Sample Preparation
and Loading
Sample Preparation
Sample Loading
TA I
TMA 2940
NSTRUMENTS
Running a TMA Experiment
Samples used for penetration and expansion
studies should have the following characteristics:
•
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.
After your sample has been prepared, follow
these steps to load it on the TMA 2940:
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.
3. Press ZERO LENGTH on the keypad to
provide a zero reference point.
4. Open (raise) the probe. (Press PROBE
key twice).
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