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

Element performs 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

Element can 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
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