Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers

For measuring the viscoelastic properties of materials

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is a technique used to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of materials, particularly polymers, by applying an oscillating load. StressStress is defined as a level of force applied on a sample with a well-defined cross section. (Stress = force/area). Samples having a circular or rectangular cross section can be compressed or stretched. Elastic materials like rubber can be stretched up to 5 to 10 times their original length.Stress and StrainStrain describes a deformation of a material, which is loaded mechanically by an external force or stress. Rubber compounds show creep properties, if a static load is applied.strain at the sample are measured to determine properties such as modulus and damping behavior under varying temperature and frequency conditions.

The main advantage of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is its ability to provide detailed insight into the viscoelastic properties of materials, enabling accurate characterization of their mechanical behavior, which is critical for applications in materials development and quality control.

Our Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers

Explore the range of NETZSCH DMA instruments

  • DMA 303 Eplexor®
    • Wide temperature range from -170°C to 800°C
    • Precise forces up to 50 N dynamic and static
    • Accessories for multiple measuring modes and a variety of sample holders
  • DMA 503 Eplexor®
    • Temperature range from -160°C to 500°C
    • Dynamic forces up to ±500N
    • Static forces up to 1500N
  • DMA 503 Eplexor® HT
    • Temperature range from -160°C to 1500°C
    • Dynamic forces up to ±500N
    • Static forces up to 1500N
  • DMA 523 Eplexor®
    • Temperature range from -160°C to 500°C
    • Dynamic forces up to ±4000N
    • Static forces up to 6000N
  • HBU 523 GABOMETER®

Principle of the DMA Method

Storage Modulus E’, Loss Modulus E’’ and tan δ

Certain materials, particularly polymers, exhibit viscoelastic behavior, i.e., they possess both elastic properties (similar to an ideal spring) and viscous properties (similar to an ideal damper).

The Storage modulus (E') indicates the ability of the material to store elastic energy.

The Dynamic Viscous modulusThe complex modulus (viscous component), loss modulus, or G’’, is the “imaginary” part of the samples the overall complex modulus. This viscous component indicates the liquid like, or out of phase, response of the sample being measurement. loss modulus (E'') reflects the energy dissipated as heat, highlighting the viscous behavior of the material.

The phase shift and dissipation factor (tan δ) provides insight into the relationship between the elastic and viscous responses.

DMA is particularly sensitive to the 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 temperature. As the temperature increases, the storage modulus (E') shows a sharp decrease, while both the dynamic Viscous modulusThe complex modulus (viscous component), loss modulus, or G’’, is the “imaginary” part of the samples the overall complex modulus. This viscous component indicates the liquid like, or out of phase, response of the sample being measurement. loss modulus (E'') and the loss factor (tan δ) show distinct maxima, indicating significant changes in material behavior within this critical temperature range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Benefits of NETZSCH DMA instruments

The DMA Eplexor® series is an essential tool for analysis of viscoelastic properties in a variety of applications.

Different Types of NETZSCH Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers (DMA)

NETZSCH dMAs enhance material testing accuracy through e.g.:

Table-Top DMA up to 50N

The DMA 303 Eplexor® table-top instrument is specifically designed for applications where precise forces up to 50 N are required for dynamic and static measurements.

Applications:


Temperature Range:
-170°C to 800°C

High force DMA up to 500N


The high force DMA 503 Eplexor® and 503 Eplexor® HT instruments are engineered to characterize viscoelastic properties from -160°C up to 1500°C. This can be used to analyze polymers, metals and ceramics.

Applications:

Temperature Range:
-160°C to 1500°C (2 furnaces needed to cover the complete temperature range)

High force DMA up to 4000N

The ultra high force DMA 523 Eplexor® and HBU 523 Gabometer instruments are engineered to characterize viscoelastic properties from -160°C up to 500°C. This can be used to analyze polymers, metals and ceramics.

Applications:

  • Fatigue and HBU
  • Polymeric materials: Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers
  • Metals and ceramics
  • Biological materials: Biological tissues and membranes, hair
  • Food products
  • Adhesives and coatings
  • Composites


Temperature Range:
-160°C to 500°C

Long Instrument Life
High-quality instrument paired with long spare part availability and best service
Always There for You
Direct contact to your NETZSCH experts in service, lab, training and sales
Proven Excellence in Service
We support your NETZSCH DMA instrument through the
entire life cycle

Applications for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Here's what our customers say about using the NETZSCH DMA

"We use high force NETZSCH Eplexors for compound development and tire testing to characterize the different properties of a wide variety of tire compounds."

Continental Reifen Deutschland,<br>Test Method Development Department
Continental Reifen Deutschland,
Test Method Development Department
Hannover, Germany

"We use the tabletop DMA in combination with a NETZSCH rheometer to optimize the stability of polymer materials employed in semiconductor devices."

Vishay Semiconductor GmbH, <br>Research & Development Department
Vishay Semiconductor GmbH, 
Research & Development Department
Heilbronn, Germany

"We are very satisfied with the instrument quality and especially the technical and application support. Otherwise we would not have so many DMAs in use."

DELO Industrie Klebstoffe GmbH,<br>Analytics Department 
DELO Industrie Klebstoffe GmbH,
Analytics Department 
Windach, Germany

Consultancy & Sales

Do you have further questions about the instrument or the method? Would you like to speak to a sales represenative?

Service & Support

Do you already have an instrument and need technical support or spare parts?

FAQs about NETZSCH DMA Service

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Videos about Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

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Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is an essential technique for understanding the mechanical properties of materials. Depending on your specific application, sample size, load configuration, or the need to meet certain testing standards, selecting the appropriate DMA - either high-force or low-force - is essential.

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In this webinar we will introduce the basics of DMA. We will cover the general instrument set-up of a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer and how it is used to reveal the mechanical properties of materials. Several application examples will then be presented and discussed.

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The failure of products during service can have detrimental effects from a simple decrease in performance all the way to consequences for people’s safety. Therefore, the analysis and understanding of failure of plastics parts is instrumental for product improvement, and in the prevention of failures when designing and developeing new components.