Micro Tensile Machine

The Micro Tensile Machine is a versatile device, which allow performing tensile and compression experiments on mm to cm sized specimens. Various load cells and grips are available to match the sample shapes. The machine was originally designed for use at the Materials Science beamline of the SLS.
The steering software was developed in-house using LabVIEW. Apart from conventional displacement controlled tension or compression tests other, more complex tests can be triggered interactively, such as strain rate jump tests, repeated stress relaxation, stress reduction tests, creep, etc.

Details on this device can be found in:
Following peak profiles during elastic and plastic deformation: A synchrotron-based technique
H. Van Swygenhoven, B. Schmitt, P. M. Derlet, S. Van Petegem, A. Cervellino, Z. Budrovic, S. Brandstetter, A. Bollhalder, and M. Schild
Review of Scientific Instruments 77, 013902 (2006)
DOI: 10.1063/1.2162453

Schematic view of the MTM mounted at the goniometer of the MS beamline
Displacement  
 Maximum displacement40mm
 Minimum step size16nm
 Maximum speed0.16mm/s
Force  
 Maximum force1000N
 Load cells+-1N, +-10N, +- 220N, +-1200N
Strain measurement  
 MethodOptical camera
 Resolution<100nm
Other specifications  
 Deformation modesTension, compression
 Control modesDisplacement, force, stress
 TemperatureRT
 Size (L x W x H)400mm x 100mm x 200mm
 Weight5kg
 Compatible SLS beam linesMaterials Science, cSAXS