ElectroForce™ Apex 1 Instrument

Overview

ElectroForce™ Apex 1 Instrument empowers scientists, engineers, and technicians to assess mechanical properties through monotonic tests, fatigue studies, and other material characterization methods. The instrument provides an increased motor stroke range of 100mm and a displacement sensor with 1 nanometer resolution that exceeds ASTM E2309 Class A standards. Its dynamic performance covers a frequency range of < 1Hz to > 100Hz and a displacement range from microns to 100mm, and it is available in three configurations: axial tabletop, axial floor standing, and axial torsional floor standing. DMA capability spans -150 to 350 °C and 0.01 to 100 Hz when properly equipped. Control and sensor technologies include TuneIQ and SmartSwap™ Technology, and the system incorporates features such as an integrated motor brake, crosshead lock sensing, setup mode, automated control system tuning and data acquisition, System Status Indicator, friction-free motor design, and sample break detection that immediately stops the motor when a fracture is detected. The Apex 1 can complete fatigue testing up to 30% faster according to the product information. Perform monotonic testing, fatigue studies, and general material characterization on high performance and lightweight polymers and composites, including tensile, fatigue, and DMA testing. Execute DMA-specific measurements and analyses such as complex moduli (E*, G*), storage and loss moduli (E', E", G', G"), damping (tan δ), glass transition and secondary transitions, frequency effects, creep and recovery, stress relaxation, time-temperature superposition, impact strength, composition and phase separation, effects of fillers and additives, aging, and Mullins effect. Use environmental accessories (ovens and baths) and clamps, compression platens, bend fixtures, and optional sensors (including low force, submersible testing, and direct strain measurement) to evaluate samples under a wide variety of conditions, including temperatures that simulate the human body for biomaterials and medical device research, while benefiting from guided workflows, automated setup, and TuneIQ control to reduce operator training and setup complexity.