Thermal Mechanical Analysis (TMA) easily and rapidly measures sample displacement to nanometre precision (growth, shrinkage, movement, etc.) as a function of temperature, time, and applied force.
The use of Liquid Nitrogen and a heater gives measuring range of -150°C to 1600°C. For static expansion measurements, a probe rests on a sample on a stage with minimal downward pressure. The system can perform either static or dynamic measurements due to a built in force/frequency generator.
Typical materials under investigation are: composite materials, glass, polymers, ceramics and metals. The variety of measuring systems allows sample geometries such as fibers, rods, films, rods or cylinders.