IR TOM – Testing Thermal Load Capacity & Thermal Shock Resistance

Refractory materials are required in all equipment that operates at high temperatures or with open flames. From medieval clay ovens to modern steel-melting furnaces, the success of processes critically depends on reliable heat protection. With our IR TOM systems, refractory materials can be precisely tested for their thermal load capacity, enabling industrial plants to operate efficiently and safely.

A key application area is testing resistance to thermal shock, as rapid temperature changes are one of the most common causes of material failure. IR TOM makes it possible to analyze the thermal load capacity of materials under realistic conditions, while simultaneously providing data on temperature profiles, heat conduction, and crack formation.

Our IR TOM systems test materials in a specially designed chamber that can be flooded with different gases. Up to nine samples are held almost contact-free and are heated one after the other in their center until controlled, specific damage occurs. The entire process is monitored visually, acoustically, and via two pyrometers aimed at different areas of the samples. This allows temperature-dependent material changes, crack formation, and thermal reactions to be documented with precision.

With IR TOM, we offer a reliable solution for industry and research to safely, efficiently, and reproducibly test materials for their heat resistance and thermal shock resistance.

Advantages of IR TOM measurements

• Controllable heating and cooling rates for realistic simulation of high-temperature conditions
• Selectable atmosphere, including various gases or vacuum, for flexible testing scenarios
• Complete optical, acoustic, and thermal recordings in chronological order
• Statistically validated results through repeated measurements on multiple samples, instead of single one-shot tests
   

Applications

• Testing of refractory ceramics, glass, and metals
• Analysis of materials in high-temperature processes
• Quality assurance in the steel, glass, and ceramics industries
• Material development for innovative high-temperature applications
   

Contact us

Find out how your materials can be reliably tested and characterized for thermal load capacity with IR TOM. Contact our team of experts for tailored solutions, customized test parameters, and advice on optimal material testing.

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