robotic testing system
AT6 Sutures
Vnation JSC

The Instron TestMaster Automation System configured to perform unattended tensile testing of biomedical cord and yarn specimens provides an ideal solution for high volume tests of medical sutures. The system has been designed to accommodate specimens of varying lengths and thicknesses, utilizing barcode labels to pass specimen information and testing specifications to TestMaster 2 automation control software.
A typical automated test sequence includes the following steps: The robot retrieves a batch separator with barcode label affixed from a rack, scans the barcode and downloads the specimen and testing information to the TestMaster 2 automation control software. The separator is discarded into a bin and then a specimen is retrieve from the racks, the specimen is placed in the tensile frame and tested. After the test has ended the specimen is removed via a specimen removal device at the back of the frame. This removal device utilizes a low noise, industrial vacuum to aid in full removal of the tested sutures from the grips area. The robot then inserts the next specimen to be tested.