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HDT VICAT 500 ALOXIDE: CEAST leap frog technology in HDT VICAT testing

A revolutionary instrument that allows HDT/VICAT testing at temperatures as high as 500°C in a safe and user-friendly environment.

The parameters normally used to characterize the high-temperature mechanical behavior of polymers are Young Modulus, Deflection Temperature and Softening Point; HDT and Vicat tests usually evaluate these parameters.
Currently, technology allows mechanical tests at temperatures up to 300÷315°C by specimen immersion in a thermo-regulated oil bath to be performed without any problems. In recent years, however, polymer industries have been developing a new class of techno-polymers (PAEK, PEK, PEEK, PEKK) able to withstand, without melting, temperature values over 500°C; hence the need of developing new technologies suitable to characterize such materials.
The HDT VICAT 500 ALOXIDE is CEAST's reply to this new challenge.
Based on an innovative heating system, this instrument represents a revolutionary change in equipment of its kind.
Powerful and easy-to-use, the HDT VICAT 500 ALOXIDE avoids all the environmental issues related to silicon oil use thanks to a new aluminum oxide heating system.
At present, no known oil exists able to easily withstand temperatures above 300°C without burning. The HDT VICAT 500 ALOXIDE uses a micronized aluminum oxide “fluidized” bed as the heat transfer medium, assuring automatic air flow regulation and the best temperature uniformity through its Auto Air System. The instrument can perform mechanical measurements at temperatures up to 500°C.