True axial DMA capability in bending, tension, and compression.
Axial Bending, Tension and Compression
Building upon a legacy of the first rheometers to incorporate DMA, the ARES-G2 and ARES-G3 Rheometers are uniquely suited for testing solids in bending, tension and compression due to their force rebalanced transducer (FRT). Without installing additional motors, users can easily apply axial sample deformation by driving the high sensitivity FRT in controlled strain sinusoidal oscillation, unlocking complete solids characterization.
The ARES-G2 and ARES-G3 Rheometers are built on the pioneering ARES Rheometer platform of the first rheometers to incorporate dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), informed by TA Instruments’ legacy as the market leader in DMA for over 60 years. Utilizing a high-sensitivity Force Rebalanced Transducer (FRT), these systems enable axial deformation in bending, tension, and compression. Switching to DMA mode is made simple without installing additional motors or removing the oven, facilitating comprehensive, efficient solids characterization.
When paired with rheology, DMA unlocks structural and strength analysis to offer a complete picture of materials. Polymer users can go beyond melt viscosity and measure the glass transition (Tg) for materials ranging from solid bars to thin films. And for materials like hydrogels, the ARES rheometers unlock curing rheology and compression DMA – all on a single, streamlined instrument.
Features & Benefits
- Wide range of geometries:
- 3-Point Bending
- Film/Fiber Tension
- Single and Dual Cantilever (Clamped Bending)
- Parallel Plates Compression
- Axial force control and autostrain adapt to rapidly changing materials to ensure high quality data from solid to melt
- Uniform and responsive FCO temperature control offers accurate measurement from sub-ambient (-150 °C) to elevated temperatures (600 °C)
- Sample visualization with FCO camera informs qualitative analysis and verification of sample state at specific data points
Polyester Film in Tension Mode
An oscillation temperature ramp was performed on a 50 μm thick PET film using the tension geometry over a temperature range of 50 °C to 250 °C. Two major transitions are observed: a glass transition about 109 °C, and melting at 234 °C. The material exhibits a significant shrinkage, as shown in the change of length signal ΔL, above the glass transition.
ABS in 3-Point Bending Mode
The benefits of both Axial Force Control and AutoStrain are highlighted in this oscillation temperature ramp on an ABS bar tested in 3-point bend geometry. Axial Force Control moves the cross-head such that the clamp maintains continuous contact with the sample. This contact force is adjusted throughout the test to track thermal expansion and large changes in the material’s modulus during the glass transition, preventing sample bowing. AutoStrain is also used to adjust the input strain, maintaining an optimal oscillation force under all conditions. These features work in concert to ensure the highest quality data on all samples and conditions with minimal experimental optimization.
