Friction Tester
The Pilot Line Friction Tester (FRV) is a fully programmable friction testing system for catheters, guidewires, medical tubing, and other medical devices. By measuring the pull force required to draw a sample through a controlled pinch force, the FRV enables engineers to evaluate coating performance, compare lubricity between samples, assess coating durability, and validate manufacturing processes with repeatable, high-quality data.
Whether you're developing a new hydrophilic coating, validating a manufacturing process, or performing routine quality testing, the FRV delivers precise force control, automated test sequencing, and complete control over every critical test parameter. Programmable water temperature, pinch force, pull speed, dwell time, cycle count, and other protocol parameters ensure consistent, repeatable results across every stage of a product's lifecycle.
The Pilot Line Friction Tester delivers the performance and automation expected from a modern friction testing system in a compact, self-contained design that is simple to own, operate, and maintain. The integrated heated water bath requires no external hoses, pumps, or plumbing, while the removable bath tube and integrated drain make cleaning and maintenance fast and straightforward. A large 10-inch touchscreen provides live data visualization, virtually unlimited programmable test protocols, USB export of PDF reports and raw CSV data, and password-protected operator accounts to help maintain standardized testing procedures.
Hydrophilic Coating Development Evaluate and optimize coating formulations during product development.
Catheter Friction Testing Measure pull force and compare lubricity between coated and uncoated catheters.
Guidewire Lubricity Testing Evaluate guidewire coatings using repeatable test conditions.
Medical Tubing Evaluation Compare frictional performance across tubing materials and surface treatments.
Coating Durability Testing Perform multi-cycle testing to assess coating wear and long-term performance.
Process Validation Verify manufacturing processes with repeatable, protocol-driven testing.
Quality Control Monitor lot-to-lot consistency and verify product quality.
Comparative Material Testing Compare coatings, materials, and manufacturing processes using standardized test methods.
