What Is a Tubing Stiffness Tester?

A tubing stiffness tester measures the resistance of medical tubing to deformation under a specified force. For hypodermic needle tubing and other medical tubing, stiffness directly affects flexibility, insertion performance, mechanical reliability, and safety. The TS-01 Tubing Stiffness Tester applies a controlled downward force to the center of a supported tubing specimen and measures its resulting deflection. This testing approach supports medical tubing stiffness testing in accordance with ISO 9626 and GB/T 18457.

Why Is Tubing Stiffness Important for Medical Devices?

Medical tubing must achieve an appropriate balance between strength and flexibility. If tubing is excessively flexible, it may bend, deform, or become damaged during handling and use. If it is excessively stiff, it may offer insufficient flexibility and can become more susceptible to brittle failure under certain conditions.

For medical device manufacturers, tubing stiffness testing can help evaluate:

• Resistance to deformation under load
• Flexibility and mechanical performance
• Consistency between production batches
• Suitability of tubing for medical applications
• Conformance with applicable specifications and standards

Therefore, a controlled tubing stiffness test of medical devices provides useful mechanical data for material selection, process control, incoming inspection, and final quality verification.

How Does a Tubing Stiffness Tester Work?

The basic principle is straightforward. A specified length of tubing is supported at both ends, while a controlled force is applied to its center. The instrument then measures how far the tubing deflects.

The TS-01 uses a load cell and a dedicated plunger to perform this measurement. The plunger applies force vertically to the tubing. Its lower end incorporates a blunt wedge configuration with surfaces inclined at 60° to one another, together with a cylindrical surface having a radius of 1 mm and a length of at least 5 mm.

The system can apply a force of up to 60 N with a force accuracy of ±0.01 N, while the tubing deflection can be measured to 0.01 mm.

The basic relationship can be expressed conceptually as:

Applied Force → Tubing Deflection → Stiffness Evaluation

A smaller deflection under the same applied force generally indicates greater resistance to deformation, while a larger deflection indicates a more flexible tubing specimen.

ISO 9626 Tubing Stiffness Testing

ISO 9626 is an important reference for the mechanical requirements and testing of stainless steel needle tubing used in the manufacture of medical devices. It provides a standardized framework for evaluating tubing properties, including mechanical characteristics relevant to its intended application.

When performing ISO 9626 tubing stiffness testing, controlling the test force, specimen support, loading position, and deflection measurement is essential. Using a dedicated tubing stiffness tester helps laboratories maintain consistent test conditions and reduce operator-dependent variation.

GB/T 18457 is another applicable standard for stainless steel needle tubing and can be used as a reference for relevant testing requirements.

Item	TS-01 Capability
Applicable standards	ISO 9626, GB/T 18457
Maximum fixed force	60 N or as required
Force accuracy	±0.01 N
Deflection accuracy	0.01 mm
Test speed	1–500 mm/min
Control	PLC
Operation	7-inch HMI touchscreen
Power supply	110–220 V

How Is the Tubing Stiffness Test Performed?

A typical test sequence includes the following steps:

1. Prepare the specimen according to the applicable test requirements.
2. Position the tubing on the support fixture with the specified test length.
3. Align the plunger with the center of the tubing.
4. Set the test parameters, including force or test speed.
5. Apply the downward force through the load cell and plunger.
6. Measure tubing deflection during loading.
7. Record the test result for quality evaluation and comparison.

The TS-01 automatically returns after testing, which can improve testing efficiency when laboratories need to evaluate multiple specimens.

What Equipment Is Used for Medical Tubing Stiffness Testing?

A dedicated tubing stiffness tester normally consists of a controlled test frame, load measurement system, plunger, specimen support, and software or interface for setting and recording test conditions.

The TS-01 incorporates:

• PLC-controlled operation
• 7-inch HMI touchscreen
• Precision ball lead screw
• Variable test speed
• Overload protection
• Automatic return function
• Microprinter
• Multiple fixtures for downward-force testing

These features allow laboratories to establish repeatable testing conditions while simplifying routine operation.

Why Use a Dedicated Tubing Stiffness Tester?

Manual deflection measurements can introduce variations in loading force, specimen positioning, and measurement accuracy. A dedicated instrument provides controlled mechanical loading and digital measurement, making results easier to reproduce and compare.

For laboratories working with medical tubing stiffness testing, the key benefits include:

• Controlled force application
• Precise deflection measurement
• Repeatable testing conditions
• Adjustable test speed
• Standard-oriented testing
• Efficient routine quality control

The TS-01 supports both standard testing requirements and customized testing needs, with a maximum force of 60 N and configurable test conditions.

Conclusion

Tubing stiffness is an important mechanical property for medical tubing because it influences flexibility, deformation resistance, and functional reliability. A tubing stiffness tester provides a controlled method for applying force to a supported tubing specimen and measuring its deflection. With support for ISO 9626 and GB/T 18457, the TS-01 is designed for laboratories and manufacturers performing medical tubing stiffness evaluation, quality control, material development, and production inspection.

The TS-01 Tubing Stiffness Tester provides controlled force application, precise deflection measurement, and flexible test settings for routine laboratory testing. If your application involves ISO 9626, GB/T 18457, medical tubing stiffness testing, or specialized tubing evaluation, Cell Instruments can provide the appropriate testing equipment, fixtures, and customized testing solutions.