TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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Installing the Expansion/Penetration Probes
When you first receive the TMA, you will need to install a probe. Later, if a different sample form is used, you
can change to the appropriate probe for the experiment. (Refer to Chapter 3 for details on probe selection.) The
procedures that follow explain the installation and removal of the expansion, macro expansion, penetration,
flexure, dilatometer, and hemispherical probes.
Installing a Probe
1.
Raise the furnace and rotate it clockwise to move it off to the side.
2.
Insert the core end of the probe carefully into the opening in the TMA stage.
3.
Loosen the probe-locking lever, which is the knurled post found behind the weight tray door, by turning it
counterclockwise. Hold the probe-locking lever in the up position and continue lowering the probe into the
stage until you can feel it seat in the locking mechanism.
4.
Tighten the probe-locking lever by turning it clockwise.
5.
Calibrate the newly installed probe as directed in the online help found in the instrument control software.
Removing a Probe
1.
Raise the furnace, and rotate it clockwise to move it off to the side.
2.
Grasp the top of the probe with one hand. Using the other hand, locate and hold the probe-locking lever,
found behind the door that covers the weight tray.
3.
Unscrew the locking lever by turning it counterclockwise approximately one turn.
4.
Raise the probe gently and twist slightly to aid its removal from the stage opening.
