This document discusses using an inductive displacement sensor system to measure the diameter of surgical suture materials. The system includes a transCON sensor that can precisely control the contact force during measurement through a pressure reducer unit and throttle valve. This allows reliable and reproducible measurements that comply with German Medical Association regulations requiring a certain contact area and force depending on diameter. The system provides measurements in a computer with a measuring range of up to 1.2mm, 2um accuracy, and 0.5um resolution at under 5Hz for quality control of sterile catgut manufacturing.

1. MICRO-EPSILON
Inductive displacement sensors (LVDT) transCON
Determination of the diameter of surgical suture material
Because of a provision of the DAB (German Medical Association) the
APPLIC A T ION
manufacturers of sterile catgut must perform measurements according to
specified limit conditions. The determination of the diameter must not be
performed in a non-contacting way, because the provision stipulates that
measurement must be performed with a certain contact area and force. These
parameters depend on the diameter. With the option V of transCON the force that
acts on the thread during measurement can be exactly by means of a pressure
reducer unit and a throttle valve.
Technical Details
Measuring range: max. 1,2 mm
Accuracy: min. 2 µm
Resolution: 0,5 µm
Band width: stat. measurement
Frequency: < 5 Hz
System configuration transCON Series 700
Rs749 - 8-channel-bench-top-cabinet
DD700 - digital-display-plug-in
BSC705 - 1-channel signal conditioning electronics
A/D converter with RS232 - Interface pressure build-up unit
DTA-1G-3-SA-V -Inductive displacement sensor
Mechanical measuring
C700-3 unit cable
Accessories:
Force sensor
Software for A/D converter
Principle
A/D-converter
Foot-
switch
A022_e

2. Reasons for choosing the systems
• Automatic measuring start
• Allows reliable and reproducible measurements
• Exact setting and checking of the contact force
• Measured value acquisition in a computer
• Easy to operate
Ambient conditions
Temperature: 15 - 25 °C
Medium: air
Temperature-controlled laboratory
MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GmbH & CO. KG
Königbacher Strasse 15 Telefon: +49/85 42/1 68-0 info@micro-epsilon.com
D-94496 Ortenburg / Germany Telefax: +49/85 42/1 68 90 www.micro-epsilon.com