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Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Best Solution for Gripping Low-Force Specimens

Generally, most customers assume that rubber-coated or serrated faces provide the ideal gripping solution. But do they?

Low-force biomaterial and tissue testing applications vary widely, and include specimens such as native tissue, bio-engineered tissues, hydrogels, and contact lenses.

In most cases, these specimens are tested in a heated, fluid environment that simulates physiological conditions; in other cases, the specimens are hydrated for several hours before testing. Rubber-coated faces tend to cause specimen slippage, while serrated faces cause premature failure.

A study conducted by the our Application Lab proved one of the best gripping solution to be sandpaper or a grip surface called SurfAlloy®, a surface that resembles sandpaper. This slightly roughened surface provides enough friction to prevent slipping, and not too much grit that could cause premature failure.

Do you have any gripping techniques to share?

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Instron,

I was wondering if you would be able to provide any details of the study you conducted?
We are investigating some gripping surfaces that provide the best grip while limiting damage to weak bone and would be interested to see the results.

Elena M. said...

Hi There, Nick.

Yes, we do have an Applications Note with our findings. Please send me an email at elena_mangano@instron.com and I will pass that along to you.

Elena
Applications Engineer