Tensile Stages for SEM

Dynamic studies with microstructural information are possible in the SEM, using mechanical testing apparatus and/or heating stages.

The MICROTEST product range brings a powerful dimension to traditional tensile testing of a wide range of materials by allowing in-situ SEM imaging of the changes in microstructure during the deformation experiment. The SEM provides a deeper understanding of the cause of the deformation with the ability to image where change is occurring. Combined information from a dynamic experiment overcomes uncertainties in interpreting traditional stress / strain data.
A wide range of modules is available for tensile, compression and / or bending tests, with load ranges from less than 2N up to 5000N.

An easy to use software interface provides live graphing of quantitative data, together with flexible thresholding for more complex experiments, including cyclical loading.

A useful option, MTVideo, allows synchronized image and data acquisition. This allows subsequent detailed analysis of a movie of the sample deformation.

Heated and heated/cooled grips, or platforms are available for temperature dependent studies and special modules are available for dynamic EBSD studies.  Microtest tensile stage used for grain rotation studies in the SEM

Microtest modules are specifically designed for the SEM allowing short working distance operation, with a leadscrew designed to keep the region of interest centered during straining.

Microtest software allows constant strain rate and constant load testing, with cycling capabilities and data acquisition of load and extension. The live load readout allows a resolution of 0.1% of the maximum load range and extension is measured to 3µm resolution.

For some modules, dynamic experiments can optionally be performed with heated or cooled grips, or a heated/cooled platform. A sensor on the grips or platform, and a temperature controller allows effective measurement and control.

Microtest modules are specially engineered for the SEM environment and are available in four versions — 200N, 300N, 2kN and 5kN. However, for maximum flexibility, the Microtest range is available with different gearbox and load cell range options. 3 or 4 pt horizontal bending grips allow different load configurations. Additionally, the Microtest 300 and 2000 are available in a dedicated vertical three point bending configuration.

Microtest Products

Microtest 200
	High sensitivity dynamic testing stage module which can be operated either within or outside the SEM. 200N maximum load, 2N and 20N load cells available as options. Can operate in tension or compression and can be fitted with horizontal 3- or 4-pt bending options.
Microtest 300
Microtest 300 with standard horizontal grips.	Dynamic testing stage module which can be operated either within or outside the SEM. 300N maximum load. Can operate in tension or compression and can be fitted with horizontal 3- or 4-pt bending options.
Microtest 300 with optional 4-pt bending grips.
Microtest 300B
Microtest 300B for vertical 3 pt bending	Dynamic testing stage module which can be operated either within or outside the SEM. 300N vertical load.
Microtest 2000
Microtest 2000 with standard horizontal grips.	Dynamic testing stage module which can be operated either within or outside the SEM. 2000N maximum load. Can operate in tension or compression and can be fitted with horizontal 3- or 4- pt bending options.
Microtest 2000B
	Dynamic testing stage module which can be operated either within or outside the SEM. 2000N vertical load.
Microtest 2000E
	A high load dynamic testing module (2000N) easily configured for in-situ EBSD studies on a range of popular modern medium / large chamber SEMs. Microtest2000ES, room temperature version. Microtest 2000EW, water cooled version required as base platform for heated grips. EH2000, heated grips suitable for in-situ dynamic EBSD studies.
Microtest 5000S
	A high load dynamic testing stage module for room temperature studies, which can be operated within or outside the SEM. 5000N maximum load. Can operate in tension or compression and can be fitted with horizontal 3- or 4- pt bending options. Options include different load cells, strain rate gearboxes.
Microtest 5000W
	A water cooled testing module provides the base platform for heated / cooled grip options.
H5000 Option
	+600°C heating option for Microtest 5000. Heating applied to both grips.
HC5000 Option
	-150°C to +600°C heating and cooling option for Microtest 5000W. Heating or cooling applied to both grips.
C1000XYZ
	Replacement SEM door and X,Y, Z stage with manual micrometer stage movement. May be required for some Microtest installations depending on SEM size and weight restrictions, or may provide additional flexibility.
Microtest Software
	Is provided with all Microtest systems. Computers supplied additionally on request.
MTVideo
	Video capture software and hardware for linking images to Microtest data points. To view an example, click here (.AVI file will download).
Datasheets available for download: High Sensitivity Materials Testing in the SEM High Load Materials Testing in the SEM Materials Testing for EBSD Studies Plan View Materials Testing in the SEM Microtest Accessories Application note available for download Microtest tensile stage used for grain rotation studies in the SEM