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

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a high-resolution method for complete characterization of the basic chemical details of a binding interaction. The method determines a binding constant, reaction stoichiometry, and total reaction energy of two or more compounds (small or large molecules) in solution. Isothermal titration calorimeters do this by measuring the heat that is released or absorbed when molecules interact with each other. Temperature conditions can be controlled to understand the temperature dependence of binding.

Light or laser flash is a crucial measurement technique used to determine the thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of materials. This method is useful in characterizing the heat transfer and storage properties of a variety of materials, providing essential information about material composition and structure. Light/Laser flash is the most effective method for measuring thermal diffusivity over a wide range of temperatures and offers non-destructive material testing with accurate, reproducible results. The Xenon and Laser Flash instruments generate high-energy Laser or Xenon pulse sources and use a PIN contact detector or non-contact IR detector to measure the resulting temperature rise. The selection of the ideal source and detector depends on various factors such as sample morphology, dimensions, expected thermal conductivity, and measurement temperature range.

TA Instruments Discovery Flash product line offers the most compelling range of benchtop and floor-standing flash diffusivity analyzers, enabling the analysis of a wide array of material forms and providing true measurements without the need for extrapolation. TA Instruments’ proprietary light flash technology, combined with full time pulse mapping, precision optics, and the latest data analysis models, make the Discovery Flash platform the most versatile, accurate and precise light flash system of its kind. It offers measurement capabilities over the broadest temperature range from -175°C up to 2800°C and multiple source and detector options. Additionally, a variety of sample holders and fixtures allow for in-plane measurement of thin-films, through-plane analysis of thick samples, and metals through their melt transition. Every system includes a multiple specimen autosampler that provides a several times increase in productivity and accuracy of specific heat capacity results. The Discovery Flash platform is an ideal choice for non-destructive material testing, providing reliable and reproducible results for a wide range of applications.

Refrigerated Cooling Systems (RCS)

Full line of cooling systems, designed and manufactured by TA Instruments, specifically for our DSC’s, featuring the new RCS 120 three-stage refrigerated system capable of temperatures down to -120°C. RCS Features and Benefits:

• One-, Two-, or Three-stage refrigeration system that achieves temperature ranges down to -120°C.

• Sealed system eliminates the need for LN2 cooling system.

• Enables cycling, MDSC®, controlled and ballistic cooling experiments.

• Safe, convenient, and continuous cooling operation for your laboratory needs.

Air Chiller System (ACS)

The new Air Chiller System models offer unique gas flow cooling systems that provide the capability for sub-ambient testing without the use of liquid nitrogen. Available in two models, the ACS-2 and ACS-3, the chillers feature a multi-stage cascading compressor design that employs compressed air (7 bar, 200 l/min) as the cooling medium. The ACS-2 and ACS-3 models permit operation of the DMA 850 with Standard Furnace at temperatures as low as -50 °C and -100 °C respectively *. The chiller systems can help eliminate or reduce liquid nitrogen usage and associated hazards from any laboratory and offer an incredible return on investment. The ACS-2 and ACS-3 are also compatible with DMA3200, Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, ARES-G2 Rheometer, and RSA-G2 Solids Analyzer.

Dilatometry is a method for measuring changes in a sample’s size as it’s heated or cooled. It can provide information about phase transitions and changes in the sample’s structure.

The TA Instruments dilatometers, including DIL806 and ODP868, use an optical measurement method to evaluate the shadow width of a sample placed horizontally inside a furnace. This method is free of external contact forces, making it ideal for measuring soft, fragile, or small samples that may be damaged or difficult to handle in a pushrod dilatometer.

The DIL806 can measure samples in various atmospheres and cover temperatures from -150°C to 1400°C. The ODP868 can analyze samples’ dimensions, shape, and bending up to 1650°C. Optical dilatometry offers high resolution and accuracy similar to a pushrod dilatometer, making it an optimal method for measuring challenging samples.

Quenching dilatometers are used to study phase transformations and microstructural changes in steel and metal alloys. Phase transformations occur upon heating and cooling during manufacturing of metal parts and are generated in a controlled way during heat treatment. Changes in microstructure and phase transformations cause changes of volume and expansion rate. Dilatometry is the ideal method to identify the extent and the temperatures of these solid-state phase transitions in metals. Quenching dilatometry helps to optimize heat treatment of metals to yield the required physical properties of the finished product. The heat treatment temperature profile results in different microstructures, which impacts key properties such as hardness yield strength.

Virtually every aspect of a rubber material’s processing and performance characteristics is influenced by its rheological properties. TA Instruments provides a complete range of rotorless shear rheometers and curemeters to help you optimize processing, curing, and application performance.

All TA Instruments rubber rheometers are manufactured to exacting mechanical standards and with the latest measurement technology for the most accurate, reliable, and reproducible data available. Available automation systems allow for maximum unattended laboratory productivity in all test environments. Relevant ASTM, DIN, and ISO standards are easily met, as are demands for advanced testing, making these instruments the ideal choice for quality control, analytical, and research needs.

Our Viscometers incorporate the latest measurement technology for the traditional Mooney viscosity, Mooney scorch, and the dynamic viscosity of glasses, slags, and mold powders in the glass, ceramics and metals industries.

TA Instruments’ Discovery Hybrid Rheometer is the world’s most versatile platform for rheological measurements. Advances in core measurement technology enable more sensitive measurements with superior precision. This empowers you to measure lower viscosities and weaker liquid and soft-solid structure, while consuming less material. Superior dynamic performance gives a higher level of accuracy in measurements of G’ and G” so you can make decisions quickly, with confidence.

Thoughtful hardware and software design results in a complete system that simplifies every user interaction. Routine functions are faster and more intuitive, so you can accomplish more with less training.

The performance of the Discovery Hybrid Rheometer is supported by the widest range of powerful, easy-to-use environmental systems and accessories that allow you to replicate demanding environmental conditions, incorporate complementary simultaneous measurements, or extend your rheometer beyond conventional shear rheology.

The ARES-G2 is the most advanced rotational rheometer for research and material development. Both platforms have a full range of environmental systems and measurement accessories, powered by SmartSwap™ technology for fast exchange and automatic configuration.

No one sells more DSC’s than TA Instruments. From the most cost-effective DSC with industry-leading performance, to the most advanced DSC available, there is a TA Instruments DSC to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Key Features

• Revolutionary patented Tzero™ DSC technology: significant improvements in baseline flatness, transition resolution and sensitivity. Tzero™ technology allows direct measurement of heat capacity and makes Modulated® DSC (MDSC®) experiments faster and more accurate.
• Most common usage: investigation, selection, comparison, and end-use performance evaluation of materials in research, quality control and production applications. Measure DSC techniques such as glass transitions, “cold” crystallization, phase changes, melting, crystallization, product stability, cure / cure kinetics, and oxidative stability.
• All DSC feature touch screens with feature-rich software to help improve workflow efficiency.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis measures the mechanical properties of materials as a function of time, temperature, and frequency. In addition to quantifying viscoelastic properties of materials, DMA can also quantify finished component and product characteristics, reflecting the important contribution that processing has on end-use product performance. DMA is commonly used to measure glass transition temperatures (Tg) and secondary transitions, orientation caused by processing, cold crystallization, cure optimization, filler effects in composites, and much more. DMA provides an accurate measure of material modulus and product stiffness plus other important mechanical properties such as damping, creep, and stress relaxation.

Key Features

• Non-contact, low mass motor delivers continuous forces from 0.1 mN to 18 N to measure everything from soft to stiff materials
• Frictionless, low-compliance air bearing design ensures superior force sensitivity and accuracy
• Unique optical encoder technology provides 0.1 nm resolution over a 25 mm continuous range of travel for ultimate testing versatility
• New DirectStrain™ and Intelligent Autoranging controls allow you to measure the widest range of sample stiffness and frequencies for the best data, the first time, every time

TA Instruments is the world’s leading supplier of HP-TGA instruments.

Collect the most accurate weight data with easy-to-use HP-TGA systems, capable of measuring diverse materials in controlled high-pressure environments.

TA Instruments offers the world’s most comprehensive line of High-Pressure Thermogravimetric Analyzers, equipped with TA’s proprietary Magnetic Suspension Balances. Discovery HP-TGA and DynTHERM TGA are designed for scientists who need to accurately weigh their materials in the widest range of temperature and pressure in reactive atmospheres or steam.

 

Adding the 3rd Dimension to Thermogravimetry

Standard thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is frequently applied to measure the weight of a material as function of temperature, but standard TGA does not provide sufficient information under extreme conditions. Many materials are exposed to not only high pressure, but also humidity or reactive gas atmospheres in their normal use. In these cases, testing materials with high-pressure TGA provides a genuine assessment of stability, decomposition and lifetime.

SDT 650

Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer

DSC/TGA system that delivers the purest real-time simultaneous heat flow and weight data possible.

TA Instruments invites you to experience the world’s finest Simultaneous DSC/TGA, the Discovery SDT 650. Discover the advanced engineering and attention to detail that provides enhancements in every aspect of performance and a new level of user experience. Available with or without an Autosampler, the Discovery SDT is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Discover the World’s Finest Thermomechanical Analyzer

TA Instruments invites you to experience the finest in Thermomechanical Analyzers, the Discovery TMA 450. Discover the advanced engineering and attention to detail that provides enhancements in every aspect of performance and a new level of user experience. Featuring advanced testing capabilities and the widest range of fixtures, the Discovery TMA 450 is sure to meet and exceed your expectations. It’s never been easier to get great TMA data!

With the ever-increasing demands for higher performing materials to meet the needs of challenging applications, understanding how a material reacts to its environment is more important than ever. Meeting and exceeding industry standards* for testing, the Discovery TMA 450 provides information about the material’s coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE), shrinkage, softening, glass transition temperatures, and much more.

The advanced options can be used to obtain viscoelastic properties such as the material’s stiffness (modulus), damping properties (tan delta), creep, and stress relaxation. The TMA 450 is particularly useful for measuring these material properties locally, especially in manufactured components or assemblies where compatibility of materials is paramount.

Vapor Sorption Analysis

TA Instruments offers the most sensitive, versatile and productive moisture sorption analyzers on the market.

 

Vapor Sorption Analysis is a technique in which a sample is subjected to varying conditions of humidity and temperature, and the response of the sample is measured gravimetrically. Understanding the effects of water content on structure and properties is critical in the development, processing and end use of a broad spectrum of materials. TA Instruments offers the most sensitive, versatile, and productive moisture sorption analyzers on the market. The Discovery SA combines a high-sensitivity thermobalance, innovative humidity control chamber, and reliable autosampler. Innovative technology combined with our unparalleled reputation for service and support make TA Instruments the clear choice of scientists worldwide for vapor sorption studies.

Thermal conductivity is crucial in determining a material’s ability to transfer heat, which is essential for optimizing energy efficiency and predicting thermal performance across various industries. Thermal property measurements also provide valuable information about a material’s composition, purity, and structure. The steady-state method directly measures thermal conductivity by applying a temperature difference across the tested material and measuring the average heat flux through it. The FOX Series of heat flow meters is designed to measure insulating materials and conforms to international standards such as ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and DIN EN 12667. It features solid-state heating and cooling of plates, thin film heat flux transducers, and four optical encoders, ensuring accurate measurement of heat flow for a wide range of sample dimensions.

The FOX Series of heat flow meters is specifically designed to measure insulating materials, adhering to international standards such as ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and DIN EN 12667. The system employs solid-state heating and cooling of plates and thin film heat flux transducers to precisely control the temperature gradient across the sample. With multiple configurations accommodating a wide range of sample dimensions, the FOX Series ensures accurate measurement of heat flow for samples with dimensions representative of real-world conditions. Additionally, the incorporation of four optical encoders provides the utmost accuracy in measuring sample thickness. An Automatic Sample Feeder (ASF) is also available to maximize sample throughput and lab productivity.

Thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA) measure weight change (loss or gain) and the rate of weight change as a function of temperature, time, and atmosphere. Thermogravimetric data is critical to setting proper temperature limits for Differential Scanning Calorimetry method development. Other common usages include thermal and oxidative stability of materials, moisture and volatile contents, composition of multi-component materials, decomposition kinetics and estimated lifetime of a product, and effects of reactive or corrosive atmospheres.

TA Instruments invites you to experience the world’s finest line of Thermogravimetric Analyzers: The Discovery TGA 55, TGA 550, and TGA 5500. Discover the advanced engineering and attention to detail that provides enhancements in every aspect of TGA technology and a new level of user experience. The vertical balance design, integrated with a horizontal gas purge, delivers industry-leading sensitivity and resolution, and optimal sample-atmosphere interaction. Advanced features such as Hi-Res™ and MTGA™ provide performance and flexibility for deeper material insights.

Dilatometry is a method of measuring changes in sample size as it’s heated or cooled. The technique provides information about a sample’s phase transitions and structural changes. It’s also helpful in evaluating materials’ shrinkage during sintering. The DIL820 series dilatometers feature a vertical pushrod design that measures sample expansion over a wide temperature range. The dilatometers use proprietary True Differential technology to improve accuracy and data quality. The vertical design is particularly useful for measuring softening samples and sintering powders. The DIL820 is an excellent choice for labs that require high accuracy and productivity.