Dynamic Testing

Dynamic Mechanical Analyser

Versatile. Powerful. Accurate. Test with confidence.

Prescott Instruments’ Dynamic Mechanical Analyser is a versatile and high precision DMA designed for dynamic and static testing on a variety of materials with a full range of force. From an established global manufacturer in specialist laboratory equipment, this DMA has a unique and rigid design that is easy to operate and maintain, ensuring a reliable and safe testing operation for the user.

Using state-of-the-art linear motor technology, this DMA can efficiently produce up to 1.75 kN of static force and 2.5 kN of dynamic force at a frequency of up to 100 Hz. With complete user flexibility, the DMA allows you to test a range of materials, components and systems, fixed in place by versatile high-performance clamping fixtures. Capable of performing a range of test methods in different deformation modes, the DMA delivers force control to the most precise accuracies available.

Our innovative and easy to use new Labline software enables the user to set up tests easily with minimal training required, giving test confidence and maximum productivity throughout. Labline software can be relied upon for precise results and a consistent testing process, with a wide range of test modes available.

Key Features

  • Powerful linear technology
  • High dynamic performance, capable of up to 100 Hz
  • A broad range of deformation modes and test methods
  • Compatible with the new Labline software
  • Configurable for numerous materials
  • Optional temperature-controlled environment test cabinet
  • Flexibility to use a range of clamps for testing
  • Long term durability supporting a high volume of tests
  • Emergency stop button safety feature
  • Designed for ease of access
  • Customisable test space dimensions
  • Simple installation
  • Virtually maintenance free
  • Stand-alone unit

Test Capabilities

  • Frequency sweep
  • Strain sweep
  • Static testing
  • Characterise viscoelastic material properties
  • Failure and fatigue testing
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Cycling between limits of force or displacement

Perfect for a modern laboratory, this instrument covers a wide range of static, dynamic and fatigue testing applications, making it an ideal instrument for laboratory applications, quality control and research & development.

Non-Linear Material Properties

The application of oscillatory forces enables material effects to be characterised beyond the linear regime. Stiffness, elastic modulus and viscosity can all be expressed as complex quantities that incorporate non-linear behaviours. The reaction of the sample as a function of both amplitude and frequency can be used to build a model of material properties that include both physical and chemical characteristics.

Failure & Fatigue Testing

The expected lifetime of a material or finished component can be deduced using either static or dynamic forces that mimic realistic stresses. The effect of constant stress, strain or strain rate can be used to determine strength, toughness and evaluate modes of failure. With dynamic forces, the repetitive loading of a material can be used to calculate fatigue strength, fatigue life and the dependency on the form, amplitude and frequency of oscillation.

Non-Destructive Testing

The properties of a material, component or system can also be analysed without causing any damage. In this way, discontinuities can be highlighted during inspection without impacting on the future usability of the sample.

Linear Servo Motor

Capable of producing high forces and velocities, the Linear Servo Motor ensures accuracy and reliability throughout the testing process. When operated, the Linear Servo Motor will begin to apply force to the sample under testing, and the reaction force of the sample is measured on the load cell. The test results are sent through to our new Labline software, which interprets the data and displays the results graphically. Our Labline software can also calculate the viscoelastic properties of the sample including hysteresis effects, complex modulus and tan delta.

Service Flexibility

This instrument has been designed keeping our customers testing needs in mind. With minimal maintenance required for the DMA, operator productivity levels are maximised. Should a service and calibration be necessary, the integrated high quality parts are easy to access and remove, making it a simple and convenient process.

Linear Encoder

A high performance Linear Encoder is supplied as part of the Linear Servo Motor, providing precise and reliable position feedback and communication data.

Environment Cabinet

An optional temperature test chamber can be incorporated to give control, stability and flexibility of temperature during testing.

Safety

This instrument can be relied upon for a simple and safe operation and has an emergency stop feature integrated into the design to protect users, whilst conforming to international safety standards.

Low Noise Operation

When in use, this Dynamic Mechanical Analyser will produce minimal mechanical noise enabling a productive test environment for the operators.

Static Stress/Strain

In this mode, stress or strain can either be constant or applied at a uniform rate. Results include Young’s Modulus, Hookean stiffness, elastic limit, material strength and distortion at break.

Dynamic Stress/Strain

At constant frequency, material response is monitored as stress amplitude increases. For each cycle, the complex stiffness, complex modulus and complex viscosity can be calculated. Can also be used to identify the Linear Viscoelastic Range.

Transient Testing

For creep testing, stress is held constant and deformation is measured over time. For stress relaxation, the stress required to hold a constant deformation is measured over time. This mode is used to measure the long-term effects of loading and the ability to return to original shape.

Time-Temperature Scans

With the optional temperature control unit, material response as a function of temperature can be measured. Thermal transitions, rate of cure and operating ranges can all be determined. Samples can also undergo accelerated ageing during testing.

Stress/Strain Rate

Constant Frequency &  Rising Amplitude

Constant Amplitude & Rising Frequency

DynamicLine Instrument Specification

DL1DL3
Minimum Force0.0001 kN0.0001 kN
Maximum Static Force0.7 kN1.75 kN
Maximum Dynamic Force1.0 kN2.5 kN
Frequency Range0.001 Hz to 100Hz0.001 Hz to 100Hz
Maximum Stroke Length88 mm88 mm
Displacement Resolution0.001 mm0.001 mm
Test Space Size (W x D x H)300 x 300 x 300 mm300 x 300 x 300 mm
Electrical PowerSingle Phase, 15ASingle Phase, 15A
Weight120 kg150 kg
Dimensions (W x D x H)800 x 600 x 850 mm800 x 600 x 850 mm

Environmental Chamber Specification

Temp. range-60 to +180°C
Temp. fluctuation±0.3°C (-60 to +100°C)
±0.5°C (+100.1 to 180°C)
Temp. gradient / temp. variation in space2.5°C (-60 to +100°C)
4.0°C (+100.1 to 180°C)
Temp. rate of changeHeat up rate3.2°C/min
Pull down rate2.1°C/min
Temp. extreme achievement timeHeat up timeFrom -60 to +180°C within 70 min.
Pull down timeFrom +20 to -60°C within 70 min.
Capacity22.5 L
Inside dimensions mmW300 x H300 x D250
Outside dimensions mmW440 x H620 x D785
Weight100 kg

What does a DMA calculate?

In Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, force and extension are read directly from the instrument load cell and encoder. The precision of this primary measurement makes DMA an incredibly accurate method of measuring material behaviour under varying conditions. Viscoelastic properties can be determined by examining the phase shift between these two signals. Many more parameters can be calculated and inferred by exploring the interplay between the elastic and viscous components. 

  • Stress/Strain
  • Young’s Modulus
  • Complex (Dynamic) Modulus
  • Storage Modulus
  • Loss Modulus
  • Storage/Loss Compliance
  • Tan Delta
  • Complex (Dynamic) Viscosity
  • Force/Displacement
  • Linear (Hookean) Stiffness
  • Complex Stiffness
  • Complex Stiffness Compliance
  • Damping
  • Energy Storage & Losses
  • Creep Compliance
  • Relaxation Modulus
  • Percentage Recovery

What can I test using a DMA?

A range of high-performance clamping fixtures is available that enables testing in more than one mode of deformation. This includes compression, tension, flexure, shear and cantilever. Specialist grips and fixtures can also be supplied or manufactured to order.  Samples of various dimensions and natures can be accommodated, including but not limited to rubber, polymers, elastomers and composites.

compression

Compression

tension

Tension

shear

Shear

3pt-bend

3 Point Bending

single-canty

Single Cantilever

dual-canty

Double Cantilever

New Labline Software

Featuring state-of-the art architecture, the new Labline software comprises of an easy to use interface ensuring our clients have a user friendly process to increase their production levels and assist in better decision making. Our Labline software enables the user to set up tests with simple and easy steps resulting in minimal training required, providing test confidence and productivity throughout. Labline software can be relied upon for precise results and has a high level of flexibility with a wide range of test conditions available.

Acquire

  • View previous test information from the last test that was performed
  • Quick decision making with our Pass/Fail colour indicators
  • Flexibility to change channel trace colours
  • Trend chart alarm indicating quality drift
  • Load previous test results while running a test
  • Add note option to test results
  • Optional screensaver to provide a clear
    indication when an instrument is ready for testing

Database

  • Get full confidence in your designs with a wide range of test method templates
  • All test method details visible in the tab
  • Default test points available for each test method type
  • Test points can define both Process Limits and Control Limits
  • Flexible tabs allowing several test methods to be viewed or edited
  • A clear indication of the test type

Viewer

  • The use of tabs allows several sets of results to be viewed

pc-dma

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