Cryogenic qualification services provide quality material evaluations

Precision Measurements & Instruments Corp. (PMIC, Corvallis, Ore., U.S.) identifies its state-of-the-art thermal expansion and thermal conductivity testing — which use liquid helium — as the key to understanding the behavior of materials and components including carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and 3D-printed metals under extreme temperature conditions.

According to PMIC, thermal testing is a vital tool in various industries, from aerospace and automotive to electronics and manufacturing, enabling engineers and researchers to assess how materials respond to temperature changes, and providing crucial data for design optimization and quality control. Subjecting samples to controlled heating and cooling cycles can relate and measure dimensional changes, ensuring their stability and durability.

PMIC says its experience with liquid helium thermal testing is what sets it apart from the competition. One of the coldest substances on Earth, liquid helium enables customers to explore a material’s behavior at temperatures approaching absolute zero (-273.15°C).

The advantages of combining thermal expansion or thermal conductivity testing with liquid helium are many, according to the company. First, it offers an opportunity to investigate the limits of materials, pushing them to extremes and gauging their performance under harsh conditions. By mimicking real-life scenarios of cryogenic temperatures including outer space, PMIC’s testing procedures can uncover potential weaknesses, enabling its customers to enhance their product resilience and reliability.

Second, liquid helium’s low temperature reduces atomic vibrations and slows down molecular movement, providing a unique window into the intricate world of materials at the atomic level. This in-depth analysis helps understand phenomena such as superconductivity, quantum effects, and phase transitions.

PMIC’s team of skilled experts is able guide its customers through the entire process. From sample preparation to data analysis, the company offer comprehensive support and tailored solutions to meet specific needs. Its ISO-accredited 17025 state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced instrumentation and technology, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable results.