ChemInstruments TT-1100 Universal Tensile and Adhesion Tester

Overview

The ChemInstruments TT-1100 Universal Tensile and Adhesion Tester is an electromechanical force measurement system engineered for precision mechanical characterization of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), tapes, films, foams, laminates, and other flexible materials. Based on a single-screw, constant-speed drive architecture, the instrument operates under controlled displacement rate to deliver repeatable tensile, peel, shear, tack, unwind, and compression force profiles. Its design adheres to fundamental principles of uniaxial mechanical testing—applying calibrated axial load while measuring displacement, force, and time—enabling quantitative determination of stress–strain behavior, interfacial adhesion energy, and viscoelastic response. The TT-1100 serves as a core platform in R&D laboratories, quality control environments, and contract testing facilities where compliance with international test methodology standards is mandatory.

Key Features

• Single-column, screw-driven actuator with smooth, low-backlash motion transmission
• Adjustable crosshead speed range: 0.5–25 in/min (1.3–64 cm/min), digitally programmable in 0.1 in/min increments
• Maximum load capacity: 250 lbf (1134 N / 110 kgf), supported by high-stability load cell with ±0.1% full-scale accuracy
• Travel distance: 32 in (813 mm), accommodating extended elongation or long-stroke peel tests
• Standard jaw width: 3.5 in (89 mm), compatible with modular fixture interchange system
• Dual-line LCD display showing real-time force (average, peak, minimum), displacement, and test status
• Operating temperature range: 0–70 °C, suitable for conditioned lab environments per ASTM D618
• Integrated RS-232 serial interface for bidirectional communication with external PCs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TT-1100 supports standardized test geometries across a broad spectrum of material forms—including rolls, sheets, strips, and molded specimens—and accommodates industry-specific specimen dimensions defined in PSTC-1 (tensile), PSTC-8 (unwind), PSTC-101 (180° peel), PSTC-102 (90° peel), TLMI-10 (shear), and AFERA 4013 P4 (unwind). It is fully compatible with ISO 8510-2 (peel resistance), ASTM D3330 (peel adhesion), ASTM D1002 (lap shear), ASTM D6252 (tack), and ASTM D5402 (cohesive strength). All mechanical components meet RoHS directives, and the system’s mechanical repeatability complies with ISO 17025 requirements for accredited testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The EZ-Lab data acquisition and analysis software provides real-time graphical monitoring, automated test sequencing, and GLP-compliant data handling. Sampling rate: 400 Hz, enabling high-fidelity capture of transient force events such as initial tack spikes or cohesive failure onset. Data storage supports up to 20 independent test files per session, each containing raw force–displacement curves, statistical summaries (mean, SD, CV%), and pass/fail thresholds. Units are selectable across metric and imperial systems (N, kN, gf, kgf, ozf, lbf). Export formats include CSV and ASCII for integration into LIMS or statistical packages (e.g., JMP, Minitab). Audit trail functionality, user access levels, and electronic signature support align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for regulated environments.

Applications

• Tensile strength and elongation at break per ASTM D882 and ISO 527-3
• 180° and 90° peel adhesion testing on stainless steel, aluminum, or polymer substrates
• Lap shear strength evaluation of structural adhesives and PSA laminates
• Unwind force measurement of coated rolls using UWF-100 accessory per PSTC-8
• Initial tack assessment via loop-tack method using LT-1000 ring-tack fixture
• 90° peel quantification with PF-90 fixture, featuring precision linear bearing guidance for consistent angle maintenance
• Cyclic loading protocols for fatigue and creep analysis (optional script-based test sequences)
• Compression modulus determination of soft elastomers and gel-based materials

FAQ

What standards does the TT-1100 support out-of-the-box?

The system is preconfigured for ASTM D3330, D1002, D6252, PSTC-1, PSTC-8, PSTC-101, TLMI-10, and AFERA 4013 P4; additional methods can be implemented via EZ-Lab custom protocol templates.
Is the load cell calibrated traceable to NIST?

Yes—each unit ships with a certificate of calibration traceable to NIST standards, valid for 12 months under normal use conditions.
Can the TT-1100 perform dynamic or cyclic testing?

While primarily designed for quasi-static testing, EZ-Lab supports multi-step programmed cycles (e.g., hold-relax, ramp-hold-ramp) with user-defined dwell times and direction reversals.
Are fixtures included with the base system?

No—fixtures are sold separately to ensure application-specific configuration; standard options include UWF-100 (unwind), PF-90 (90° peel), and LT-1000 (loop tack).
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

EZ-Lab v3.2+ offers optional 21 CFR Part 11 modules including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control—validated upon installation per laboratory SOPs.