Design and Development of an Arduino-Controlled Testing Machine for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Hydrogel Structures

This paper provides a detailed account of the design and development process of a specialized device created to test the mechanical strength and resistance of 3Dprinted hydrogels. These materials, commonly used in biomedical applications, require precise evaluation to ensure their quality, structural integrity, and suitability for specific purposes. The device, referred to as the Force Testing Machine (FT machine), operates under the control of an Arduino UNO microcomputer, which manages its core functionalities. To achieve accurate and repeatable movement, a stepper motor has been incorporated into the system, providing precise control over the testing procedures. Additionally, the device measures the maximum force using a strain gauge. While this setup proved effective, long-term stability of the strain gauge remains an area for further evaluation. exerted on the hydrogel samples using a strain gauge, which is a critical component for obtaining reliable data. The primary objective of developing this device was to enable a thorough comparison of the quality, structural properties, and performance of 3D-printed hydrogels fabricated using various bioprinters. By standardizing the testing process, this machine offers a valuable tool for researchers and engineers working to optimize the printing techniques and material compositions used in bioprinting.