CTE Tester Thin Sample Holder

The Thin Sample Holder is used to measure the coefficient of linear thermal expansion or in-plane thermal expansion of thin, sheet-like solid materials.  This fixture is compatible with the Analysis Tech CTE-360 Coefficient of the Thermal Expansion Tester, and is comprised of two-piece, high conductivity metal sabot around the thin sample in the CTE-360 Tester test chamber.

The test method for thin sample testing follows the same ASTM 696 and ASTM E228 test standards, but with the addition of this sabot for maintaining consistent sample-orientation and position during testing.  The sabot also prevents sample bending and warpage without impeding the expansion and contraction of the sample.

The thin sample must be sufficiently stiff to avoid bending in over a 1 mm unsupported length beyond the ends of the sabot. Therefore it does not work on very thin flexible samples, such as like 5 mil polyethylene for example.

The CTE-360 Tester can also be used to measure any solid material as well as some viscous liquid materials with the Liquid Sample Holder.