TA Instruments TMA 2940 CE, Operator'S Manual

Page: 129 / 178

TA I
NSTRUMENTS
TMA 2940 CE 4–41
Sample Loading
To load your parallel plate rheometer samples on
the TMA 2940 CE, follow these steps:
1. Raise the furnace, and rotate it clockwise to
move it off to the side.
2. Open the probe.
3. Remove any previously run samples from
the stage, and ensure that no residue re-
mains.
4. Place the sample assembly on the stage
under the probe tip (see Figure 4.16 on the
next page).
5. Adjust the thermocouple position so that it is
in close proximity to the sample.
To avoid false thermocouple readings, make
sure that the thermocouple tip does not touch
the alignment cage, sample, or plates. Exposed
portions of the two thermocouple leads must
not touch each other.
6. Press
Zero Length
on the instrument
keypad so that the probe rests on the top
plate and provides a zero reference point.
7. Enter the Sample Size on the Experimental
Parameters window on the controller.
8. Move the furnace into position, and lower it.
9. Program the force on the Instrument Param-
eters window on the controller, or add
weight to the weight tray, if desired.
Parallel Plate Rheometer Accessory
NOTE: