Fabricating a Low-Cost, Microscopy-Compatible Mechanical Testing Device.

ABSTRACT: Most commercially-available mechanical testing devices are bulky, expensive, and unable to evaluate changes in sample microstructure under load. This leaves a crucial gap in understanding between material structure and bulk mechanical properties. Our objective was to fabricate a mechanical testing device small enough to fit in most upright or inverted microscopy stages and able to position samples to allow for simultaneous mechanical and microstructural characterization. Parts were 3D printed using the hobbyist-friendly Fused Filament Fabrication technique, then assembled with commercial fasteners and translation components to create a mechanical testing device that utilized the deflection of plastic posts to determine sample reaction forces under applied strain. Video of sample deformatio

SUBMITTER: Mehta SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11308025 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature