MicroTester
Superior Micro-Scale mechanical testing
Enhanced for smaller samples, the MicroTester offers improved force resolution, streamlined test setups, and exceptional visual feedback. It’s ideal for a wide range of applications, from tiny tissue samples to testing the properties of hydrogel microspheres, cell spheroids, and engineered microtissues.
MicroTester G2
- Compression, tension, bending, indentation and shear testing
- Piezo-electric actuators with 0.1µm resolution
- Optional second axis imaging
- Force resolution down to 10nN
- High resolution CCD imaging
- Integrated temperature-controlled media bath
- Fully featured user interface software for simple, cyclic, relaxation, and multi-modal testing with real-time feedback
MicroTester LT
- Compression, tension, bending and indentation testing
- Affordable pricing for a wide range of applications and users
- Stepper motor actuators with 1µm resolution
- Force resolution down to 50nN
- High resolution CCD imaging
- Integrated temperature-controlled media bath
- Fully featured user interface software for simple, cyclic, relaxation, and multi-modal testing with real-time feedback
How can the CellScale MicroTester be used?
Micro-scale mechanical testing examples
Exploring material testing across various specimens can become complex, especially when illustrating the impact of scaling force or displacement by 100 to 1000 times. Take a look at the examples below or watch our video explaining how the CellScale MicroTester can be used.
Rubber Ball Parallel Plate Compression
A parallel plate compression test of a rubber ball. The ball is 50mm in size and we are applying 200N of force.
Hydrogel Microsphere Parallel Plate Compression
The specimen in this case is only 0.5mm (1/100 the size of the rubber ball). The force required for this test is only 2mN (1/1000 the force applied compared to the rubber ball test).
Popsicle Stick Cantilever Bend
Cantilever bend test on a popsicle stick. The force is 30N and the displacement is 2mm.
Rubber Band Tension Test
A rubber band being tested in tension, with the displacement being 10mm. The amount of force required is 500mN.
Spider Thread Tension Test
The displacement is 1mm and the amount of force required is 0.5mN (1000 times less force required compared to the rubber band test).
Human Hair Bend Test
A similar test on the micro-scale system using a piece of human hair, the displacement being 0.2mm and the peak load being 30mN (about 1/1000000 of the load to bend the popsicle stick).
What are some more applications and examples of the CellScale MicroTester?
In the video below, learn about how we used three different methods to calculate the value for the stiffness of a soft gel material. The formulas we used to calculate stiffness can be found in this white paper (Compression Testing of Soft Materials).
If you are interested in test results or other information, feel free to contact us.
Will The MicroTester Work For You?
The CellScale Microtester offers precision and versatility for applications ranging from biomaterial evaluation to micro-scale material testing. Its advanced features, including high-resolution imaging and dynamic mechanical analysis, provide essential insights into the mechanical behavior of a wide array of materials. Whether for academic research or industrial innovation, the Microtester delivers accurate, relevant data across diverse testing environments. Explore our whitepapers or contact our team today to see how the Microtester can meet your specific needs.
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Our lab focuses on micro and nanoscale 3D-printing of soft hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. The MicroTester is a unique device capable of accurately testing our 3D-printed scaffolds where other methods have fallen short. The software provided is easy to use and provides flexibility for the diverse needs of our lab
CellScale MicroTester represents a unique opportunity to perform mechanical assays in cell spheroids together with a versatile optical system. We also have a great experience with CellScale’s customer support. See publication: Delivery of Human Adipose Stem Cells Spheroids into Lockyballs.
CellScale’s innovative equipment has allowed us to accurately characterize the properties of a diverse range of engineered bioscaffolds under physiological conditions. What truly sets CellScale apart, is their commitment to Customer Service – they have gone above and beyond to help us in getting the most from our data and are always very prompt and helpful in responding to our questions.
Publications
TECHNICAL INFO
| MTG2 | MTLT | |
| Dimensions | 56 X 14 X 24cm | 52 X 17 X 21cm |
| Weight | 9kg | 6.5kg |
| Force Capacity | 500mN | |
| Available Force Transducers | 0.005, 0.02, 0.08, 0.2, 1, 5, 25, 100, 500mN | |
| Force Accuracy | Approx. 0.2% of transducer capacity | |
| Maximum Grip Separation | Approx. 10mm | |
| Maximum Velocity | 0.5mm/s | |
| Maximum Cycle Frequency | 0.5Hz | 0.1Hz |
| Maximum Data Rate | 15Hz | 5Hz |
| Actuator Technology | Piezo-electric Motor | Stepper Motor |
| Actuator Resolution | 0.1um | 1um |
| Range of Field of View | 0.4-11.0mm | 0.8-5.5mm |
| Vertical Image Resolution | 2048px | 1536px |
| Secondary Camera Option | Yes | No |
| Secondary Test Axis Option (Shear) | Yes | No |
DOWNLOADS
If you would like help with updating your device software, please contact the CellScale team for free support.