MEMS Shared Instrument Group has materials characterization systems available to researchers within Washington University. We also work with outside academic institutions and industry. In this section of the website, you will find details on each instrument available, its accessories and capabilities, and the types of samples and materials that it is best suited to characterize.
ElectroForce
ElectroForce 3200 Mechanical Testing System
The ElectroForce 3200 Fatigue testing system is ideal for low-force dynamic and unidirectional (compression or tension) testing.
For more details on the ElectroForce, please visit the instrument’s page via the button below or link on the right-hand side of the screen.
The ElectroForce System is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231
Instron
Instron 68TM-30 Load Frame
The Instron 68TM-30 Load Frame is a traditional universal testing machine capable of testing materials in compression, tension, or bending. it is ideal for mid-range and high force testing.
For more details on the system please visit the instrument’s page via the button below or link on the right-hand side of the screen.
The Instron system is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231.
HR-20 Rheometer
TA Instruments HR-20 Rheometer
The HR-20 is a rotational rheometer capable of measuring viscosity and viscoelastic properties of liquids, gels, and soft solids in shear.
The HR-20 has 3x the torque sensitivity and 10x the displacement resolution of the AR-G2.
For more details on the HR-20 please visit the instrument’s page via the button below or link on the right-hand side of the screen.
The HR-20 Rheometer is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231.
Piuma Nanoindenter – New!
Optics 11 Life Piuma Nanoindenter
The Piuma Nanoindenter is ideal for studying hydrogels and biological materials. Generally testing is done on the bulk scale (probe radii vary from 10 – 100um), but localized measurements are possible for some materials. Stiffness and time dependent properties can be studied
This system is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231.
Form3+
Form 3+ SLA Printer
The Formlabs Form3+ 3D Printer is a low force stereolithography (SLA) printer available to MEMS SIG Researchers.
Available Resin:
- Clear
- White
Researchers may consider purchasing their own resin and accessories for use on the system, or may request that MEMS SIG expand resin options. Contact lab manager for details and discussion.
This system is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231.
MTS Bionix
MTS 858 Mini Bionix servo-hydraulic test system
The MTS Bionix test system allows for dynamic testing of solids under both axial and torsional loads.
For more details on the MTS system, please visit the instrument’s page via the button below or link on the right-hand side of the screen.
The MTS Bionix System is located in Jubel Hall, Room 231.
Zeiss Confocal
Zeiss LSM 880 Confocal Microscope System
The Zeiss LSM 880 3-Channel Confocal Microscope System is used for live cell imaging and materials characterization.
For more details on the Confocal system, please visit the instrument’s page via the button below or link on the right-hand side of the screen.
The Zeiss Confocal System is located in Jubel Hall, Room 027E.