DRIVE MOTOR     The Q800 uses a non-contact, direct drive motor to provide the oscillatory or static force required. The motor is constructed of high performance composites that ensure low compliance and is thermostated to eliminate heat build-up even when using large oscillation amplitudes and high deformation forces. Sophisticated electronics enable the motor current to be rapidly adjusted in small increments. The motor can deliver reproducible forces over a wide range and the force can be changed rapidly, enabling a broad spectrum of material properties to be measured.    

AIR BEARINGS     The non-contact drive motor transmits force directly to a rectangular air bearing slide. The slide is guided by eight porous carbon air bearings grouped into two sets of four near the top and bottom of the slide. Pressurized air or nitrogen flows to the bearings forming a frictionless surface that permits the slide to “float.” The slide, which connects to the drive shaft and sample clamp, can move vertically 25 mm and its rectangular shape eliminates any twisting of the sample. Very weak materials like films and fibers can be characterized with ease.    

OPTICAL ENCODER     A high-resolution linear optical encoder is used to measure displacement on the Q800 DMA. Based on diffraction patterns of light through gratings (one moveable and one stationary), optical encoders provide exceptional resolution compared to typical LVDT technology. Due to the excellent 1 nanometer resolution of the optical encoder, very small amplitudes can be measured precisely. This combined with the non-contact drive motor and air bearing technology provides excellent modulus precision and high tan Δ sensitivity, allowing the Q800 DMA to characterize a broad range of materials.    

FURNACE     The Q800 features a bifilar wound furnace with automated movement. The furnace design combined with the Gas Cooling Accessory provides for efficient and precise temperature control over the entire temperature range, both in heating, cooling, and isothermal operation. The automatic furnace movement simplifies experimental setup.    

LOW MASS, HIGH STIFFNESS SAMPLE CLAMPS     The Q800 features a variety of sample clamps that provide for multiple modes of deformation. The clamps are optimized using finite element analysis to provide high stiffness, with low mass, and attach to the drive shaft with a simple dovetail connection. The clamps are easy to use and adjust, and each is individually calibrated to insure data accuracy. A broad range of samples can be analyzed. The high stiffness minimizes clamp compliance, and the low mass ensures rapid temperature equilibration. These simple, yet elegant designs reduce the time necessary to change clamps and load samples.    

RIGID ALUMINUM CASTING     The Q800 drive motor, air bearing slide assembly with optical encoder and air bearings are all mounted within a rigid aluminum casting that is temperature controlled. The rigid aluminum housing minimizes system compliance and the temperature-controlled housing ensures precise data.