Center of Device Development CeDeD
Center of Device Development CeDeD
Thermooptical measurement with TOM_O2
© Fraunhofer ISC

© Fraunhofer ISC

Measurements on ceramics and glass TOM_O2
© Fraunhofer ISC

© Fraunhofer ISC

TOM_O2
Thermo-Optical Measuring System for Oxidic Applications

Measurements on ceramics


Ceramics are densified and strengthened by sintering. This process controls the quality of the final product – and considerably contributes to production costs. The sintering shrinkage is the most telling indicator for the sintering state. Close monitoring of shrinkage and warping during firing can be used to optimize firing conditions.

Our task

  • Monitoring of the sintering shrinkage without mechanical impact of the measuring device on the samples
  • Recording of any warping or adherence of the sample during sintering even if the sample shape is quite irregular
  • Measuring of creep properties under well defined constant or cyclic loads.

     

Measurements on glass
 

Glass is molten and shaped at low viscosities. Numerous thermophysical data are required on the way from the raw material to the melt to ensure the precise design of the thermal processes. The measuring of thermophysical properties of glass around the softening temperature is particularly difficult.

Our task

  • Determination of the expansion coefficient in the range from low temperature to melting temperature, i. e. around the softening temperature
  • Monitoring of the melting behavior as well as the wetting of refractories and metallic molds by the glass melt at high temperatures

Our solution: TOM_O2

Thermooptical measurement with TOM_O2
© Fraunhofer ISC

TOM_O2 is a follow-up model of its successful predecessor TOMMI with improved performance and more flexibility. It combines a high temperature furnace with an optical dilatometer. The crosslight silhouette of the sample is recorded by a CMOS camera. A special optical system provides distortion free imaging – even if the sample slightly shifts during the heat treatment, e. g. due to thermal expansion.


Dimensional changes of the sample are registered by a purpose-made image analysis software; the sample may be of any shape as long as its complete silhouette remains within the dilatometer window. Measurements are taken once every second so that rapid changes can be registered. Furthermore, melting and wetting phenomena can be investigated by examining the wetting angles and infiltration kinetics.


TOM_O2 is controlled by a standard PC and operated via a comfortable graphical user interface. Besides the data on dimensional changes, single images as well as time-lapsed videos of the thermal treatment can be obtained. The resolution of TOM_O2 is about 0.4 μm with very high reproducibility. It is optionally available with several loading stages and a balance for simultaneous gravimetric investigation of the sample.

Technical Data of TOM_O2

Height x depth x length: 1700 x 700 x 1600 mm
Maximum temperature: 1750 ºC or 1200 °C (GLASS-TOM for glass applications)
Measuring window diameter: adaptable from min 3 mm to max 60 mm
Resolution: 0.4 μm
Optical dilatometer for the control of thermal processes at oxidic atmosphere