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Test Ovens
Several ovens are used for extended time testing of magnets and assemblies at temperatures from -40 to 180 degrees centigrade. Additional ovens are available for testing at ambient to 250 degrees centigrade. Two ovens also allow testing in a vacuum or process gas.
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T&H Chamber
A T&H chamber allows testing of powder, magnets, and assemblies in a hot and humid environment. Typical test conditions are 85 degrees centigrade and 85 per cent relative humidity. Measurements include weight loss, weight gain, visual observation of corrosion, and loss of magnetic or physical strength.
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Tensile Test
The tensile tester can be configured to test in tension or in compression. It has also been used to measure peel strength of glued surfaces.
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Sample Preparation
In addition to the slice and grind capability for the preparation of samples, samples for microscopic examination are prepared on Buehler automated sample mounting, grinding, and polishing equipment.
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Particle Size Analysis
Powder is analyzed by one of three techniques. Semi-coarse, non-permanent magnetic powder is analyzed using the L&N Microtrac particle size analyzer shown here. Finer magnetic powders are analyzed either with a Fisher Sub-Sieve Sizer or with a Beckman Coulter Counter laser gauging system.
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Optical Microscopy
The Microscopy Lab contains three systems. Two optical, metallurgical microscopes, a Nikon and a Zeiss, are connected to an image analysis and printing system. Viewing capability is from 100 to 1000x. A scanning electron microscope has recently been upgraded to include EDX capability for microanalysis. The SEM is also connected to an image analysis system.
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Pulse Magnetizers
Several pulse magnetizing units are available within the Center and the local factory. All are capable, with existing fixtures, of generating 35 to 90 kOe (3.5 to 9.0 Tesla) fields in solenoids of 1 to 4 inches inside diameter. Fixtures are made for prototype magnet processing and testing including multiple poles, axial and radial orientation magnetizing. An adjacent, well-staffed machine shop provides 48-hour turn-around on prototype magnetizing and test fixtures.
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Magnetic Hysteresigraphs
The Technology Center has two hysteresisgraphs: one designed for high fields (up to 32 kOe) and another for high frequency and low field strength. The high field hysteresisgraph, running on Windows 95, is capable of performing complete loops (four quadrants) at room temperature. The use of a temperature stage allows testing from –40 to 300 degrees centigrade. Testing can be performed using search coils or with embedded coils. Embedded coils allow measurement of irregularly shaped magnets.
The high frequency Hysteresisgraph is primarily used for testing soft magnetic core products (toroids) at frequencies from 50 Hz to 1 megahertz. It also has the capability of measuring strip alloy using a special fixture.
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Field Mapping
Several computerized systems are available for mapping the magnetic field around magnets and magnetic systems in both rotary and X-Y-Z methods. Precision probes and equipment make exacting measurements possible.
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Library
The Center library contains many hundreds of volumes relating to alloys and magnetic materials. Some of the books are of historic interest, while others represent the latest information on new technologies and materials. Subscriptions to numerous trade publications provide timely updates. Library reference materials supplement personal engineering resources.
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