Micro-CT tensile stages

In association with the major manufacturers µXCT systems including Zeiss, RX Solutions, Tescan/XRE, Nikon, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Waygate/GE Deben is now able to offer an integrated tensile testing solution for your µXCT application. Using tensile testing with µXCT provides a clear visual interpretation of how the properties of materials and composites change under different loading conditions. The compact design of these testing stages allow them to be used with the smallest high resolution micro CT systems providing a range of tensile and compression stages with forces up to 20kN and resolutions down to 25mN. Systems are controlled from the comprehensive MICROTEST tensile stage control software giving a wide range of control functions and a live display of load versus extension and supplied with all required cabling and mounting adaptors for specific µXCT systems.

The CT500 in-situ testing stage is versatile and adaptable, with a weight of less than 1.0kg it is suitable for mounting within the most common mid range µXCT systems such as the Nikon XTH-225, Zeiss/Xradia Versa and GE v|tome|x as well as the so called “nano” systems such as the Zeiss/Xradia XCT-200 and GE Nanotom S.

CT500 general specifications:

• Modular tensile & compression testing system to be installed within a µXCT system
• Tensile jaws and compression platens, (can be customised to customer specifications)
• Mounting plate for fitting onto existing rotary table, with slot for cable exit through centre or side
• Precision slides & leadscrew
• Maximum load reading resolution, 1000:1 dynamic, 2000:1 static (of full scale range)
• MICROTEST drive electronics and Windows™ software providing comprehensive USB2 control of the tensile stage
• A PC is required to drive this system: minimum specification Dual core 2Ghz with Windows™ 7.0/10.0 Professional, 2Gb RAM, CD ROM and one free USB2 port
• Operating voltage 230V/115V
• Simple specimen exchange mechanism with ULTEM polymer support tube, 1.5mm wall thickness (3.0mm in beam path)
• Maximum extension 10mm (stroke can be set depending on customer requirements, default is (10-20mm tensile), (15-5mm compression) with compression platens fitted
• Fixed loadcell with accuracy, 1% of full scale range, choice of 100N, 200N or 500N (loadcell is not user exchangeable)
• 10mm linear extensometer for position readout, resolution 3μm, linearity 1% of full scale
• Fast gearbox with speed range 0.1mm/min to 1.0mm/min
• Optical encoder fitted to motor giving speed control accuracy better than 5%
• Size: 87mm diameter, 86mm to bottom of tube, tube length to suit X-ray source
• Stage weight: ~1.0kg

CT500 options:

• 3 & 4 point bending clamps
• Custom jaws and specimen mounts for large or small specimens

Other Deben in-situ stage systems available for µXCT applications:

• CT350 heating stage with temperature range room temperature to +350°C
• CT5000 5kN in-situ tensile stage with heating & cooling options
• CT20K custom order in-situ 20kN tensile stage
• CT160 Peltier stage with temperature range -20°C to +160°C