM). This allows you to better understand surface conditions and any scarring that may have occurred.

  • 400 N normal load per station
  • Up to 13 MPa of contact stress
  • Up to 40 mm/s unidirectional motion
  • 12 individual, temperature controlled test basins for in-vivo simulation
  • 4 temperature controlled load-soak basins for fluid gain/loss correction
Medical device

More from Element

510k-submission-mechanical-testing

Medical Device Testing

As a comprehensive testing partner, you’ll enjoy the benefit of a single supplier source for all of your testing needs, from mechanical testing and environmental simulation to EMC and wireless device testing.

Read More
Abrasion Testing

Abrasion & Wear Testing

Our Engaged Experts perform abrasion and wear testing that will help predict the lifetime and durability of a material or coating.

Read More
Microbiological Testing

Microbiological Testing

Our experts undertake a wide range of projects for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, from pathogen and bioburden testing to endotoxin and cytotoxicity analyses.

Read More

Orthopedic Implant Testing

As a globalleader in orthopedic implant testing, 51Թhas years of experience in evaluating hip replacements, knee prostheses, spinal devices and many other implants.

read More
services

Our Medical Device Testing Services

Accelerated Aging Shelf Life Testing Cardiovascular Device Testing Chemical Compatibility Testing Clinical Validation Testing Container and Package Testing Dental Implant Testing Electrochemical Corrosion Testing Extractables and Leachables Testing
EMC Testing of Medical Devices IEC 60601 Medical Device Safety Testing ISO 10993-18 Chemical Characterization Medical Device Battery Testing Medical Device Directive Safety Testing Medical Regulatory Affairs Microbiological Testing Orthopedic Device Testing
Pin on Disk Wear Testing Porous Coating Testing Prefilled Syringe Testing Rated Burst Pressure and Leak Testing Reusable Medical Device Life Cycle Validation Reusable Medical Device Reprocessing and Testing Stent and Graft Testing Wear Testing of Medical Devices

Our team of over 9,000 Engaged Experts in North America, Europe, The Middle East, Australia, Asia and Africa are ready to help you.

Make an inquiry today