R&D department invests in new state of the art equipment

12/01/2016

Alchemie have recently been upgrading their research and development department. The new high-tech laboratory equipment will enable us to carry out more in-depth analysis of our products, to develop new materials, specific to customer needs.

 

A new DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) machine has enabled Alchemie to explore additional markets, and to provide future insight into product advancement.  The DMA allows us to measure the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of our materials to a high degree of accuracy and under a wide variety of conditions. Samples can be tested in a variety of deformation modes (tension, compression, three point bend, cantilever and shear) and with either a dynamic or static load. Tests can be carried out over a temperature range of -190°C to 600°C, at controlled humidity levels or with samples fully immersed in water, oils, solvents and many other liquids. The DMA allows us to test a large number of physical properties and allows us to test products under conditions that accurately simulate end use conditions. The DMA enables us to measure maximum and minimum operating temperatures, thermal expansion coefficients, effects due to creep, and relaxation times of the mechanical and elastic properties of our materials.

 

Alongside this a new Universal Testing Machine has also been purchased. This allows Alchemie to measure the stress and strain properties of our products, both on their own and when used with reinforcements such as carbon and glass fibre. Detailed information on the tensile, tear, flexural and compression properties of our products can be obtained and individually tailored test methods can be used to accurately simulate end use conditions. The addition of a long travel extensometer further improves the accuracy of results for elastomer systems. State of the art software allows detailed analysis of the data which enables Alchemie to recommend the most suitable product to fit customer requirements.

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