CTE Tester - Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What range of temperatures can the CTE-360 use to measure thermal expansion?

Answer: The CTE-360 can take measurements from -30°C to 100°C.

Question: What is the recommended sample size and shape for the CTE360 tester?

Answer: Material samples should be formed into a solid cylindrical shape. The recommended length is about 2 inches, but can range from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches long.  The cylinder diameter should be no greater than 0.5 in (12mm). Expansion of flat solid materials and liquids can also be tested with the use of our Thin Sample Holder.  Liquids and pastes as well as phase change materials can be tested with the use of our Liquid Sample Holder.

Question: How can I measure the thermal expansion of flat sheet-like materials?

Answer: When testing very thin samples, our thin sample adapter can be used to hold the material inside the circular tube-shaped test chamber.

Question: How long do tests take?

Answer: Test durations vary greatly based on individual material properties. The duration of a test is determined by how low a given material takes to get to reach a thermal and mechanical equilibrium.

Question: How many temperature points should I specify when testing a material?

Answer: A minimum of two temperatures must be selected to measure the material thermal expansion between them. However, WinCTE allows up to 9 temperatures to be selected for consecutive thermal expansion measurements. Additional temperature points can be useful to better define a material's CTE in steps rather than by simply looking at the linear average between two points. Additionally, repeated cycling between two temperature points allows you to see how a material behaves after its internal stresses have been released.

Question: What are the calibration requirements of the CTE tester? 

Answer: The CTE Tester should be calibrated once every 6 months. Instrument calibrations can be conveniently performed "in-lab" without ever moving the unit. Calibration is a user-friendly, 10-minute procedure using just the provided Thermocouple Calibrator and WinCTE Software. During calibration, the TC Calibrator provides automatic calibration of the internal CTE test vial temperature control, in conjunction with WinCTE cal-routines and a USB communication link. WinCTE also provides complete help files and on-screen instructions for all aspects of instrument calibration. The TC Calibrator should be sent out for yearly calibration and re-certification by Analysis Tech.

Question: Is a reference material sample provided with the tester?

Answer: Yes. One prepared reference sample, of 6061 Aluminum, comes included with the tester. This reference sample can be tested at any time to confirm the accuracy and consistency of the CTE Tester operation. Reference samples are tagged with the sample's expansion characteristics, and sample length. Please contact Analysis Tech to purchase additional reference sample materials.