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Mechanical & Physical TestingCharacterization & Testing

TMA Testing Services - Thermal Expansion & CTE Analysis

By C-Therm Technologies

Test the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) according to: ASTM E831, E1545, and ISO 11359-2 TAL offers specialized expertise in thermal expansion testing services. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and Dilatometry are techniques used to determine the dimensional changes of a sample with respect to temperature, such as the softening temperature, glass transition temperature, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE). The most common application of TMA is to determine the CTE. CTE is defined as the degree of expansion divided by the change in temperature TAL offers Thermomechanical analysis testing using Rigaku TMA 8311- the first TMA to offer differential methods. This extremely precise system offers a temperature range of -70°C to 1500°C, and multiple attachments are available to conform to specific testing needs. TAL currently offers single rod & differential compression loading (expansion, shrinkage, glass transition) and differential penetration (softening). What is TMA and Dilatometry testing? Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and Dilatometry are used to measure how a material expands, contracts, or deforms as temperature changes. TMA evaluates dimensional change under a small, applied load, allowing us to characterize properties such as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), softening temperature, and glass transition. Dilatometry focuses on precise linear expansion without applied force and is commonly used for ceramics, metals, and glasses. Both techniques help quantify thermal stability and dimensional performance for a wide range of materials. What properties can be measured using TMA? TMA measures dimensional changes of a material as a function of temperature, time, or applied force. Common outputs include coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), softening temperature, glass transition (via expansion), and dimensional stability. Which testing methods do you use? At TAL, we offer several TMA testing methods, including standard TMA, differential TMA, thin-film TMA, and penetration TMA. These methods allow us to measure dimensional changes, thermal expansion, softening, and other thermomechanical properties across a wide range of materials. What type of materials are suitable for TMA testing? TMA is suitable for polymers, elastomers, composites, thin films, foams, adhesives, metals, glasses and ceramics. It is especially effective for materials where thermal expansion or deformation under load is critical. How much sample material is needed? TMA requires relatively small samples, typically a rectangular, cylindrical, or layered specimen measuring approximately 10–20 mm. We can also test smaller samples depending on the material type and testing mode. Exact requirements can be provided once you share the material type and test objectives. What temperature range is supported for TMA testing? We typically support measurements from approximately –70°C to 1500°C, depending on the material and probe configuration. What is the turnaround time for TMA testing? Typical turnaround time is 2 to 3 business weeks, depending on the sample type, testing method, and current workload. Expedited testing is available for an additional surcharge and can reduce the turnaround time to as little as a few days How much does TMA testing cost? The cost typically ranges from US $600 to US $1500 per sample, depending on the sample type, testing conditions, and temperature range. Please contact us to receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific samples. How are TMA test results presented? Clients receive a comprehensive test report. How do I submit a sample or request a quote for TMA testing? You may submit a single sample or multiple samples, or request a quote, by contacting us through our online form, email, or call us at +1-877-827-7623 (toll-Free) or +1 (506) 457-1515 (international). Please provide details about your material, sample count, sample sizes, and desired testing parameters to ensure an accurate quote. Our TMA testing services include TMA testing, thermomechanical analysis, thermal expansion testing, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), glass transition temperature (Tg), softening point measurement, dimensional stability analysis, creep measurement, viscoelastic property analysis, high-precision thermal analysis, temperature-dependent deformation, heat-induced dimensional changes, thermomechanical properties, and material characterization with TMA. We support a wide range of materials including polymers TMA testing, plastics thermal analysis, thermoplastics and thermosets testing, composite material analysis, elastomers thermal testing, rubber expansion measurement, adhesives thermal characterization, sealants heat testing, coatings and films TMA, metals thermal expansion, ceramics thermal analysis, glass softening testing, foams thermal properties, biomaterials thermal testing, hydrogels TMA, electronics materials TMA testing, and PCB laminates thermal evaluation. Applications include polymer quality control, composite materials thermal performance, adhesive and coating characterization, thermal behavior of materials, TMA lab testing, and engineering material thermal testing.