
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
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.
- Comprehensive material analysis: NETZSCH DMAs provide detailed insight into the viscoelastic properties of various materials, including polymers and elastomers allowing precise characterization of mechanical behavior under various conditions.
- Wide temperature range: The instruments can operate over a wide temperature range, allowing analysis of materials from -170°C to 1500°C, which is critical for studying Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transitions 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 transition temperatures.
- Versatile measurement technique: Multiple measurement modes such as tension, compression, 3-point bending and shear allow customers to analyze a wide range of sample types and geometries, increasing the versatility of materials testing.
- High sensitivity: DMA is highly sensitive to changes in material properties, making it an ideal choice for detecting subtle transitions that other methods may miss.
- Advanced data interpretation: The ability to derive key parameters such as storage modulus, 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, and loss factor provides customers with valuable information for material development and quality control.
- Advanced calculation models: Equipped with the latest models and a variety of sample holders for precise measurements on a wide range of materials.
- User-friendly software: NETZSCH DMA systems are designed with intuitive software that simplifies data acquisition and analysis, improving ease of use and efficiency in research and development environments.
Different Types of NETZSCH Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers (DMA)
NETZSCH dMAs enhance material testing accuracy through e.g.:
- High sensitivity to Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.Phase Transitions
- Detailed information on both storage modulus (E') and 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''), as well as the loss factor (tan δ).
- making sure that even very stiff samples can be accurately analyzed by combining high force capabilities with precise measurement techniques.
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:
- DMA of linear materials, Universal Tests, CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.Creep and Relax
- Polymeric materials: Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers
- Metals and ceramics
- Biological materials: Biological tissues and membranes, hair
- Food products
- Adhesives and coatings
- Composites
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:
- DMA of nonlinear materials and larger samples, Universal Tests, CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.Creep and Relax
- 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 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
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Applications for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is widely used in various industries and applications due to its ability to characterize the mechanical properties of materials. Here are a few typical applications of DMA
- Viscoelastic material properties: storage and 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, loss factor, tan δ
- Stiffness and damping properties under a variety of conditions:
- depending on temperature and frequency
- at different levels of 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
- under defined gas atmosphere and in liquid environments
- Identification of material reactions and Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transitions
- Glass transition temperature of highly cross-linked polymers and composites
- Compatibility of polymer blends in reference to composition and structure
- Influence of filler and additive contents
- Curing and post-Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing of resins
- Analysis of aging influences
- Prediction of material behavior using Time-Temperature-Superposition (TTS)
- CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.Creep and RelaxationWhen a constant strain is applied to a rubber compound, the force necessary to maintain that strain is not constant but decreases with time; this behavior is known as stress relaxation. The process responsible for stress relaxation can be physical or chemical, and under normal conditions, both will occur at the same time. relaxation processes
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."
"We use the tabletop DMA in combination with a NETZSCH rheometer to optimize the stability of polymer materials employed in semiconductor devices."
"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."

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