TA Instruments RSA-G2, Manual

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RSA-G2 I CLAMPING SYSTEMS
RSA-G2 Clamping Systems
The RSA-G2 features a variety of sample clamps that provide multiple modes of deformation to accommodate a wide range of sample stiffness. The RSA-G2 can easily characterize films,
fibers, soft foams, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA), thermoplastic or thermoset bar samples, high modulus composites, metals, and even medium to high viscosity polymer melts in shear
sandwich. All sample clamps are constructed from 17-4 PH steel for maximum rigidity. Standard sample clamps are for use to a maximum temperature of 500°C. Optional stainless steel
sample clamps required for testing to 600 °C are available upon request.
Three-point Bending
In this mode, the sample is deformed around three-point contacts at both ends
and its middle. It is considered a "pure" mode of deformation as the sample is
freely supported by fulcrums eliminating clamping effects. It is ideal for testing
solid bars of stiff materials, such as composites, ceramics, glassy and semi­
crystalline polymers, and metals. The clamp comes standard with every RSA-G2
for routine instrument calibration.
Sample Size: includes interchangeable span pieces for sample lengths of 10, 25,
and 40 mm. Maximum sample width is 12.8 mm and maximum thickness is 5 mm.
Clamping Systems
10
Tension
In this mode, the sample is clamped at the top and bottom and placed in
tension. The tension clamp is for tensile testing of thin films, such as garbage
bags, packaging films, and individual fibers and fiber bundles.
Sample Size: Up to 35 mm long, 12.5 mm wide, and 1.5 mm thick.