TA Q Series Getting Started Manual
TMA
Thermomechanical
Analyzer
Revision D
Issued November 2006
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Q Series
Getting Started Guide
1
©2003, 2004 by TA Instruments—Waters LLC
109 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
Notice
The material contained in this manual, and in the online help for the software used to support this instrument,
is believed adequate for the intended use of the instrument. If the instrument or procedures are used for purposes other than those specified herein, confirmation of their suitability must be obtained from TA Instruments.
Otherwise, TA Instruments does not guarantee any results and assumes no obligation or liability. TA Instruments also reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes without notice.
TA Instruments may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property
covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in written license agreement from TA
Instrument, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.
TA Instruments Operating Software, as well as Module, Data Analysis, and Utility Software and their associated manuals and online help, are proprietary and copyrighted by TA Instruments. Purchasers are granted a
license to use these software programs on the module and controller with which they were purchased. These
programs may not be duplicated by the purchaser without the prior written consent of TA Instruments. Each
licensed program shall remain the exclusive property of TA Instruments, and no rights or licenses are granted to
the purchaser other than as specified above.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement
Please click on the links below to access important information supplemental to this
Getting Started Guide:
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• Other Trademarks
• TA Instruments End-User License Agreement
• TA Instruments Offices
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
3
Table of Contents
Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement........................................................................................................ 3
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings .................................................................................................................................... 6
Regulatory Compliance .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Safety Standards ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards ............................................................................................................7
Safety ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Instrument Symbols ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Electrical Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Sample Decomposition ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Lifting the Instrument .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Handling Liquid Nitrogen ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Thermal Safety........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Cleaning the Instrument ........................................................................................................................................10
Chapter 1: Introducing the TMA ...............................................................................................................................11
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
TMA System Components ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Standard Accessories ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Subambient Operation ...........................................................................................................................................12
TM
The QTMA Touch Screen with QNX/Platinum
..............................................................................................................................................................................
13
QNX/Platinum Primary Function Keys ............................................................................................................. 13
QNX/Platinum Control Menu ............................................................................................................................. 14
QNX/Platinum Display Touch Screen Options................................................................................................. 16
QNX/Platinum Calibration Options................................................................................................................... 17
The TMA Touch Screen (Original) ...............................................................................................................................18
Primary Function Keys .......................................................................................................................................... 18
TMA Control Menu Keys ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Display Menu Keys ................................................................................................................................................ 20
Options and Accessories .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Probes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Mechanical Cooling Accessory ............................................................................................................................ 21
Instrument Specifications .............................................................................................................................................22
TMA Instrument Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 22
Chapter 2: Installing the TMA ................................................................................................................................... 23
Unpacking/Repacking the TMA ................................................................................................................................ 23
Installing the Instrument ..............................................................................................................................................23
Inspecting the System ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Choosing a Location .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Voltage Configuration Unit ................................................................................................................................... 25
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Connecting Cables and Lines ............................................................................................................................... 26
Ports .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Purge Line ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Connecting the Cooling Gas Line ................................................................................................................. 28
Installing the Stage................................................................................................................................................. 29
Installing the Expansion/Penetration Probes .................................................................................................... 30
Installing a Probe ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Removing a Probe ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Ethernet Switch Setup .................................................................................................................................... 31
Connecting the Instrument to the Switch .............................................................................................. 31
Connecting the Controller to the Switch ............................................................................................... 31
Connecting the Controller to a LAN ......................................................................................................32
Power Switch .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Power Cable ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
Starting the TMA ........................................................................................................................................................... 34
Shutting Down the TMA .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Chapter 3: Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics ..........................................................................................................
35
Using the TMA .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
Before You Begin .................................................................................................................................................... 35
Calibrating the TMA ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Force Calibration .................................................................................................................................................... 36
Probe Calibration ................................................................................................................................................... 36
Temperature Calibration ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Cell Constant .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Running a TMA Experiment ........................................................................................................................................ 38
Selecting a Probe .................................................................................................................................................... 38
Zeroing the Auto Measure System ....................................................................................................................... 39
Guidelines for Handling Samples ....................................................................................................................... 40
Sample Preparation ........................................................................................................................................40
Sample Loading .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Starting an Experiment ..........................................................................................................................................41
Stopping an Experiment ........................................................................................................................................41
Maintaining the Instrument .........................................................................................................................................42
Cleaning the Touch Screen.................................................................................................................................... 42
Cleaning the Probe Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 42
Cleaning the Stage ................................................................................................................................................. 43
Cleaning the Thermocouple ..................................................................................................................................44
Replacements .................................................................................................................................................................45
Replacing the Thermocouple ................................................................................................................................ 45
Removing the Existing Thermocouple ......................................................................................................... 45
Installing a New Thermocouple ................................................................................................................... 45
Replacing Fuses ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
Replacing the TMA Fuses .............................................................................................................................. 47
Replacement Parts......................................................................................................................................................... 48
Index............................................................................................................................................................................... 51
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
This manual uses NOTES, CAUTIONS, and WARNINGS to emphasize important and critical instructions.
A NOTE highlights important information about equipment or procedures.
A CAUTION emphasizes a procedure that may damage equipment or cause loss of
data if not followed correctly.
A WARNING indicates a procedure that may be hazardous to the operator or to the
environment if not followed correctly.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Regulatory Compliance
Safety St andards
For Canada:
CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 1010.1-92 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use, Part 1: General Requirements + Amendments.
CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 1010.2.010-94 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials
+ Amendments.
For the European Economic Area: (In accordance with Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the
harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain
voltage limits.)
EN61010-1: 1993 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, Part
1: General Requirements + Amendments.
EN61010-2-010: 1994 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials + Amendments.
For the United States:
UL61010A-1 Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements.
IEC 1010-2-010: 1992 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials + Amendments.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
For Australia and New Zealand:
AS/NZS 2064: 1997 Limits and methods of measurement of electronic disturbance characteristics of industrial,
scientific and medical (ISM) radiofrequency equipment.
For Canada:
ICES-001 Issue 3 March 7, 1998 Interference-Causing Equipment Standard: Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
Radio Frequency Generators.
For the European Economic Area: (In accordance with Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.)
EN61326-1: 1997 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use-EMC requirements-Part 1: General Requirements + Amendments. Emissions: Meets Class A
requirements (Table 3). Immunity: Meets performance criteria B for non-continuous operation, minimum
requirements (Table 1).
For the United States:
CFR Title 47 Telecommunication Chapter I Federal Communications Commission, Part 15 Radio frequency
devices (FCC regulation pertaining to radiofrequency emissions).
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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Safety
CAUTION: The operator of this instrument is advised that if the equipment is used in a
manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired.
Instrument Symbols
The following labels are displayed on the TMA instrument for your protection:
Symbol Explanation
This symbol indicates that a hot surface may be present. Take care not to touch
these areas or allow any material that may melt or burn to come in contact with
these hot surfaces
This symbol on the rear access panel indicates that you must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; voltages exceeding 120/240
Vac are present in this system.
If you are not trained in electrical procedures, do not remove the cabinet covers
unless specifically instructed to do so in the manual. Maintenance and repair of
internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified
service personnel.
Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with those parts of the
instrument. The TMA Getting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be followed for your own
safety.
Electrical Safety
You must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; voltages as high as 120/240 Vac
are present in this system.
WARNING: High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and repair of
internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified service
personnel.
WARNING: After transport or storage in humid conditions, this equipment could fail to
meet certain aspects of the safety requirements of the safety standards indicated.
Refer to the CAUTION on page 24 for the method of drying out the equipment before
use.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Sample Decomposition
The TMA is capable of heating samples to 1000°C. Many materials may decompose during the heating, which
can generate hazardous byproducts.
WARNING: If you are using samples that may emit harmful gases, vent the gases by
placing the instrument near an exhaust.
Samples should not be heated above their decomposition temperatures to prevent the relase of hazardous
materials or contamination of the TMA.
Lifting the Instrument
The TMA is a fairly heavy instrument. In order to avoid injury, particularly to the back, please follow this
advice:
WARNING: Close the furnace before moving the instrument, even for a short distance.
Use two people to lift and/or carry the instrument. The instrument is too heavy for one
person to handle safely.
Handling Liquid Nitrogen
The TMA can use the cryogenic (low-temperature) agent, liquid nitrogen, for cooling in subambient experiments.
Because of its low temperature [-195°C (-319°F)], liquid nitrogen will burn the skin. When you work with liquid
nitrogen, use the following precautions:
WARNING: Liquid nitrogen boils rapidly when exposed to room temperature. Be
certain that areas where liquid nitrogen is used are well ventilated to prevent displacement of oxygen in the air.
1. Wear goggles or a face shield, gloves large enough to be removed easily, and a rubber apron. For extra
protection, wear high-topped, sturdy shoes, and leave your pant legs outside the tops.
2. Transfer the liquid slowly to prevent thermal shock to the equipment. Use containers that have satisfactory
low-temperature properties. Ensure that closed containers have vents to relieve pressure.
3. The purity of liquid nitrogen decreases when exposed to air. If the liquid in a container has been open to the
atmosphere for a prolonged period, analyze the remaining liquid before using it for any purpose where high
oxygen content could be dangerous.
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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WARNING:
Potential Asphyxiant
Liquid nitrogen can cause rapid suffocation without warning.
Store and use in an area with adequate ventilation.
Do not enter confined spaces where nitrogen gas may be present unless the
area is well ventilated.
The warning above applies to the use of liquid nitrogen. Oxygen depletion sensors are sometimes utilized
where liquid nitrogen is in use.
Thermal Safety
During an experiment, the furnace and sample can become very hot or very cold to the touch.
WARNING: Do not use your hands to manually move the furnace and do not put your
hands up inside the furnace. It may be hot enough to cause burns.
Cleaning the Instrument
See Chapter 3 for recommended cleaning and maintenance of the TMA instrument.
CAUTION: Before using any cleaning or decontamination method except those
recommended by TA Instruments, please check with TA Instruments to make sure that
the proposed method will not damage the equipment.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Introducing the TMA
Overview
The Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA) is an analytical instrument
used to test the physical properties of many different materials.
The TMA instrument works in conjunction with a controller and
associated software to make up a thermal analysis system.
Your controller is a computer that performs the following functions:
• Provides an interface between you and the analysis instruments
• Enables you to set up experiments and enter constants
• Stores experimental data
• Runs data analysis programs.
NOTE: For technical reference information, theory of
operation, and other information associated with the
TMA and not found in this manual, see the online help
associated with the instrument control software.
Chapter 1
TMA System Components
Your instrument consists of the following
components (see the figure here).
• The balance enclosure surrounds the TMA
balance mechanism, which exerts a
specified force on the sample.
• The probe assembly is inter-changeable for
making several different measurements on
various sample materials.
• The stage is an interchangeable component
that supports the sample during
measurement.
• The furnace assembly surrounds the stage to
heat the sample; it contains the integral
cooling container, the furnace monitor
thermocouple, and the sample purge line.
Furnace Assembly
Probe Assembly
Balance Enclosure
Weight Tray Door
Touch Screen
Stage
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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• The weight tray, located behind the weight tray door, holds the weights to exert an additional known force
on the sample.
• The CHROMEL®*/ALUMEL®* sample thermocouple senses the temperature of the sample.
The TMA was developed by TA Instruments with the following features:
• Operates over a temperature range of –150 oC to 1000 oC using heating rates up to 200 oC/min
• Determines changes in sample properties resulting from changes in four experimental variables:
temperature, force, atmosphere, and time
• Uses samples that can be in solid, film, fiber, or powder form
• Employs interchangeable probes, allowing you to measure the melting point, softening point, tensile
modulus, compression modulus, glass transition, stress relaxation, creep, and expansion coefficient.
• Allows additional experiments in parallel plate rheometry, fiber tension, shrinkage force, flexure, and
dilatometry with the optional accessories that can be used with the instrument.
St andard Accessories
The accessory kit supplied with the TMA contains weights, a sample holder (stage), a hex wrench, tweezers,
samples for calibration, and standard probes.
The standard probes allow you to perform various basic analyses. These probes are as follows:
• The expansion probes are used to measure the thermal coefficient of expansion and glass transition. The
standard expansion probe is used for routine samples. The macro expansion probe covers a larger area of
the sample surface and is therefore able to give a more representative reading for samples such as
powders, materials with uneven surfaces, frozen liquids, and films.
• The penetration probe, which has a small tip that permits it to sink into the material as it is heated, is used
to measure softening and melting points.
• Optional probes are also available, see page 21.
Subambient Operation
The TMA can be used to run experiments on cooled samples with a cooling source such as liquid nitrogen
contained in the reservoir. In addition, a Mechanical Cooling Accessory is available, see page 21.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
The QTMA Touch Screen with QNX/Platinum
The TMA Q400 instrument has a built-in
integrated display and keypad in the form of a
touch screen for local operator control. The
functions on the screen change depending upon
the menu you are using. This section briefly
describes the basic layout of these functions
when your instrument has QNX and Platinum
capabilities installed.
The status line along the top of the display
shows the current instrument status, run
selection, and temperature.
At the bottom of the screen is a set of keys that
are used for the primary instrument functions.
See the table below for a description of each key.
The functions in the middle of the touch screen will vary depending on the screen displayed.
TM
QNX/Platinum
Use the following keys for the main functions of the instrument.
Key Name Description
Start Begins the experiment. This is the same function as Start on the instrument
Stop If an experiment is running, this key ends the method normally, as though it had
Control Displays a list of the control command functions. These are used to
TM
Primary Function Keys
control software. Start automatically loads the sample pan and closes the
furnace, if necessary, before beginning the experiment.
run to completion; i.e., the method-end conditions go into effect and the data that
has been generated is saved. This is the same function as Stop on the instrument
control software.
If an experiment is not running (the instrument is in a standby or method-end
state), the Stop key will halt any activity (air cool, all mechanical motion, etc.).
control the instrument actions such as furnace movement, sample
loading/unloading, taring, etc. Items can be selected from the icons or from the
drop-down menu. Select Apply to initiate the command. See the next page for
more details on this screen.
(table continued)
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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Display Accesses the display screen, which displays the signals from the instrument
such as signal display, real-time plot, instrument information, etc.
Calibrate Displays the calibration functions available for this instrument.
QNX/PlatinumTM Control Menu
The Control Menu (see the figure to
the right) is accessed by touching the
Control key at the bottom of the touch
screen. A brief description of each
control command is provided in the
table below.
NOTE: Most of the
commands shown
are not available
during an active
experiment.
Zero
Length
Zero
Length
Measure
Select the desired function either from
the drop-down list of Control Commands or by pressing the icon. Then
press Apply to initiate the action.
Furnace Probe Up
Control Command Description
FURNACE Toggles between the furnace closed (up) and furnace open (down) functions,
depending on where the furnace is when you press the key. This key can be
pressed while the furnace is moving, to reverse the direction of movement.
ZERO LENGTH Initializes the automeasure system. This operation should be performed before
a sample is loaded and any time the probe or stage is changed.
PROBE UP Used to “open” the probe, this key raises the probe 3 mm, the range of the LVDT,
when pressed one time. When the key is pressed a second time, mechanical
action occurs, moving the probe and LVDT coil to their maximum upward
position.
Shutdown
If the probe is moving down and PROBE UP is pushed, the probe will stop and
reverse its direction.
(table continued)
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
Control Command Description
PROBE DOWN Used to “close” the probe, this key lowers the probe 3 mm, the range of the LVDT,
when pressed one time. When the key is pressed a second time, mechanical
action occurs, centering the LVDT coil.
If the probe is moving up and PROBE DOWN is pushed, the probe will stop and
reverse its direction.
SHUTDOWN Shuts down and resets the instrument.
MEASURE Measures your sample’s length automatically; use this key before beginning
the run. The measured length is transferred to the instrument control software
and the value is recorded in the Sample Size field.
NOTE: MEASURE is not used with the flexural probe.
AIR COOL Toggles the air cool function on or off. This is the same function as Air Cool on
the instrument control software.
RESET SAVED
PARAMETERS Resets the saved instrument parameters and resets the instrument.
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
15
QNX/PlatinumTM Display
Touch Screen Options
The Display Options are accessed by touching
the Display key at the bottom of the touch
screen. The keys shown in the figure to the right
are displayed.
A brief description of the function of each key is
provided in the table below.
Key Name Description
SEGMENTS Accesses the experimental method that is currently being used for this experi-
ment.
INFORMATION Displays instrument information such as the software version, options, and
the IP address.
STATUS Displays the three main signals indicating the current status of the experiment.
SIGNALS Displays the real-time signal data that comes directly from the instrument. The
signals displayed here are customized through the instrument control software by accessing Tools/Instrument Preferences.
PLOT Displays a time-based plot of data as it is received from the instrument during
experiments.
SCREEN SAVER Allows you to choose a screen saver for the touch screen.
HOME Returns to the opening window.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
QNX/PlatinumTM Calibration Options
The Calibration Options are accessed by
touching the Calibrate key at the bottom of the
touch screen. The keys shown in the figure
below are displayed. A brief description of the
function of each key is provided in the table
below.
Key Name Description
TOUCH SCREEN Allows you to calibrate the touch screen display.
PROBE This procedure, sometimes called “initializing,” is used to calibrate zero force,
the LVDT, and the probe's compliance. It corrects for any difference in the
different probes used on the TMA and should be done every time you change a
probe on the TMA.
FORCE Force calibration calibrates the force exerted by the probe on the sample during
experiments using three different mass values (0, 50, and 100 grams) and can be
performed with any probe in place on the instrument. The first calibration point
is 0 grams. You may use weights other than the recommended 50 and 100 grams,
if desired (up to 100 grams is allowed). For example, you can use 10 grams for
force calibration if only low forces will be used in subsequent experiments.
This calibration should be performed periodically (approximately once a month).
TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
17
The TMA Touch Screen (Original)
The TMA Q400 instruments have a built-in integrated
display and keypad in the form of a touch screen for local
operator control. The functions shown on the screen
change depending upon the menu you are using. This
section briefly describes the functions of the keys shown
on the touch screen displays.
The status line along the top of the display (see the figure
to the right) shows the current instrument status, current
run number, and temperature.
At the bottom of the screen is a set of five keys that are
used for the primary instrument functions. These keys
are available to you regardless of the menu selected. See
the next section for an explanation of the primary function
keys.
NOTE: Experiment information and
instrument constants are entered from
the controller keyboard, not the instrument touch screen.
Status Line
Primary Function Keys
Primary Function Keys
This set of keys, found at the bottom of the touch screen, are used to perform the basic functions of the instrument and to access the two main screens. See the table below for details.
Key Name Description
Begins the experiment. This is the same function as Start on the instrument
control software.
If an experiment is running, this key ends the method normally, as though it had
run to completion; i.e., the method-end conditions go into effect and the data that
has been generated is saved. This is the same function as Stop on the instrument
control software.
If an experiment is not running (the instrument is in a standby or method-end
state), the Stop key will halt any activity (air cool, all mechanical motion, etc.).
If an experiment is running, REJECT ends the method. The the method-end
conditions go into effect just as if the method had run to completion. However,
the data that has been generated is discarded. This is the same function as Reject
on the instrument control software.
Displays the Control Menu touch screen keys. These are used to control certain
instrument actions.
Accesses the Display Menu screen, which is used to select the desired display
option.
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TMA Q Series Getting Started Guide
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