TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
40
Guidelines for Handling Samples
Sample Preparation
Sample preparation will vary based on the selected probe type. Guidelines for samples used for penetration
and expansion studies are detailed below:
•
They should be as flat as possible, with parallel ends, to ensure stable placement on the stage.
•
Samples should be long enough (5 to 10 mm for most materials) for adequate resolution, keeping in
mind that large samples may experience temperature gradients during high heating rates.
•
Thermoplastic samples can be heated and formed into suitable specimens and then cooled; however,
this process may change important thermal history.
•
If you plan to run samples that may melt and adhere to the stage, it is best to use the quartz protective
wafers under the sample. See the next section for information.
Sample Loading
After your sample has been prepared, follow these steps to load it on the TMA:
1.
Raise the furnace and rotate it clockwise to move it off to the side.
2.
Remove any previously run samples from the stage and ensure that no residue remains.
NOTE: It is recommended that you place a quartz wafer or a piece of thin aluminum foil
between the stage and any thermoplastic samples to prevent damage to the stage. See step
3.
3.
For samples that may melt and adhere to the stage:
Place the protective quartz wafer onto the stage and
center it.
4.
Access the Control Menu on the touch screen. Press ZERO
LENGTH on the touch screen to provide a zero reference point.
5.
Open (raise) the probe. (Press PROBE UP on the touch screen).
6.
Place the sample on the stage under the probe tip (see the figure
to the right).
7.
Adjust the sample thermocouple, if needed. Regardless of the
size or shape of the sample that you are running on the TMA,
position the tip of the thermocouple so that it bends at a gentle
90° angle and lies flat against the platform. It should be close to,
but not touching the sample (as shown here). Note that a sharp
bend could damage the thermocouple.
8.
Measure the sample length as follows: Before you begin the
experiment, it is important to take an initial measurement of the
sample. To do this, simply press the MEASURE key on the
instrument touch screen. This automatically applies the preload
force that you have specified through the instrument control
program, then measures and stores the sample length.
