ElectroForce® 3200 Biomaterials

Test Instrument

Characterization of Native Tissues,

Scaffolds and Biomaterials
ElectroForce test instruments offer exceptional fidelity, precision and versatility for
®

biomaterials applications by incorporating proprietary Bose motor technologies ®

and WinTest controls. The ElectroForce linear motor utilizes a simple and durable
®

moving-magnet motor design that provides excellent dynamic performance and

years of reliable operation for researchers and test engineers. The ElectroForce
3200 biomaterials instrument is suitable for accurate characterization of
native tissues, scaffolds, and other biomaterials used in musculoskeletal and
cardiovascular research.

The ElectroForce 3200 biomaterials test configuration:

®

WinTest software for test control, waveform generation and data acquisition
WinTest Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) software to determine the
dynamic viscoelastic properties of biomaterials
Heated saline bath to simulate biological conditions
225 N (50 lb) and submersible 22 N (5 lb) load cells
25 mm and 50 mm diameter platens for compression applications
Lightweight DMA grips for tensile and DMA tests
3- or 4-point bend fixture for bone testing ElectroForce 3200 Test Instrument
®

The mechanical properties of acellular dermal matrices
(ADM) after a 4-week in vivo implantation in a ventral
hernia repair model were evaluated under tension in
an ElectroForce 3200 biomaterials test instrument with
DMA grips. Alloderm (Life Cell Technologies), Collamend
(Bard, Duvol), and abdominal wall/ADM interface speci-
mens were compared to native abdominal wall samples.
Please refer to our “Dynamic Testing Characterizes Frequency Dependence of Liver
Tissue” application brief for more details.
Soft tissue represents a significant challenge for analysis
because of its lack of structural integrity. The ElectroForce
3200 biomaterials test instrument was used with DMA
software for uniaxial, unconfined, cyclic compression
testing. Frequency sweeps were performed at very low
levels on fresh calf liver in order to determine the dynamic
modulus under different strain conditions.
Rios, C.N., J.N. Augustine, and A.B. Mathur, Molecular and Cellular Biomechanics (2006)
Gobin, A., C. Butler, and A.B. Mathur, Tissue Engineering (2006)
 Biomaterials Research Accessory Kit WinTest® DMA Application Software
The biomaterials testing field is undergoing rapid change
as a myriad of novel materials are being introduced
for orthopaedic and cardiovascular applications. Bose
WinTest DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) application
software meets the challenge of measuring the
mechanical properties of biomaterials and soft tissues
under dynamic excitation. The software allows the user
to easily define a series of biomaterial test conditions
that are then systematically applied to the test specimen.
Frequency, dynamic amplitude, mean, and hold at mean
parameters can be specified to explore changes in
material properties. Combine WinTest DMA application
software with our ElectroForce 3200 biomaterials
test instrument and special specimen fixtures, and
you’re ready to determine the dynamic properties of
biomaterials under a wide variety of test conditions.
Visit www.bose-electroforce.com for
accessories specifications.

ElectroForce® 3200 Test Instrument

Specifications and Performance
Electromagnetic Load Capacity:
Peak/max sine ± 225 N (50 lb)
Static or RMS (continuous) ± 160 N (35 lb)
Stroke: 12.5 mm (0.50 in)
Linear Velocity:
Minimum: 0.0006 micron/s
(0.024 micro in/s)
Maximum*: 3.2 m/s (125 in/s)
Frequency:
Minimum: 0.00001 Hz DMA Test Sequence
Maximum*: 200 Hz
Dimensions (H/W/D):
Height 81.3 cm (32 in)
Width 49.5 cm (19.50 in)
Depth 48.3 cm (19 in)
Weight: 80 kg (176 lb)
Test Space Size: 0 to 360 mm (0 - 14 in)
* Varies depending on fixture mass and specimen stiffness.

Example of Data Exported into an Excel Database

Biomaterial Data Analysis Properties

Description Parameter Definition
Tan Delta Tanδ Tangent of δ (E"/E')
Complex Modulus E* (or G* for shear) K*/shape factor
Storage Modulus E' (or G' for shear) K'/shape factor
Loss Modulus E" (or G" for shear) K"/shape factor

Bose Corporation – ElectroForce Systems Group

10250 Valley View Road, Suite 113, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 USA
Email: electroforce@bose.com – Website: www.bose-electroforce.com
Phone: 952-278-3070 – Fax: 952-278-3071
©2008 Bose Corporation. Patent rights issued and/or pending in the United States and other countries.
Bose, the Bose logo, ElectroForce and WinTest are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. 091108