FT-MTA03 - Micromechanical Testing System for Micromaterials

The FT-MTA03 Micromechanical Testing and Assembly System is a very versatile testing instrument from FemtoTools that is designed for accurate quantification of mechanical properties and dimensions/geometry in the micro- and nanoscale.

The FT-MTA03 integrates the capabilities of a nanoindenter, a stylus profilometer, a micro-tensile tester, and a versatile microstructure analyzer. It is capable of force measurements within +/-200 mN with a resolution of 0.5 nN and displacements from 0.1 nm to 29 mm along three axes.

Additionally, the FT-MTA03 can be reconfigured to handle a large range of requirements and applications, providing a total solution for the full analysis of microstructures.

The FT-MTA03 can be modified for vertical testing, horizontal testing, or testing from different angles. By fitting the FT-MTA03 with a variety of FemtoTools FT-S Microforce Sensing Probes, the instruments can measure in the nanonewton to the millinewton range. In addition to mechanical testing and profiling, the FT-MTA03 can also be equipped with the FT-G Microgrippers series for microassembly tasks or sample preparation.

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System Capabilities

Nanoindentation

Stylus Profilometry

Micro Tensile Testing

Microstructure Analysis

Features

Microscope Module

The FT-MTA03 digital microscope module provides high performance and has a very large working distance of 95 mm. It is possible to tilt the microscope over a range of 180° around the sample. This enables sample visualization at different angles while preventing the sensor or microgripper from obstructing the view of the sample.

The microscope also features a 7:1 motorized optical zoom and motorized focus, to study samples within a field of view ranging from 9.5 mm x 7.1 mm down to 1.4 mm x 1.0 mm. Three different modifiable LED illumination principles can be selected: Coaxial through-the-lens illumination, diffuse backlight, and ringlight.

Micromechanical Testing Module

The micromechanical testing module comprises of a two-axis sample positioning stage, a three-axis piezoscanner, a FT-S Microforce Sensing Probe and a three-axis nanopositioning platform (stick-slip actuation). Each positioner is motorized and can be controlled with the FemtoTools software suite.

The combination of sensors and actuators enables the user-friendly micromechanical and topographical metrology and the precise tip-to-sample alignment. For short range measurements, the three-axis piezoscanner is used to measure over a range of up to 50 µm with a position resolution of 0.1 nm along three axes.

For large range measurements, the piezoelectric stick-slip actuator can perform mechanical tests along three axes spanning a range of up to 29 mm with a position resolution of 1 nm. Also, the piezoscanner is very well suited for quick, continuous measurements.

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Typical Applications

Nanoindentation

The FT-MTA03 offers both position-controlled and force-controlled nanoindentation for the localized material testing of small volumes. Real-time visual observation of the sample during the load application is possible with this tiltable microscope. The large displacement range along with the low-force sensing capabilities makes the FT-MTA03 a suitable tool for soft material characterization.

Micro Tensile Testing

The FT-MTA03 provides a wide range of options for the testing of micron-sized fibers (electrospun, textile, silk) down to very small scales. Regular measurements include the creep and stress relaxation testing and the fracture testing of micro-composites. Additionally, horizontal, in-liquid tensile testing of biological is also possible.

Stylus Profilometry

The FT-MTA03 has ultra-low force stylus profilometry capabilities for developing 2D and 3D topography maps of fragile and soft samples. The measurement of high aspect ratio structures in any direction of space is also possible with the FT-MTA03.

Microstructure Analysis

The FT-MTA03 is a highly adaptable force-deflection testing machine with a force range spanning from 0.5 nN up to 200 mN. The out-of-plane (vertical) and in-plane (horizontal) testing capabilities make the FT-MTA03 a versatile tool that caters to the requirements of the R&D community in both industry and academia.