Micromechanical Testing and Assembly System with Nanoindentator - FT-MTA03

The FT-MTA03 Micromechanical Testing and Assembly System is a highly versatile testing instrument used to accurately quantify mechanical properties and geometry/dimensions in the micro- and nanoscale. This system is a combination of the capabilities of a versatile microstructure analyzer, a stylus profilometer, a micro-tensile tester and a nanoindenter.

It enables obtaining 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, it is also possible to reconfigure the FT-MTA03 in order to meet a wide range of requirements and applications, offering a complete solution for the comprehensive analysis of microstructures.

The FT-MTA03 can be employed for vertical testing, horizontal testing or testing from different angles. Equipping the FT-MTA03 with varied types of the FemtoTools FT-S Microforce Sensing Probes, enables the instruments to be used for measurements in the nanonewton to the millinewton range.

The FT-MTA03 can also be equipped with the FT-G Microgrippers series for microassembly tasks or sample preparation, in addition to being used for mechanical testing and profiling.

System Capabilities

Microstructure Analysis

Micro Tensile Testing

Nanoindentation

Stylus Profilometry

Download the Brochure for More Information

Features

Micromechanical Testing Module

The micromechanical testing module includes a 3-axis nanopositioning platform (stick-slip actuation), a FT-S Microforce Sensing Probe, a 3-axis piezoscanner and a 2-axis sample positioning stage. All of these positioners are motorized and also capable of being 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 large range measurements, the piezoelectric stick-slip actuator has the potential to carry out mechanical tests along three axes over a range of up to 29 mm with a position resolution of 1 nm.

For short range measurements, the 3-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. The piezoscanner is particularly suitable for continuous, rapid measurements.

Microscope Module

The superior performance FT-MTA03 digital microscope module 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 allows the visualization of the sample at different angles while preventing the microgripper or sensor from obstructing the view of the sample.

The microscope also features a 7:1 motorized optical zoom and motorized focus, to observe 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 adjustable LED illumination principles can be selected: coaxial through-the-lens illumination, diffuse backlight, and ringlight.

Download the Brochure for More Information

Typical Applications

Nanoindentation

Both position-controlled and forcecontrolled nanoindentation are offered by the FT-MTA03 for the localized material testing of small volumes. The tiltable microscope enables the real-time visual observation of the sample during the load application. The FT-MTA03 is considered to be a suitable tool for soft material characterization because of its displacement range in combination with the low-force sensing capabilities.

Micro Tensile Testing

A variety of options are offered by the FT-MTA03 for the testing of micron-sized fibers (electrospun, silk, textile) down to extremely small scales. Typical measurements include the fracture testing of micro-composites and creep and stress relaxation testing. Horizontal, in-liquid tensile testing of biological is also possible.

Stylus Profilometry

The FT-MTA03 features ultra-low force stylus profilometry capabilities for developing 3d and 2d topography maps of fragile and soft samples. Another feature of the FT-MTA03 is the measurement of high aspect ratio structures in any direction of space.

Microstructure Analysis

The FT-MTA03 is a highly adaptable force-deflection testing machine with a force range 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 meets the requirements of the R&D community in both industry and academia.