Pin on Disk Wear Testing

Our testing capabilities accommodate virtually any combination of materials, allowing comprehensive evaluation of wear properties for medical devices. We specialize in testing new material couples and comparing them against standard surfaces under controlled conditions.

We provide comprehensive wear analysis including mass-loss evaluations, particulate analyses of test fluids, and surface topography assessment through profilometry. Our specialized testing includes:

• Unidirectional wear testing 

• Bidirectional wear testing 

• Omnidirectional wear testing 

• Quasi-rotational wear testing 

• Temperature-controlled test environments 

• Fluid gain/loss correction 

Our testing approach provides quick, cost-effective evaluation compared to finished product testing, which may not be feasible or economical. We offer multiple wear modes simulation, temperature-controlled test environments for in-vivo conditions, and fluid gain/loss correction through load-soak basins. Alongside the tests mentioned above, we offer:

• Mass loss evaluations 

• Particulate analysis 

• Surface topography of test fluids to characterize wear debris 

• Profilometry, which can be used to evaluate the changes in surface topography due to articulation.  

• Metallurgical evaluations of the post-test wear scarring. In some cases, we can also introduce third-body debris to characterize wear under real-world worst-case conditions 

Third Body Wear Analysis: 
Element conducts third body wear analysis as part of a pin-on-disk test. By introducing a third-body particulate (e.g., bone cement in the joint space) into the articulation, we can simulate specific conditions accurately. 

Scratched-Surface Wear Analysis: 
This test involves creating an engineered scratch network on the disk before pin-on-disk testing. It's used to simulate complex, prolonged wear, particularly when evaluating a hard, metallic coating. 

Post-Test Metallurgical Analysis: 
After testing, both pins and disks are examined metallurgically using a stereoscope or scanning electron microscope (SEM). This helps analyze surface conditions and any scarring that may have occurred. 

Our in-house, custom-built 12-station wear test frames are unique, high-capacity machines. They enable quick testing of several material combinations simultaneously on a single test frame, and deliver precise, reliable results with:

• 400 N normal load capacity per station 

• Up to 13 MPa contact stress 

• 40 mm/s unidirectional motion capability 

• Individual temperature-controlled test basins 

• Four temperature-controlled load-soak basins 

Our team operates from Life Sciences hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find out where your nearest Life Sciences hub is on our Locations Page.

We offer specialized post-test analysis including stereoscope and SEM examination, allowing detailed evaluation of surface conditions and wear patterns. Analysis options include: 

• High-magnification SEM examination 

• Stereoscope surface analysis 

• Comprehensive metallurgical evaluation 

• Detailed wear pattern assessment