TA instruments

The ElectroForce Load Frame series features electrodynamic linear motors, combining rare-earth magnets and specifically designed electromagnetic topologies that are optimized for material testing and deliver best-in-class displacements and force over a wide range of frequencies. Operating without contact bearings, these motors provide friction-free linear guidance that delivers the ultimate reliability backed by a 10-year motor warranty and precise control that is only possible with a no-friction motor design.

Heating microscopy is a non-contact technique that, based upon an advanced image analysis of a specimen subjected to a thermal treatment reproducing industrial firing conditions, identifies several characteristic shapes and related temperatures key to the optimization of manufacturing processes in ceramics, metals, and alloys.

The characteristic temperatures the system can automatically identify include the beginning of sintering, softening, sphere, half-sphere, and melting/fusion. Morphometrix, the latest TA Instruments image analysis software, can also determine the following: flattening curve, contact angle curve, sample area variation curve, ratio curve between width and height, bloating effects, combustion, theoretical glass viscosity (V.F.T. equation) and surface tension (glasses) using the Young-Laplace equation.

Dilatometry measures the change in size of a sample as a function of temperature. In addition to directly determining the thermal expansion of the sample, the change in size also provides information about phase transitions and physical or chemical changes in the microstructure. These can be identified by the associated changes in density and rate of expansion of the material. Dilatometry is also an extremely useful method for evaluating the sintering behavior of materials, as it records both the shrinkage of a sintered sample and the temperatures required to achieve this change. This analysis allows optimization of workpiece shapes and processing temperatures, improvement of product quality and reduction of costs.

 

Key Features

• Patented, linear motor and high-resolution displacement sensor provide unmatched control over the widest ranges of force, displacement, and frequency, for superior data accuracy
• Ultra-durable, frictionless motor, backed by the industry’s only ten-year warranty, provides maintenance- and worry-free operation
• High force of 500 N enables testing of larger samples or final parts under real-world conditions, by achieving higher loading levels in both DMA and fatigue analysis
• Forced Convection Oven (FCO) provides superior control and responsiveness over a temperature range of -150 °C to 600 °C for the highest degree of accuracy and flexibility in experiment thermal profiles
• Large Sample Oven (LSO), with a temperature range of -150 °C to 315 °C, offers spacious interior dimensions to accommodate testing of large samples or component
• Air Chiller Systems (ACS) offer unique gas flow cooling for sub-ambient testing without the use of liquid nitrogen, eliminating potential laboratory hazards while providing an incredible return on investment
• Broad range of fixtures accommodate a wide range of sample sizes and geometries adding to testing versatility
• Extremely rigid test frame and air bearings ensure the most accurate results on samples of very high stiffness
• Multi-color status lights provide clear and visible indication of instrument and test status
• WinTest^® and TRIOS Software packages provide powerful and easy-to-use instrument control and data analysis for the ultimate flexibility in experimental design

The Thermal Activity Monitor (TAM) is a high resolution, real-time method for monitoring chemical, biological, and physical reaction process(es) occurring in a sample. The monitoring of heat flow over time allows for determination of the various reaction processes that may occur in a sample over minutes, hours, days, weeks, or years. Samples can be measured under user defined conditions, to control temperature, atmosphere, as well as sample composition.

Key Features

• Modular system that can be adapted by the researcher to control the sample and sample environment
• Capability to precisely set temperature within 100uC over a minimum of 24-hours
• Interchangeable accessories allow for RH, liquid and gas perfusion, liquid titration, addition of solids or pastes, dissolution, pressure monitoring, and electric charge
• Enables researchers to test materials and products under accelerated or during  operation conditions