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Medical Knife & Needle Sharpness Tester STX-601

Medical Knife & Needle Sharpness Tester

Quantitatively measures the sharpness and penetration force of surgical blades and injection needles, producing traceable data for medical device production QC and registration testing.

STX-601

Purpose | What it does for you

Measures the sharpness, penetration force and cutting force of surgical blades and injection needles. Needle tip sharpness directly determines injection pain and tissue trauma, while blade sharpness affects incision quality and healing. These parameters are explicitly required by GB/T, ISO 9626 and ISO 7864, making them mandatory for medical device registration testing and batch release. The instrument converts subjective experience into traceable quantitative data for regulatory submission and lot release.

Key Features

  • Quantitative sharpness and penetration force replacing subjective judgement
  • Standard medium and specified speed make results comparable and traceable
  • Software controls and records the whole run with automatic reports, meeting registration testing needs
  • Multiple fixtures for surgical blades, injection needles and suture needles
  • Automatic data saving and statistics support SPC process control

Operating Principle

The needle tip or blade is fixed in the fixture and driven vertically into (or through) a standard medium at a specified speed. A force sensor acquires the force throughout the process, outputting peak penetration force, cutting force or cutting depth. Software controls and records the whole run, automatically saving data and generating reports that satisfy registration testing requirements for raw records and traceability.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications
Force Rangeby model, multiple ranges
Accuracy±0.5% FS
Test Speedper method (stepless)
Test Mediumstandard penetration/cutting medium
Power SupplyAC 220/110 V ±10%,50/60 Hz

Note: Due to continuous product iteration and varying application conditions, the technical parameters on this page are typical reference values and are not to be used as acceptance criteria. For tender and customized projects, the product model, configuration and specifications are subject to the mutually confirmed technical agreement and the actual delivered product. For parameter matching tailored to your specific project, please contact us.

Standard Configuration

Main unit, force sensor, fixtures (selected by needle/blade type), computer, professional software, manual and factory calibration certificate. Final scope per the configuration list.

Application Scenarios

  • Penetration force inspection of injection and infusion needles
  • Sharpness and cutting force verification of surgical blades
  • Quality evaluation of suture needles and trocar tips
  • Medical device registration testing and batch release

Compliance Standards

ISO 9626, ISO 7864, ISO 7864:2016 puncture force method, GB/T 15811, YY/T related medical-device standards

Industries Served

  • Medical Devices
  • Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical
  • Daily Knives & Hardware
  • Third-Party & Government Testing Institutes
  • Public Health CDC & Customs Technical Centers

Frequently Asked Questions

What medium is used for penetration testing and how is consistency ensured?

The standard penetration medium specified by the method is used (e.g. silicone or polyurethane film of defined hardness and thickness), with strict control of replacement interval and lot. We supply the standard medium and replacement guidance, and can match the medium specification to your registration standard so data stay comparable between batches.

What are initial sharpness and sharpness retention?

Initial sharpness is how a fresh edge performs on its first cut into the standard medium — the greater the cutting depth, the sharper the edge. Sharpness retention (edge life) is the decay curve after a specified number of reciprocating cuts, reflecting how long the edge lasts. Knife release inspection normally needs both: the first judges grinding quality, the second whether material and heat treatment are stable.

Why must the test medium be standardised in sharpness testing?

Knives are tested against standard abrasive paper, wire, silicone or card; medical blades and needles against a standard penetration or cutting medium. The batch, condition and hardness of that medium change cutting and penetration forces directly, so only a common medium makes data comparable across batches and factories. Replace the medium at the interval the method specifies and log its batch number, otherwise trend analysis becomes meaningless.

Can surgical blades and injection needles be tested on one instrument?

Yes. The STX-601 Medical Knife & Needle Sharpness Tester covers both surgical blades and injection needles, switching between them with the fixture and the standard penetration or cutting medium, and outputs penetration and cutting force data. Everyday knives (kitchen, utility and similar) use the STX-501, STX-502 and STX-602 series. When selecting, confirm the sample type and the standard you work to first, then match the fixture and force range.

How is sharpness data used for production process control?

Once sharpness becomes a number instead of a feeling, you can set release limits, track the stability of grinding and heat-treatment steps, and compare edge life between batches. Keep the medium and cutting parameters fixed, sample the same batch, and follow the trend with a control chart rather than judging a single result — one reading describes one blade, the trend describes the process.

Does LabStone support OEM/ODM and customised instruments?

Yes. Standard models ship as-is, while chamber count, specimen size, fixtures, temperature range and software modules (including the GMP Computerized System module) can be tailored to your SOP and URS. IQ/OQ/PQ validation documentation packages are available.

What is the typical lead time, and how is shipping handled?

Standard models usually ship in 4–8 weeks; customised builds depend on the agreed scope. Instruments are packed in export wooden cases and can move by sea, air or rail. We supply proforma invoice, packing list and certificate of origin (CO / Form E), and work under EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms.

How are installation, training and calibration handled after delivery?

We provide remote installation guidance, bilingual (Chinese/English) manuals and video training; on-site commissioning by our engineers is available. Users can self-calibrate with standard weights, reference films or calibrated leak standards, and third-party calibration certificates can be supplied.

What is the warranty, and how are spare parts supplied?

The instrument carries a 12-month warranty from acceptance plus lifetime maintenance support. Consumables (molecular sieve, desiccant, sealing grease, printer paper) are kept in long-term stock, and key components are international brands available worldwide. We respond to technical enquiries within 24 hours.

Do the instruments comply with ASTM, ISO and pharmacopoeia standards?

Yes. Every instrument lists its applicable standards on the specification page (ASTM, ISO, GB, YBB, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, USP, EP, JIS, DIN, TAPPI and more). The software outputs raw records and reports suitable for audit trails, with an optional GMP / FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance module.

Which languages does the software support, and can it integrate with a LIMS?

The software ships with Chinese and English interfaces; other languages can be added on request. Data export is available over RS232, USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and reports can be exported to Excel, PDF or structured files for LIMS integration.