Testing and Inspection

  • Scanning Electron Microscope Provides Nanoscale Resolution
    A new series of ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopes provides nanometer-scale resolution and precise analysis for a wide range of samples. Initial shipments of the Nova NanoSEM 50 Series microscopes, developed by FEI Co., (Eindhoven, Netherlands) are planned for the fourth quarter of t...
    (August, 2010)
  • Metrology system introduced for orthopaedic applications
    A developer of bespoke metrology systems for the orthopaedics industry has introduced a taper measurement gauge to ensure that tolerances are met and a part identification gauge to verify that the correct parts have been packaged together. Tapers on implants are stringently controlled with tolerance...
    (April, 2010)
  • First Look - March 2010
    Spot cure system can control four LED heads simultaneously A new UV LED spot curing system from EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering provides a peak irradiance of 9500 mW/cm² with a lifetime of more than 20 000 hours. The OmniCureLX400 can control up to four UV LED heads simult...
    (March, 2010)
  • First Look - February 2010
    Equipment accurately tests miniature devices The miniaturisation of mechanical, electromechanical and electronic components has led to rising demand for testing equipment that achieves appropriate levels of mechanical accuracy. Zwick GmbH & Co. KG strives to answer that challenge with its new P...
    (February, 2010)
  • First Look
    Noteworthy new materials, components and equipment suited for medical technology applications
    (January, 2010)
  • Building a Recession-Proof Supply Chain
     A “pull system” can help ensure that supply-chain triggers are driven by customer demand in good times and bad
    (December, 2009)
  • Live Cells and Cytotoxicity Assessment
    Problems with the use of conventional cytotoxicity tests to evaluate biological risk with biomaterials are leading to the development of alternative procedures based on cell function. These tests, recently discussed at a conference in China,1 provide an attractive option for the future.  
    (November, 2009)
  • Optimising Oxygen Monitoring in Centrifuges
    Monitoring gas-phase oxygen in centrifuges is a critical tool for the prevention of explosions and fires. An oxygen system developed by Mettler Toledo Process Analytics AG (Urdorf, Switzerland; www.mt.com) provided a customer with an inexpensive, low maintenance and dependable solution. The company ...
    (November, 2009)
  • Different Directions for the Biological Evaluation of Biomaterials
    The standard tests for the biological evaluation of biomaterials, as promoted by the International Organisation for Standardisation, have evolved over the years to become an important part of the process for ensuring, as far as is possible, the biological safety of medical devices. There is, however...
    (September, 2009)
  • Today’s Machine Vision Systems
    The latest machine vision technology is enabling manufacturers to increase production and offer complete quality control and traceability.
    (September, 2009)
  • Advanced Materials: Testing, QC and Inspection
    The latest materials testing and analysis techniques are examined. Examples of their use illustrate how they can help in the development of new products, solve product and process issues and ensure quality control.
    (September, 2009)
  • Leak Testing Medical Devices
    Products and packaging require leak detection for quality assurance. This article compares and contrasts the two commonly used methods of pressure decay and trace gas testing and provides examples of using these techniques on a catheter and a sealed, impermeable pack.
    (September, 2009)
  • Using Low Volume Gas Analysis to Ensure Package Integrity
    Testing the gas composition of medical device packaging following routine gas flushing is an important element of quality control. This article discusses the use and benefits of a low volume gas analysis technique to test the atmos-pheric content of packaging and thereby avoid costly product wastage...
    (May, 2009)
  • Product and Package Stability Studies: The Application of FDA Guidance
    The United States Food and Drug Administration provides guidance on physical tests to employ to demonstrate that packaging maintains the sterility of products throughout their shelf life. This article discusses what this means in practice for medical device manufacturers.
    (May, 2009)
  • Using Low Volume Gas Analysis to Ensure Package Integrity
    Testing the gas composition of medical device packaging following routine gas flushing is an important element of quality control. This article discusses the use and benefits of a low volume gas analysis technique to test the atmos-pheric content of packaging and thereby avoid costly product wastage...
    (May, 2009)
  • Novel Alloy for Speciality Needle Applications
    A novel cobalt-chromium (CoCr) based alloy, optimised for speciality needle applications, has been benchmarked against Type 304 stainless steel in a series of mechanical test and experimental needle trials. The results reported indicate that the CoCr alloy has the potential to overcome current limit...
    (March, 2009)
  • Synthetic Human Tissue Models Can Reduce the Cost of Device Development
    Synthetic human tissues and body parts that closely resemble the live human environment have been developed for use in medical device verification and validation tests. This article discusses how they can save time and money while improving quality and accuracy.
    (January, 2009)
  • System Tests Materials for Soft-Bodied Robots
    TECHNOLOGY NEWS: TESTING One of the hottest trends in robotics today is the push to develop robots that imitate the movements of natural organisms. But to build a flexible robot that can move in that manner, it is necessary to use...
    (November, 2008)
  • Global Consultancy Honours Wireless Monitoring Technology and Compliance Software
    SPECIAL REPORT A sensor technology platform that enables wireless monitoring of vital signs, and compliance and quality management software designed for the life sciences industry were honoured this year by Frost & Sullivan. Kai Sensors (Hono...
    (November, 2008)
  • Ten ConsiderationsWhen Leak TestingMedical Devices
    Maximising production without sacrificing quality whenleak testing medical devices is a major objective for manufacturers.Here is some advice on how to achieve this.
    (September, 2008)
  • Keeping Products in Close Focus
    Today’s stereo inspection systems are increasing manufacturing efficiency.
    (September, 2008)
  • Laboratory Quality Immunoassay Testing At Point Of Care
    Piezofilm detection is a technique for quantitative measurement of a range of binding assays that promises to overcome the limitations of existing technologies.
    (May, 2008)
  • Inhaler-Testing Tools Streamline Product Screening
    Sourcing Hotline Accelerating acquisition of the data required to implement quality by design, inhaler-testing tools streamline the screening process for these pharmaceutical delivery products. Copley Scientific Ltd. (Nottingham, UK; www.copleyscientific.com) designed these analyt...
    (May, 2008)
  • Colour inspection cameras
    Technology Update A range of multilinear 4096-pixel inspection cameras offers such advanced features as two-pixel (10-µm) centre-to-centre row spacing, a line rate of 18 kHz, and enhanced blue response. Available in a trilinear RGB version and two quadrilinear versions-RGB wit...
    (March, 2008)
  • In Vitro Biocompatibility Testing of Biomaterials and Medical Devices
    Biomaterials used for medical devices must be thoroughly tested according to ISO 109931 before their introduction so that any negative effects on the body are known about and prevented. By using in vitro laboratory tests, dangers for patients and unnecessary animal experiments can be avoided. Here, ...
    (March, 2008)