Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA)/Analysis
Thermal expansion with neglectible load
Certain materials experience changes in their thermomechanical properties as they become hotter or cooler. Understanding how materials shrink or expand due to temperature changes is important for manufacturers who want to provide durable, dependable products. Linseis supplies advanced thermomechanical analyzers used in laboratories to measure the presence and severity of these physical changes for a wide range of materials. Our thermo mechanical services allow users to receive accurate measurements they can count on to guide the product development process. Other applications for this instrumentation include research and development as well as quality control. Examples of materials often subjected to this form of testing include plastics, metals, glass, and composites.
For expansion measurements with a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) a probe rests on a sample and a stage with minimal downward pressure. Other constant force experiments include measurement of penetration, bending, tension, shrinkage, swelling, and creep (sample motion measured as a function of time under an applied load).
The TMA Platinum Series comes with a robust and reliable furnace. Its customized design enables rapid heat up and cool down times and an excellent heating rate control over the entire temperature range.
The easily accessible chamber is located in the center of the furnace. Both temperature and atmosphere can be controlled. In addition an optional mass flow controller is available for purge gas regulation. The gas tight cell can be evacuated and allows you to measure under a defined atmosphere. Only such a system can provide definitive information concerning the samples sensitivity to oxidation.
All TMA devices operate in accordance with the following national and international standards (DIN 51 005, ASTM D 3386, ASTM E 831, ASTM D 696, ISO 11359 – Parts 1 to 3).
Quicklinks
Cryo Option for Temperatures down to 10 K
LINSEIS „Ultra Low Temperature“ series is available in vertical (Zero – Friction) mode of operation. It offers a broad temperature range (-263°C up to +220°C), many different sample holders, operation in vacuum or a controlled oxidizing or reducing atmosphere, while maintaining the highest accuracy and ease of use.
The expansion and temperature Sensor:
Every dimensional change of the sample is transmitted via the pushrod to the highly precise inductive transducer (LVDT sensor). Its precise and reliable response over the entire temperature range guarantees highest reproducibility of the TMA results. The temperature sensor is located right beside the sample leading to the high accuracy.
In Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis (DTMA), a known sinusoidal stress and linear temperature ramp are applied to the sample, and the resulting sinusoidal strain is measured. This feature allows you to study the visco-elastic behavior of materials. In D-TMA the force exerted on the probe alternates automatically by the given frequency.
