Penetration force testing plays a pivotal role in various industries, particularly in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and packaging materials. By assessing the amount of force required to penetrate a surface or material, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet performance, safety, and quality standards.

NPD-01 Needle Penetration Force Tester

What is Penetration Force Testing?

Penetration force testing is a method used to determine the force required to insert a sharp object, such as a needle or probe, into a material or substrate. It provides valuable data on material resistance, which is crucial in industries where precision and safety are paramount, such as medical device manufacturing and food packaging.

This testing is particularly relevant for materials like latex, silicone, and various plastics, which are used in products like hypodermic needles, seals, and packaging. The key goal of this test is to measure both the initial force required to penetrate the material (known as peak penetration force) and the force required to maintain continuous penetration (drag force).

Why is Penetration Force Testing Important?

Penetration force testing ensures the safety, comfort, and efficacy of products used in healthcare and food industries. Here’s why it matters:

Medical Devices: In the medical field, particularly for hypodermic needles, understanding the penetration force is crucial for patient comfort and minimizing trauma. Needles with excessive penetration forces may cause unnecessary pain or tissue damage, while insufficient penetration force could result in ineffective insertion.
Packaging Materials: For packaging, especially in food and pharmaceuticals, penetration force testing helps assess the integrity of materials like seals and films. A proper seal needs to withstand forces without breaking, ensuring product freshness and safety.
Product Quality Control: Regular penetration force tests ensure that products meet necessary standards and specifications, which is vital for ensuring consistent quality in mass production.

Needle Penetration Test: A Detailed Overview

The needle penetration test, often conducted under the guidelines of ISO 7864 Annex D, involves inserting a needle into a controlled substrate at a specified speed and measuring the force exerted during this process. The test aims to evaluate the forces involved in both the initial penetration and the drag force required to move the needle through the material.

Key Test Parameters:

Test Speed: A typical test speed for needle penetration is 100 mm/min.
Penetration Depth: The needle is inserted for a depth equivalent to 80% of its nominal length.
Test Substrates: Common substrates for testing include natural latex rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, and polyethylene.

The penetration force is measured using a load cell attached to the testing machine, which records the force at various stages of the needle’s insertion. The data collected helps manufacturers understand how their needles or other products will perform in real-world conditions.

Choosing the Right Penetration Force Tester

When selecting a penetration force tester, it’s essential to choose a device that is capable of accurately measuring force at different stages of the penetration process. Features to consider include:

Force Measurement Range: The tester should be able to measure forces within the required range for the material being tested.
Test Speed Control: The tester should allow for precise speed adjustments to simulate real-world conditions.
Accuracy and Precision: Ensure the tester offers high accuracy, often measured in force precision (such as 0.5% of full scale).

The Penetration Force Tester from Cell Instruments is an excellent option for companies looking for precise and reliable testing of materials like needles, films, and seals.

Technical Features and Benefits

Advanced PLC Control with Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The Penetration Force Tester is equipped with a PLC control system and a 7-inch HMI touchscreen for easy, user-friendly operation. This ensures smooth and precise control over the testing process.
High Precision with Ball Lead Screw: The tester uses a precision ball lead screw, ensuring smooth and accurate movement during the penetration test, which enhances the overall precision of the test results.
Customizable Penetration Depth: The penetration depth is fully adjustable, allowing you to set and control the exact depth required for each test, offering flexibility for various material types and testing standards.
Variable Test Speed: The tester supports variable test speeds, enabling it to simulate different real-world conditions and providing versatility in testing a wide range of materials.
Multiple Fixtures for Downward Force Tests: A variety of fixtures are available to conduct downward force tests, expanding the range of materials and products that can be accurately tested with the same equipment.
Overload Protection: Built-in overload protection safeguards the system against excessive force, ensuring both the longevity of the equipment and the safety of your testing process.
Automatic Test Return Function: After each test, the system automatically returns to its starting position, streamlining the testing process and improving efficiency.
Integrated Microprinter for Instant Results: The tester comes with a microprinter that provides real-time test results, enabling you to generate test reports immediately after completing each test.

Main Parameter

Loadcell	50N (or as required)
Test Speed	1~500mm/min
Force Accuracy	0.5% F.S.
Accuracy	0.01mm
Power	110~220V

Applications of Penetration Force Testing

Medical Device Manufacturing: Used to test the force required for needles to penetrate skin or other tissues. This ensures minimal patient discomfort and effective clinical performance.
Food Packaging: Helps evaluate the strength of seals on food packaging, ensuring that products remain secure and protected from contaminants.
Pharmaceuticals: Assesses the integrity of pharmaceutical packaging materials, ensuring that they maintain their barrier properties and protect the contents effectively.
Textile Industry: Measures the force required to puncture fabrics, important for products like protective clothing or medical textiles.

Penetration force testing is a critical step in the manufacturing process for a variety of industries, particularly where material integrity and performance are of the utmost importance. By using the right tools, such as a reliable Penetration Force Tester, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet safety and quality standards, ultimately leading to better performance and customer satisfaction.