MCT-W Series
Micro Compression Testing Machine

The Shimadzu micro compression testers MCT-W Series evaluate the strength of micro components, micro particles generated in powder processing and fine fibers used in new materials. As production of spherical micro powder particles with diameters from several microns to several 100pm becomes possible with the advancements in metal and ceramic powder manufacturing technologies, it has become necessary to evaluate their characteristics. Fine fibers used in composite materials, as well as various other micro materials, also need to be evaluated for their compression characteristics. The Shimadzu MCT-W Series is just the right micro compression tester to meet strength-evaluation needs in the fields of micro particles and fine fibers. Evaluates Compression Strength of Various of Micro Specimens Powders, which easily condense and lose fluidity due to their lack of momentum and also disperse easily, are extremely difficult to handle. Particle size enlargement to increase the apparent momentum is a common method to combat this problem. The enlarged particles should not break apart during transportation but have to be easily decomposed to the original particles when, for example, mixed into polymer materials. In other words, they have to be processed to break under a specific load. 0 The MCT-W Series, capable of compression characteristics evaluation for each particle, is also ideal for the evaluation of enlarged particles.

A Design with Simplicity in Mind

Micrometer - Optical Head
This unit measures the size of the specimen. The specimen is sandwiched by two indicators to enable measurement up to 200µm at an increment of 0.1µm (when the x5O objective lens is used). The measured dimension is displayed on the PC screen where it can be further processed to calculate and display the strength of the specimen.

Objective Lenses
The standard x50 and optional x100 lenses are available for length measurement. For observation, the standard x10 and optional x20 lenses are available. The test point is selected with the micrometer and that point is shifted to just below the indenter. The click-stop mechanism ensures accurate positioning of the specimen. The positioning accuracy is within ± 5µm (an accuracy of ± 0.2µm can be achieved with careful handling).

Vertical Stage Shift Handle 
The stage is smoothly shifted with this single handle.

Loading Unit
The test force range is from 9.8 to 4900mN or 1960mN. The electromagnetic method ensures highly precise loading. The red lamp (RUNNING) is lit during loading. The green lamp (READY) indicates that the operator can touch the indenter with safety.

Loading Status Indication Lamps

Compression Displacement Detector
A detector is configured in the upper section of the indenter to accurately measure the compression displacement.

Indenters
The following indenters are available:

• 50µm diameter flat indenter
• 500µm diameter flat indenter (optional)
• 115° triangular pyramid indenter (optional) (The triangular pyramid indenter is used for tests where the specimen is larger than 500µm and cannot be broken at a test load of 4900mN.)

Lower Pressure Plate Vise
This ergonomically constructed vise firmly secures the lower pressure plate. This stage can be shifted over a range of 25mm in the X-Y directions. It can be moved in increments of 0.0lmm with the standard micrometer. A digital micrometer is also available as an option.