Dilatometry
Dilatometry (DIL) is the method of choice for highly precise measurements of dimensional changes of solids, melts, powders and pastes during a programmed temperature change with negligible sample load.
DIL allows for the study of length change phenomena of ceramics, glass, metals, polymers, composite materials, and refractory materials, thus providing insight into their thermal behavior and process parameters or SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering kinetics.
DIL systems are based on relevant instrument and application standards, e.g., ASTM E228, ASTM D696, DIN 51045 and DIN EN 821.
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Accessories for DIL
At NETZSCH, we offer a wide selection of sample holders, accessories and calibration materials.
This catalog lists all dilatometers and TMA instruments offered by NETZSCH along with all of our corresponding sample holders, accessories, and calibration materials. The many various possible combinations of these will allow you to optimally adapt your instrument to your samples and applications.
About the DIL Method
Pushrod dilatometry is a precise analytical technique that measures dimensional changes in materials as a function of temperature and/or time. It provides critical information on key material properties. These measurements are fundamental for both quality assurance and advancing materials research. Over the past decades, dilatometry has been firmly established as a reliable method in industrial and research settings. All NETZSCH dilatometers are based on such standards as DIN EN 821, DIN 51045, and ASTM E228.
The Method for Determination of Dimensional Changes
The result of a dilatometer measurement is the temperature/time-dependent in length change. The degree of expansion divided by the change in temperature is called the material’s coefficient of expansion (ā).
To prepare a dilatometer measurement, a specimen is inserted into a sample holder and subjected to a defined amount of force by a pushrod.
After closing the furnace, the experiment can be started. After closing the furnace, the experiment can be started. The length change of the specimen during heating or cooling, or while under IsothermalTests at controlled and constant temperature are called isothermal.isothermal conditions, is detected by the displacement system to which the pushrod is connected.
Opto-Electronic Measuring System NanoEye
DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM
In traditional dilatometry, increasing resolution often reduces the measurement range and vice versa. The NanoEye system overcomes this limitation by offering high resolution alongside an unmatched measurement range. It achieves perfect linearity in thermal expansion measurements.
The NanoEye consists of:
- an actuator which applies a controlled contact force and moves the pushrod to acommodate variable specimen lengths
- an elastic force sensor which detects the contact force
- an optical encoder (plus scale) which measures the initial specimen length and determines the length change of the specimen
Functional Principle:
During a test run, when the specimen changes length, all green components in the graphics move with the help of a linear guide (marked in blue). The optical encoder determines the corresponding length change directly on the appropriate scale.
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Eco Mode – Uses Energy Only When Needed
OPTIMIZED EFFICIENCY FOR MORE SUSTAINABILITY
The combination of electronic thermal stabilization and the Eco/Idle Mode feature ensures peak performance while minimizing energy and gas consumption, thus allowing for significant savings.
What Makes a NETZSCH Dilatometer Unique?
- Maximum Precision and Accuracy: Highest resolution and reproducibility thanks to NanoEye sensor technology. This optoelectronic system enables a controlled force application from 10 mN to 3 N with unmatched precision.
- Ease of Use: Benefit from a quick furnace change, a modular furnace system and an automatic sample length detection as well as fully automated workflows that reduce the need for manual intervention.
- Wide Temperature Range and dual furnace option: NETZSCH dilatometers operate from -180 °C to 2800 °C - with an interchangeable furnace option to meet your thermal analysis demands for a variety of materials.
- Compliance and Validation: NETZSCH DIL instruments comply with major industry standards, ensuring the validity of results for certifications and quality control.
- Proteus® Software with AutoEvaluation: NETZSCH's analysis software includes AutoEvaluation, which automatically detects and evaluates events such as Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transitions, SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering onsets, or shrinkage steps, streamlining workflows and reducing analysis time.
- Proven Excellence & Unlimited Warranty: Decades of experience in thermal analysis and a strong reputation for innovation and quality emphasize the reliability of NETZSCH analysis instruments. To emphasize the long-term availability of our services, we offer an unlimited warranty for the DIL 502 instrument series.
Our Quality Promise:
NETZSCH’s Unlimited Warranty
At NETZSCH, our commitment to quality goes beyond the instruments themselves. We understand that your investment in advanced technology is a long-term one, and and that’s why we offer something truly unique – our Unlimited Warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications for Dilatometric Analysis
Refractories
Dilatometry reveals the thermal behavior of refractories – such as expansion, Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transitions, and SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering – by measuring dimensional changes under controlled temperatures.
Ceramics and Glass
Dilatometry provides insight into the SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering process and thermal behavior of these materials, which is crucial for their application in construction and electronics.
Composites
Determining thermal expansion in composites is key to ensuring material compatibility – for example, in reinforced concrete, where steel and concrete must have closely matched expansion rates.
Polymers
Dilatometry is employed to ascertain Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transition temperatures and thermal expansion coefficients, facilitating a comprehensive understanding and optimization of polymer processing, design, and performance.
Metals and Alloys
The study of Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transitions in steel (e.g., martensite) and thermal expansion coefficients an be used to analyze temperature-time-length relationships, revealing microstructure changes and optimizing heat treatment.
Building Materials
Building materials such as cement and concrete are analyzed using dilatometry to assess dimensional changes during hydration, drying, and thermal cycling—critical for ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity.
Dilatometer Case Studies
Dilatometry is the method of choice for investigating the length changes of ceramics, glasses, metals, composites and polymers, but also other of construction materials.
Learn how our high-quality analytical instruments have changed the work of our customers.
Here's what our customers say about using the NETZSCH Dilatometer
"In our ceramics department, the coefficient of expansion of ceramic frits, glazes and engobes has been measured with NETZSCH dilatometers since 1978."
"Dilatometry studies are instrumental in understanding the in-situ thermal behaviour of bricks and the effects of vermiculite on fired clay bricks."
"We use the dilatometer, besides other NETZSCH instruments, for the quality assurance in the production of advanced, technical ceramics."
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Media and Training
Brochures and Datasheets
DIL 502 Expedis® SeriesBrochure
Accessories for Dilatometers and Thermomechanical AnalyzersAccessories Catalogue
DIL 502 Expedis® SeriesTechnical Data Sheet
Thermal and Rheological Characterization of PolymersBrochure
Powder Metallurgy and Additive ManufacturingBrochure
Advanced Materials TestingBrochure
Product Overview
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