SAM (Swiper Automated Machine, named by the students at UGA) makes it easy to run repeatable experiments of the application of user selectable force between two surfaces for a specified amount of time. In addition, it has the option to slide the two surfaces together over a specified distance. It is primarly designed for biological media transfer studies, but can easily be adapted for other uses.
Applications include, but are not limited to:
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The study of transfer of biological media from one surface to another.
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Application of force between 2 materials.
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Application of force to a surface.
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Wiping (rubbing) materials together at a set force.
Instructional Videos - To learn more about using SAM, click here.
Mode 1: Touch and Liftoff
SampleSwiper allows for touch and lift off surface contact tests with adjustable contact force and time.
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The contact force is easily adjustable via the settings on the display panel on the front. The accuracy and precision for the standard model is +/- 5 grams for forces below 100g, and +/- 10 grams for forces above 100g. The accuracy and precision can be improved if required.
The digital timer can be set between 0.01 seconds and 99hours,99minutes (should you ever want to do a test that long). The timer is started once the set force has been reached, and the machine seperates the surfaces immediatly once the timer is finished.
Demonstration video of "Touch and Liftoff" on a stainless plate
Mode 2: Touch and Swipe
SampleSwiper allows for Touch and Swipe contact tests with adjustable contact force, and swipe distance.
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The contact force is easily adjustable via the settings on the display panel on the front. The accuracy and precision for the standard model is +/- 5 grams for forces below 100g, and +/- 10 grams for forces above 100g. The accuracy and precision can be improved if required. Please keep in mind that during swiping, the unevenness of the surface being swiped against will cause fluctuations in the force.
The swipe travel distance can be adjusted for any position along the swiping axis, and the maximum swipe length is 4 inches (about 100mm).
Demonstration video of "Touch and Swipe" on a stainless plate
Details
Platform - The removable platform is made of T-slot Aluminum extrusion to allow easy attachment of various holders, samples, etc. Multiple experiments can be setup on one platform, because it can slide side to side to position a new setup under the moving sample holder. Multiple platforms can be used and swapped when needed. The platform can be lifted out to be washed and autoclaved. It's anodized and will not corrode or rust.
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Stationary Sample Holders (on platform) - The generic sample holders provided use suction cups to hold onto samples. A vacuum line is required to provide the hold down suction. Different sizes and shapes of suction cups are available. Customized sample holders are available upon request.
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Moving Sample Holder - The standard moving sample holder holds a 3 by 3 inch (minimum) piece of thin flexible material, such as fabric, an alcohol wipe, latex glove, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc.