METTLER TOLEDO DMA/TMA Accessories Kit (Cryogenic Cooling System, Robotic Autosampler, and Thermal Expansion Modules)

Overview

METTLER TOLEDO’s DMA/TMA Accessories Kit is a comprehensive suite of factory-engineered, application-specific modules designed to extend the functional scope and operational rigor of METTLER TOLEDO’s Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) platforms—including the DMA/SDTA 1+ and TMA/SDTA 2+ systems. These accessories are not generic add-ons but precision-integrated components developed in alignment with the instrument’s mechanical architecture, thermal control algorithms, and data acquisition timing protocols. The kit enables rigorous characterization of viscoelastic behavior, coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE), dimensional stability under thermal stress, and time-dependent deformation mechanisms across polymers, composites, pharmaceutical solids, and advanced ceramics. Each module adheres to METTLER TOLEDO’s traceable calibration framework and supports ISO 11357 (plastics—DMA), ISO 11359 (TMA), and ASTM D7028 (standard test method for glass transition temperature of polymer matrix composites by DMA) compliance workflows.

Key Features

• Cryogenic Cooling System: Integrated liquid nitrogen or mechanical cryocooler option delivering stable temperature control from –150 °C to 600 °C (±0.1 °C accuracy over full range); features dual-zone cooling, vacuum-jacketed transfer lines, and auto-fill level monitoring with fail-safe shutoff.
• Robotic Autosampler (Multifunctional): 48-position carousel with programmable sample tray indexing; supports standardized geometry fixtures (tension, bending, compression, film clamping) and accommodates specimens up to 100 mm in length; includes integrated force calibration verification before each run per ISO 17025 requirements.
• High-Resolution Expansion Module: Micrometer-grade displacement sensor (resolution ≤1 nm) with active thermal drift compensation; compliant with ASTM E831 for coefficient of thermal expansion measurements on low-expansion materials (e.g., Invar, fused silica).
• Environmental Control Chamber: Optional humidity-controlled enclosure (10–95% RH, ±2% RH tolerance) with inert gas purge capability (N₂, Ar) for oxidation-sensitive samples during isothermal creep or stress-relaxation experiments.
• Modular Fixture Interface: Quick-lock mechanical interface compatible with METTLER TOLEDO’s SDTA SmartFix system; ensures repeatable load train alignment and eliminates torque-induced measurement artifacts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The accessories support standardized sample geometries defined in ISO 6721 (DMA) and ISO 11359 (TMA), including rectangular bars (3–10 mm width), cylindrical rods (2–6 mm diameter), thin films (≥10 µm thickness), and powder compacts (diameter ≥8 mm). All hardware complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Traceability documentation—including factory calibration certificates, uncertainty budgets per GUM (JCGM 100:2008), and material declarations—is provided with each shipment. For regulated environments, the autosampler and software interface support audit trail generation, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity controls when used with STARe Excellence Suite v16.0 or later.

Software & Data Management

Full integration with METTLER TOLEDO’s STARe Excellence software ensures synchronized control of accessory functions alongside core instrument parameters. The software provides automated method sequencing—for example, initiating cryocooler pre-conditioning prior to autosampler loading, or triggering environmental chamber stabilization before thermal ramp initiation. Raw data files (.sta) retain embedded metadata for all accessory states (coolant level, gripper position, chamber RH, sensor zero offset), enabling full experimental reconstruction. Data export formats include ASCII, CSV, and ASTM E131-compliant XML for LIMS interoperability. Batch reporting templates comply with GLP/GMP Annex 11 validation requirements and support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation workflows.

Applications

• Quantification of glass transition temperature (T_g) and secondary relaxations in thermoplastic elastomers using multi-frequency DMA sweep protocols.
• Measurement of CTE anisotropy in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer laminates across three orthogonal axes.
• Time–temperature superposition (TTS) modeling of bitumen binders under controlled oxidative aging conditions.
• Creep compliance mapping of pharmaceutical tablet excipients under variable relative humidity and elevated temperature.
• Thermal stress screening of microelectronic packaging substrates subjected to reflow soldering thermal profiles.

FAQ

Are these accessories compatible with legacy METTLER TOLEDO TMA 840 systems?
No—this kit is validated exclusively for DMA/SDTA 1+ and TMA/SDTA 2+ platforms with firmware version ≥3.2.0 and STARe software v16.0 or higher.

Does the robotic autosampler support custom fixture geometries?
Yes—custom fixtures may be commissioned via METTLER TOLEDO’s Application Engineering Group, subject to mechanical interference analysis and thermal expansion matching verification.

Can the cryogenic system operate unattended overnight?
Yes—integrated safety logic includes LN₂ level monitoring, overpressure venting, dewar temperature logging, and automatic shutdown upon communication loss with the main controller.

Is ISO/IEC 17025 calibration certification included?
Calibration certificates traceable to NIST or PTB standards are supplied as standard; full ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation reports are available upon request and require separate scheduling with METTLER TOLEDO Calibration Services.