Device Characterization facility

Device Characterization Laboratory

Located on the 4th floor in the Life Science Laboratories the Device Characterization facility provides gold-standard verification of wearable and point-of-care devices and other medical devices. This lab offers a full suite of mechanical testing capabilities to fully characterize materials, manufacturing processes, and their fabricated devices.

We offer training to users to conduct experimentation for use on a fee for service basis to both internal and external researchers, academic or industry based. Following an initial consultation, covering experimental parameters training and access is arranged through the director.

  • 3D Systems Capture

    The Capture 3D scanner allows rapid characterization of the surface geometry and shape of an object. The scanner allows rapid creation of a digital model of a physical object. Industrial uses include fields as varied as quality control, orthotics, and prosthetics. Though not as accurate as a coordinate measuring machine, the 3D scanner requires no physical contact.

  • KLA Tencor Alpha D-500

    The Alpha D-500 stylus profiler allows high resolution characterization of 2D surfaces. The measurements can be used to ascertain step height, roughness, bow, and shape of a piece, as well as measurement of stress. The device also allows high resolution visualization of surface features. Such measures are used in a variety of fields, including materials research and medical devices.

    kla-tencor.com

  • Nikon Altera 7.5.5 Coordinate Measuring Machine

    The Nikon Altera 7.5.5 allows high precision characterization of device geometry in critical to function locations. Using a 5-axis measuring system and a number of probe options, the system measures with volumetric accuracy on the order of 1.8 microns, allowing a designer to confirm part dimensions to tight tolerances.

    nikon.com

  • Edibon EBVR

    The Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell Hardness Testing Unit (EBVR) consists of a hardness testing machine that determines the three main types of hardness (Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell).

    It can be adapted to determine hardness of ferrous materials (steel, casting pieces, etc.), nonferrous materials (aluminum and copper alloys, etc.), test pieces and alloys.

    edibon.com

  • Instron ElectroPuls 10000

    The ElectroPuls 10000 can test material properties under large linear and torsion loads and at high strain. Using the system a material or device’s material and fatigue responses can be tested to determine its performance and validate its manufacturing process.

    instron.us

  • Stress Photonics GFP 1500 Full Field Strain Measurement System

    The GFP 1500 allows location specific characterization of stress and strain, allowing a designer to finely adjust their design to withstand loads and validate engineering models. The part is painted with a photo elastic coating, and then illuminated with circularly polarized light. The light becomes elliptically polarized proportional to maximum shear strain at the object surface.

    stressphotonics.com

Device Characterization Lab: Instron Electropuls E10000 for fatigue testing in tension, compression, and torsion, up to 10kN/100Nm, Nikon Altera 7.5.5 Coordinate Measuring Machine for touch-probe measurements in a 70x50x50cm area to <3 micron precision, KLA Tencor Alpha D-500 stylus profiler for measuring surface roughness, Edibon EBVR Brinell, Vickers, and Rockwell Hardness testing, Stress Photonics GFP 1500 Full Field Strain Measurement System to visualize stress in parts during testing, and a 3D Systems Capture structured light 3D scanner for creating digital models from actual parts.

  • Training is available for every tool in the lab.

Updated January 1, 2021

 

Internal (UMass)

External

Printing Services
SLS - EOS P110 (nylon-12) $0.09/cc $0.16/cc
FFF - Markforged Onyx and Continuous Fiber 2.5x Mat'l Cost 3.5x Mat'l Cost
Objet - Connex350 Multi-material 2.5x Mat'l Cost 3.5x Mat'l Cost
Metal - Steels & Nickel Alloys Contact us for price quote
 
Hourly Equipment
Laser Cutter (Spirit GLS 80W) $12/hour $20/hour
Wire EDM $13/hour $20/hour
 
Daily Equipment
EOS M290 (Metal DMLS) $360/day $550/day
Optomec LENS 450 (Metal DED) $250/day $400/day
 
Material Testing Equipment
Instron Electropuls E10000 $100/day $175/day
 
Engineering/Design & Lab Services
Lab Technician $50/hour $80/hour
Design Engineering (Junior) $50/hour $80/hour
Design Engineering (Senior) $135/hour $200/hour

Notes:

  1. Equipment use requires completion of safety training through UMass EH&S and paid training with ADDFab staff
  2. Support for untrained users is available at lab technician rates
  3. Please contact Dave Follette follette@umass.edu with any questions
  4. Prices effective July 1, 2023. Rates through June 30, 2024-FY24 Specialized Service Center Approved Fees