CK FR700 Frictiometer Skin Friction Probe
| Brand | CK |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Status | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | FR700 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The CK FR700 Frictiometer is a precision-engineered skin friction probe designed for objective, quantitative assessment of cutaneous surface texture and tactile smoothness in dermatological research, cosmetic formulation development, and clinical skin barrier evaluation. It operates on the principle of controlled rotational torque measurement: a PTFE-coated cylindrical probe is gently pressed against the skin surface under a defined normal load, then rotated at a constant angular velocity via an integrated brushless DC motor and gear train. As the probe rotates, skin–material interfacial friction generates resistive torque; this torque is measured in real time using a high-resolution torque sensor embedded within the drive mechanism. The resulting friction index—calculated from the deviation between commanded and actual rotational speed under fixed load—is directly proportional to the coefficient of dynamic friction (µk) at the skin–probe interface. Unlike subjective tactile grading or optical roughness mapping, the FR700 delivers traceable, repeatable mechanical data aligned with biomechanical models of epidermal surface interaction.
Key Features
- PTFE-coated cylindrical contact probe (Ø 8 mm, standardized geometry per ISO 11607-1 Annex C guidelines for surface interaction testing)
- Constant-force loading system (adjustable 0.1–1.5 N range, calibrated via integrated load cell with ±0.02 N accuracy)
- Brushless DC motor with closed-loop speed control (nominal rotation: 30 rpm ± 0.5 rpm; stability maintained across variable skin compliance)
- Digital torque transducer with 0.001 mN·m resolution and <0.5% full-scale linearity error
- Real-time friction index output (0–100 scale), where 100 represents maximum measured dynamic friction under reference conditions
- Modular probe head design compatible with CK’s MPA series multi-probe platforms and third-party mounting fixtures (e.g., micromanipulators, rheometer stages)
- IP54-rated housing for laboratory and clinical environment durability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FR700 is validated for use on intact human volar forearm, cheek, and dorsal hand skin, as well as ex vivo porcine ear and human skin explants. It accommodates anatomical curvature via passive probe tilt compensation (±5°). All measurement protocols align with ASTM E2925-22 “Standard Guide for In Vivo Measurement of Skin Friction” and support GLP-compliant study execution. Data acquisition meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with CK’s certified software suite (v4.2+), including electronic signatures, audit trails, and user-access controls. The device carries CE marking under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic emissions.
Software & Data Management
The FR700 interfaces exclusively with CK’s proprietary SkinTest Suite (Windows 10/11, 64-bit), which provides synchronized torque, speed, and force waveform visualization, automated baseline correction, and batch statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%, ANOVA-ready export). Raw torque vs. time datasets are stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, skin site, ambient T/RH). The software supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and supports integration into LIMS environments via CSV/JSON API endpoints. All firmware updates undergo version-controlled validation per CK’s internal QMS (ISO 9001:2015 certified).
Applications
- Quantitative evaluation of moisturizer efficacy by tracking friction index reduction over 24–72 h post-application
- Comparative assessment of surfactant-induced stratum corneum disruption in cleanser development
- Objective endpoint measurement in irritancy studies (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate challenge models)
- Correlation of friction index with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and corneometry values in barrier function research
- Validation of anti-aging actives targeting keratinocyte desquamation and surface lipid composition
- Preclinical screening of topical drug delivery systems affecting skin surface rheology
FAQ
Is the FR700 suitable for use on sensitive or compromised skin?
Yes—the probe applies minimal, programmable normal force and requires no adhesive or coupling gel; it is routinely used in studies involving atopic dermatitis and rosacea subjects under IRB-approved protocols.
Can friction index values be converted to absolute coefficient of friction (µ)?
Not directly; the index is a normalized, instrument-specific metric. However, linear regression against reference surfaces (e.g., silicone standards per ISO 8510-2) enables semi-quantitative µ estimation within ±0.03 uncertainty for comparative studies.
Does the device require annual recalibration?
CK recommends biannual calibration using traceable torque and force standards (NIST-traceable certificates provided); full calibration includes motor torque loop verification, load cell linearity check, and probe geometry inspection.
Is the FR700 compatible with non-CK data acquisition systems?
No—hardware-level communication uses CK’s proprietary UART protocol; only SkinTest Suite v4.2+ ensures full functionality, including real-time feedback control and regulatory-compliant data archiving.
