Pin-on-Disc Testing

Service Overview

Pin-on-disc (POD) testing is a cost effective preliminary screening method that yield valuable information regarding material wear characteristics and durability. Understanding the tribological performance of the materials used in medical devices is a critical part of the design process.

POD testing can be used for screening candidate biomaterial couples and for optimizing design performance prior to cost-intensive joint simulator wear tests.

Additional Information

What equipment do you use for testing?

We perform all of our POD tests using the six-station OrthoPOD system developed and manufactured by Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc. (AMTI). Pin rotation, disc rotation, and dynamic pin loading are all independently controlled. In addition, track patterns and loads can be customized and are fully programmable, ensuring an accurate representation of the cross-shear motion experienced by prostheses in vivo.

What are the equipment specifications?

Why is this type of testing important?

POD testing allows for the isolation and control of certain parameters in order to understand the fundamental wear behaviour of new and/or existing bearing materials. These parameters can then be accounted for in joint simulator testing, where a greater number of variables are present.

Can tests be performed under physiological conditions?

The OIC specializes in testing under physiological conditions, especially in the type of lubricant used to mimic synovial fluid. Please refer to our publications to learn more about our innovative research in this area.

Standards We Test

Standard Test Method for Wear Testing of Polymeric Materials Used in Total Joint Prostheses

Practice for Gravimetric Measurement of Polymeric Components for Wear Assessment