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MCT-210AD Micro Compression Testing Machine

On April 7, Shimadzu Corporation launched the MCT-210AD and MCT-211AD high-end models in the MCT series of micro compression testing machines. Micro compression testing machines are used to apply test forces to very small samples to measure the amount of deformation or their strength. These new models are the first in the industry able to perform “multi-point successive measurement,” which successively measures multiple particles in order of highest conformance by automatically selecting particles with the specified size from among multiple sample particles. Therefore, they can reduce labor requirements for measurement operations by reducing the time and trouble involved. The testing machines support R&D and quality control for metals, rechargeable batteries, electrode materials, and chemical products.

In recent years, there has been an increase in strength testing of particles with new materials and new structures used in research, such as for electric vehicles (EV) being used to achieve a carbon-neutral society. Since micro compression testing machines can evaluate materials down to the micron level, they are often used to measure electrode active materials, all-solid-state batteries, conductive particles, and electronic component spacers. Previously, operators had to visually check each particle on the sample stage, which resulted in requests for reducing the burden on operators and for increasing the number of particles that can be successively measured. These new models can detect particles scattered over a large area of the sample stage, list them in descending order of conformance to the specified particle size or other criteria, and then automatically measure them. When measurements are finished, the testing machines automatically clean off any particle debris clinging to parts. As a pioneer that has developed and sold micro compression testing machines for over 30 years, Shimadzu has expanded its MCT series specialized for microparticle compressive strength evaluation.

Features

1. Automatically Extracts and Lists Candidate Specimens^*1 from Groups of Sample Particles

Using a motorized XY stage and dedicated software, the system detects individual particles from among the sample particles dispersed on the sample stage, and then extracts and lists the particles to be measured based on specified parameters such as particle size and circularity. Particle diameters from 5 µm^*2 to 35 µm can be targeted.

2. Up to 100 Particles can be Tested Consecutively

Previously, operators had to move particles to the testing position individually, which typically limited the number of test points to about 20 and required approximately 100 minutes for the measurement process. MCT-210AD and MCT-211AD models can shorten measurement times to as little as 60 minutes, of which about 20 minutes are required for operator operations and the remainder for fully automated unmanned operations. Up to 100 particles can be tested consecutively at one time.

3. Achieves Automated Indenter Cleaning

Depending on the type of particle material, crushed particle debris can remain on the indenter^*3 after compressive strength testing, which must be cleaned off after each test. Previously, such cleaning was performed manually, but the MCT-210AD and MCT-211AD are equipped with cleaning functionality that allows moving on to the next test without operator intervention.

• *1 Specimens formed in the prescribed shape/dimensions for tests/experiments
• *2 1 µm = 0.001 mm
• *3 The tip component that directly contacts samples to apply a test force

For more details, visit
MCT-210AD and MCT-211AD