Thermal shrinkage tester

Introduction

A thermal shrinkage tester is an instrument used to measure the thermal shrinkage of the materials, such as the films, the textiles, and the other materials, which is the change in the dimensions of the material when it is heated, and it is used in the packaging, the textile, and the many other industries for the quality control and the product development. The thermal shrinkage is measured by the heating of a specimen of the material to a specified temperature, and the measurement of the change in the dimensions, expressed as the percentage of the shrinkage; the thermal shrinkage tester consists of a heating system, such as an oven or a heated bath, a specimen holder, and a measuring system, and it provides a controlled heating, with features such as the temperature control and the timing, and it is used for the testing of the shrink films, for the testing of the shrinkage of the textiles, for the testing of the shrinkage of the plastic films, for the quality control, for the product development, and for many other applications; the thermal shrinkage of the films is important for the performance of the shrink packaging, and the thermal shrinkage of the textiles is important for the care and the fit of the garments, and the tester provides the shrinkage values, with features such as the digital display and the data management; the thermal shrinkage tester is an essential instrument for the testing of the shrink properties. Thermal shrinkage testers are used in the packaging industry, in the textile industry, in the plastic industry, and for many other applications. With their shrinkage measurement, thermal shrinkage testers are essential for the material testing.

Thermal Shrinkage Tester LTST-T2011

Thermal Shrinkage Tester accommodates film samples up to 140 mm × 140 mm in size. It works by placing a film sample inside a heated liquid bath, where the temperature can be controlled ...

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Thermal Shrinkage Tester LTST-T2010

Thermal Shrinkage Tester supports samples up to 140 × 140 mm, making it ideal for film and material testing. This compact tester operates from room temperature to 200°C, ensuring preci...

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Standards

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Thermal shrinkage tester for measuring dimensional change of materials under controlled heating.

2. Heated chamber with precision measurement for shrinkage of fibers, films, fabrics and polymers.

3. Suitable for textile, polymer, packaging, automotive and material science QC and R&D.

4. Includes heating chamber, specimen holder, temperature controller, measurement scale and manual.

5. Measures shrinkage percentage, shrinkage force and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this tester mainly applied to?

A: The thermal shrinkage tester measures dimensional change of fibers, yarns, films, fabrics and polymers when exposed to controlled elevated temperature, used in textile (synthetic fiber quality, heat-setting optimization), polymer film (BOPP/BOPET residual shrinkage, shrink film verification), packaging (food pouch shrinkage during sterilization), automotive (interior fabric stability, wire insulation), and electronics (solder mask and flexible substrate reflow stability). A specimen of known dimensions is heated at specified temperature and time (typically 100-200 C for 15-30 min), then cooled and remeasured; shrinkage (%) = (L0-L1)/L0 x 100. Variants include free shrinkage (oven or liquid bath), constrained shrinkage force measurement, and continuous TMA. Standards: ASTM D2732 (plastic films), ASTM D2102 (yarns), ISO 3383 (textile glass), IEC 60811 (cable insulation).

Q2: What standards does the tester comply with?

A: Complies with ASTM D2732 (free linear thermal shrinkage of plastic films), ASTM D2102 (yarn thermal shrinkage), ISO 3383 (textile glass), ISO 6330/AATCC 135 (fabric dimensional change), IEC 60811 (cable insulation), and GB/T standards. Hardware meets temperature accuracy (+/-1-5 C), uniformity (+/-2-5 C), timer accuracy, and measurement resolution (0.1 mm). For ISO 17025 labs, maintain calibration records (temperature at multiple chamber points, timer, scale, as-found/as-left). Specimen conditioning at 23 C/50% RH is critical for hygroscopic materials before and after testing.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole tester and key components?

A: Whole tester covered 12-24 months. Heating element (2-7 years, burns out at high temp), temperature sensor (3-7 years, drifts), specimen holders/clips (wear, deform), and door gaskets (2-5 years) are consumables. Damage from over-temperature, molten sample residue, door seal failure, or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty and annual calibration service available. Chamber body lasts 10-20 years; controller 5-10 years.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation is straightforward: condition specimens (23 C/50% RH, 24 h), cut to standard dimensions, measure initial L0, heat at specified temp/time (150 C/30 min typical for polyester, 100 C boiling water for some textiles), cool, measure L1, calculate shrinkage. No professional training required for basic use, but proper specimen prep and standard compliance are important. Training 1 day provided. Routine maintenance: clean chamber/holder daily, calibrate temperature monthly, professional calibration annually. Safety: high temperature burns (use gloves), toxic fumes from PVC/fluoropolymer heating (ensure exhaust), fire risk for textiles/films, do not overload chamber.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Calibrate every 6-12 months: temperature at multiple setpoints and chamber locations (uniformity map), timer, and measurement scale with gauge block. Routine: verify temp before each test with certified thermometer, check door seal daily. Recalibrate after move, element replacement, or drift. For ISO 17025/GMP, maintain records and annual uniformity mapping. Temperature at specimen location (not just controller display) is critical.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Specimen holders/clips and heating elements are instrument-specific (use OEM or certified compatible). Calibration thermometers, calipers, and bath fluid (silicone oil, glycerin) are universal lab supply. Long-term cost: occasional element replacement (every 2-7 years), gasket replacement, bath fluid. Low ongoing cost overall.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes type (hot air oven, liquid bath, constrained force tester with load cell, TMA continuous), temp range (to 200/300/500 C), chamber size, specimen capacity, measurement (manual caliper or automated digital/LVDT/vision), shrinkage force load cell, programmable temp profile, data logging, exhaust, and IQ/OQ/PQ validation. Accessories: extra holders, sample cutters, conditioning chamber, heat-resistant gloves, certifications (CE, ISO 9001, IEC 61010).

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes tester, holders, power cord, manual (calibration thermometer not included). On-site installation not required for standard units (unbox, plug in, calibrate, use). Training available at additional cost. For automated/force or GMP systems, on-site IQ/OQ recommended. Always calibrate temperature and run reference material before use.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: Compatible: synthetic fibers/yarns (polyester, nylon, PP), textiles (woven, knitted, nonwoven, carpet), polymer films (BOPP, BOPET, PVC, shrink films), plastics, wire/cable insulation, composites, electronic substrates. Not compatible: materials that decompose/melt at test temp (reduce temp or use TGA), materials releasing toxic fumes without exhaust (PVC HCl, fluoropolymer HF), liquids/pastes, very large specimens, or sub-ambient testing. For hygroscopic materials, condition at 23 C/50% RH. Report shrinkage in each direction (MD/TD, warp/weft) as films/textiles are anisotropic.