Tensile Stage

Precision testing equipment dedicated to research on the synergistic evolution of material mechanics - microstructure

Multi-Mode Loading: Supports tension, compression, shear, and three-point bending with constant, displacement, or cyclic control.
Extreme Thermal Control: Delivers stable testing environments from cryogenic to ultra-high temperatures with ±0.1°C stability.
High-Precision Monitoring: Features force measurement accuracy of 0.5%FS and advanced data synchronization for strain acquisition.
In-situ Integration: Installs directly in scanning electron microscopes (SEM) without lens modification; fully compatible with EBSD and DIC modes.
Modular Architecture: Enables rapid switching between test types and load ranges using dedicated, replaceable fixtures.

Download

Data Sheet

Software

User Manual

Overview

Introduction

The Tensile Stage is a high-precision instrument designed for the in-situ study of the synergistic evolution between material mechanics and microstructures. By integrating multimodal loading with advanced environmental control, it enables researchers to capture real-time material responses directly within imaging systems. This platform supports a wide range of testing conditions, from cryogenic to ultra-high temperatures, making it an essential tool for both fundamental research and industrial characterization.

Compatibility & Flexible Expansion

Seamless In-situ Integration The system is designed for high compatibility with various imaging platforms, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), optical microscopes, and X-ray diffraction systems, enabling real-time observation of microstructure evolution during mechanical loading.
Modular Environmental Modules It supports a series of interchangeable temperature control modules, allowing users to extend the experimental environment from cryogenic temperatures to ultra-high heat while maintaining exceptional thermal stability.
Versatile Testing Fixtures A wide range of modular fixtures is available for quick switching between tension, compression, three-point bending, and shear modes, catering to diverse sample geometries and research requirements.
Advanced Analytical Synchronization The controller provides dedicated interfaces for synchronization with digital image correlation (DIC) systems and video extensometers, ensuring high-precision, non-contact strain mapping and data fusion.

Specifications

Universal Specifications

These core parameters are standardized across the entire series to ensure consistent high-precision performance and reliability.

Parameter Name	Parameter Details
Purpose	All are specially designed for the collaborative evolution research of material mechanics and microstructure.
Loading Modes	All support constant load (force control), constant displacement rate (displacement control), and programmed cyclic loading modes.
Test Mode Switching	All can switch testing modes such as tension, compression, shear, and bending by replacing special fixtures.
Temperature Control Related	All have temperature control functions (some are optional). The temperature stability is ±0.1℃ for all. Temperature control is achieved through temperature controllers, and the communication interfaces of the temperature controllers are all network ports.
Mechanical Measurement Accuracy	The measurement accuracy of tensile force is 0.5%FS for all.
Configuration Components	The basic configurations all include the platform, temperature controller, mechanical controller, and circulating water machine (there are differences in liquid nitrogen tanks, refrigeration controllers, etc. for some models). There are also optional components, such as adapter plates, customized circulating water machines, and customized temperature control software.

Differentiating Specifications

While the core control logic remains consistent, specific hardware configurations are optimized for different research environments and material requirements.

Load Range Capacity To ensure maximum measurement resolution, loading capacities are tailored to specific material strengths. High-sensitivity models (e.g., 200N) are optimized for soft polymers and thin films, while high-capacity models (2kN to 5kN) are designed for high-strength alloys and structural ceramics.
Temperature Operating Range Systems are engineered for specific thermal extremes. The series offers dedicated configurations for cryogenic and near-ambient research (-20°C to 200°C) as well as specialized units for ultra-high temperature studies (RT to 1000°C), utilizing optimized heating elements and insulation.
Sample Stage Material Stage materials are selected based on thermal and chemical requirements. Copper stages are used for their superior thermal conductivity in low-to-mid temperature ranges, whereas Ceramic stages are utilized for their exceptional structural stability and chemical inertness at ultra-high temperatures.
Dimensions and Form Factor The physical footprint and weight (ranging from 3.2kg to 8.2kg) are adjusted to ensure seamless integration. This allows the stage to fit within various SEM chamber volumes and maintain the necessary clearance for EBSD tilt angles without interfering with the microscope's lens body.

Application

Our Tensile Stages are engineered to bridge the gap between macroscopic mechanical loading and microscopic structural analysis.

VLM-190-200: Low-to-Mid Temperature Dynamics

Polymer & Soft Material Degradation: Investigating low-temperature embrittlement and fracture toughness of polymers and composites at temperatures down to -20°C.
Microelectronics & Solder Reliability: Conducting thermal-mechanical fatigue tests on lead-free solder joints and flexible electronic substrates to observe microcrack initiation.
Biomaterial Characterization: Analyzing the mechanical response of organic tissues or hydrogels under precise displacement control within a controlled thermal environment.
Flexible Electronics Testing: Studying strain-induced resistance changes and delamination of thin-film coatings on flexible polymers.

VLM-RT-1000V: High-Temperature & Structural Research

Aerospace Superalloys & Creep Behavior: Performing in-situ SEM creep testing on nickel-based superalloys at temperatures up to 1000°C to monitor grain boundary sliding and dislocation movement.
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Analysis: Evaluating the anisotropic mechanical properties and dynamic recrystallization of 3D-printed metals under high-temperature loads.
Ceramic & Refractory Material Failure: Observing the brittle-to-ductile transition and crack tip plastic zones in advanced ceramics and refractory coatings.
Phase Transformation Studies: Utilizing In-situ EBSD to capture real-time phase changes and lattice rotation in high-strength steels or shape memory alloys during thermal-mechanical cycling.