Van Vlack Undergraduate Lab
The primary purpose of the Van Vlack Undergraduate Laboratory is to serve the needs of undergraduate students. It is the classroom for MSE laboratory and computational courses, a collaborative space for student projects, and a site to conduct demonstrations and discussions for other MSE courses. The VVUL additionally hosts community outreach events and graduate courses, and the equipment can be used for research when it is not reserved for instructional use.
There are two main areas in the laboratory, each housing different types of equipment.
- The main room contains a wide variety of materials characterization apparatus, including microscopy, mechanical testing, spectroscopy, and x-ray equipment. It also contains a computer laboratory with access to modern materials research software.
- The furnace room contains equipment for sample preparation, including a machine shop, casting and heat-treatment furnaces, and chemical supplies.
Microscopes
JEOL JSM-IT500HR with SE/BSE/EDS
JEOL JSM-IT500HR with SE/BSE/EDS
Scanning electron microscope for secondary and backscatter imaging and EDS elemental analysis/mapping. Voltage range 500V to 30 kV, resolution better than 5nm under ideal conditions, motorized 5-axis stage. Beginner-friendly interface includes automatic focus, stigmation, and contrast/brightness options. Low vacuum mode available for imaging weakly conducting specimens without sputter coating.
DetailsKeyence VHX-S770E Microscope with VHX-7020 Integrated Camera
Keyence VHX-S770E Microscope with VHX-7020 Integrated Camera
Advanced motorized microscope well suited for failure analysis or complex microscopy samples. High definition camera with adjustable ring and coaxial lighting. Three auto-adjusting lenses provide magnification up to 2500x. Ability to set microscope lens at an angle for difficult-to-see features. Equipped software can easily perform 3D mapping, image compilation for large samples, and has Easy Mode for beginner users.
DetailsNikon AZ100 Microscope with Nikon Digital Sight DS-5M Camera
Nikon AZ100 Microscope with Nikon Digital Sight DS-5M Camera
Low-magnification microscope with wide field of view. Recommended for macrophotography applications.
DetailsNikon Eclipse Ci Biological Microscope with DS-Ri2 Camera
Nikon Eclipse Ci Biological Microscope with DS-Ri2 Camera
Upright optical microscope optimized for biological specimens. Fluorescence lamp is available and stage includes a slide holder. Objectives range from 5x to 100x and maximum image capture resolution is 16 megapixels. Onboard Nikon Elements software enables image processing tasks including phase measurement, horizontal and vertical image stitching, 3d mapping, and more.
DetailsNikon Eclipse LV100ND Upright Microscope with DS-Ri2 Cameras
Nikon Eclipse LV100ND Upright Microscope with DS-Ri2 Cameras
General-purpose upright optical microscopes with brightfield and darkfield illumination modes. Polarizers and prisms for Nomarsky/DIC imaging are available. Objectives range from 5x to 100x and maximum image capture resolution is 16 megapixels. Onboard Nikon Elements software enables image processing tasks including phase measurement, horizontal and vertical image stitching, 3d mapping, and more.
DetailsNikon Eclipse MA 200 Inverted Microscope with DS-Ri2
Nikon Eclipse MA 200 Inverted Microscope with DS-Ri2
Inverted optical microscope optimized for metallographic specimens. Objectives range from 5x to 100x and maximum image capture resolution is 16 megapixels. Onboard Nikon Elements software enables image processing tasks including phase measurement, horizontal and vertical image stitching, 3d mapping, and more.
DetailsMechanical Properties
Instron 3382A
Instron 3382A
Load frame for performing uniaxial mechanical tests – tension, compression, bending. Various grips are available and T-slot table allows for custom fixtures. Maximum load 100 kN with less than 1% error in force measurements; clip-on extensometer allows strain measurement to better than 0.5%. Video capture system allows recording of experiments and syncing video data to mechanical data.
DetailsMTS Insight Electromechanical-10 kN Standard Length
MTS Insight Electromechanical-10 kN Standard Length
Load frame for performing uniaxial mechanical tests – tension, compression, bending. Various grips are available. Maximum load 10 kN with less than 1% error in force measurements; clip-on extensometer allows strain measurement to better than 0.5%.
DetailsSonntag Universal Impact Machine
Sonntag Universal Impact Machine
Impact tester used for Charpy impact tests. Only used for class demonstrations, not suitable for research.
DetailsTA×XT-Plus Texture Analyser
TA×XT-Plus Texture Analyser
Small mechanical tester for high-sensitivity, low-force measurements. Force resolution better than 5 grams-force and distance resolution better than 0.01mm. Max load ~300N. Tensile and compression grips available; users may customize their own fixtures or order accessories from the vendor.
DetailsWilson/Rockwell Series 500 Hardness Tester
Wilson/Rockwell Series 500 Hardness Tester
Standard Rockwell hardness tester. Rockwell B and C indenters available. 60, 100, and 150 Kg load forces.
DetailsZwick/Roell DuraScan 20 Microhardness Tester
Zwick/Roell DuraScan 20 Microhardness Tester
Microhardness tester optimized for mounted/polished specimens but can be used with a variety of flat specimen geometries. Capable of Vickers hardness testing from 10g to 60kg, and of Knoop hardness testing from 10g to 2kg. Automatic indent measurement using 10x, 50x, or 100x lenses. Manual stage control with installed micrometers.
DetailsSpectroscopy and Calorimetry
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Discovery DSC 2500)
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Discovery DSC 2500)
Differential scanning calorimeter with 54-position autosampler. Refrigerated cooling system permits measurements between -90°C to 400°C. Integrated software package provides simple method programming, queuing of samples for autosampler, and analysis tools.
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (Discovery DMA 850)
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (Discovery DMA 850)
Analyzer for testing mechanical properties of materials at various temperatures. Ideal for testing soft polymers and thin films. Fixturing includes clamps for tensile testing, dual/single cantilever bending, three-point bending, and a submersion vessel for testing samples in fluid environments. Test temperatures extend from -160°C to 600°C. Integrated software package provides simple method programming and analysis tools.
JASCO FT/IR - 4X Spectrometer with JASCO ATR Pro 4X
JASCO FT/IR - 4X Spectrometer with JASCO ATR Pro 4X
4X spectrometer for probing covalent bond structure of specimens; especially useful for studying organic polymers. ATR stage allows testing of solid, liquid, or powder samples. Software with programmed walkthrough for easy use, along with robust analytical tools.
JASCO V-770 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer
JASCO V-770 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer
Spectrophotometer for investigating sample behavior in the near-IR to UV region. Sample holders for thin films and liquid samples available. Wavelength measurement range extends from 190 to 2700 nm. In-depth spectra analysis software can be used on-site or installed on select user computers.
DetailsRenishaw inVia Qontor Raman Microscope
Renishaw inVia Qontor Raman Microscope
Raman microscope with 532 nm and 785 nm lasers installed. Leica optical system with x5, x20, and x50 objectives. Fully motorized stage with software control. LiveTrack focusing provides 3D mapping and chemical identification of uneven samples. Raman spectra library available to identify samples.
DetailsRigaku Supermini 200 XRF
Rigaku Supermini 200 XRF
X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for measuring elemental composition of specimens. Can accept solid, powder, or liquid specimens. Allows for composition measurement to better than 0.1%.
DetailsX-Ray Diffractometry
Rigaku MiniFlex 600 XRD
Rigaku MiniFlex 600 XRD
A beginner-friendly x-ray diffractometer for performing theta/2-theta scans. Optimized for powder diffraction but can accommodate other specimen types. University radiation safety course and dosimeter paperwork required before training/use. PDXL software for analysis with various databases is available free of charge.
DetailsRigaku SmartLab XRD
Rigaku SmartLab XRD
A versatile and powerful X-ray diffractometer. The Smartlab is highly configurable and allows for a variety of measurement types including theta/2-theta scans, pole figure measurements, small-angle diffraction, and more. Thermally controlled stage for both cryogenic and heated measurements is available. Specimens can be solids, powders, or thin films. University radiation safety course and dosimeter paperwork required before training/use. PDXL software for analysis with various databases is available free of charge.
DetailsSample Prep
AVS-Pillar Casting Furnace
AVS-Pillar Casting Furnace
Open-air melt furnace with hydraulic legs for casting. Crucible can accommodate up to 50 lbs of metal. Usage is reserved for MSE 360/365.
DetailsAVS-Pillar Vacuum Induction Furnace
AVS-Pillar Vacuum Induction Furnace
Custom vacuum furnace for melting/casting of up to 15 pounds of material. Operation up to 1800°C with approximately 15 minute melt time. Vacuum pressures of up to 10-5 Torr with diffusion pump. Multiple casting molds can be placed on the internal rotary table for efficient sample production. Temperature probe, slag breaker, and sample spoon installed on outer shell for internal use.
Carver Hydraulic Press
Carver Hydraulic Press
Manual hydraulic press with thermostatic platens. 12-ton max clamping force with a 6 in2 platen area. Heated platens with thermostat control allow press temperatures between 150-500°F.
DetailsDoAll Band saw
DoAll Band saw
Vertical band saw for general material sectioning. Fence provides brace for straight cuts. Adjustable push arm can be used to set angle of cut on material. Different saw blades are available depending on size of cut and material.
DetailsFisherbrand Digital Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner
Fisherbrand Digital Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner
Basic ultrasonic sample cleaner. Cleaner operates at 40k Hz, with high and low cleaning power settings. Cleaner is equipped with additional heater, up to 80°C, for more effective removal of dirt and oil and degassing function. Programmable timer works from 1 to 99 minutes. Tank dimensions are 5.5” x 9.5” x 4”.
DetailsFurnace, VWR Signature™ Gravity Convection Ovens
Furnace, VWR Signature™ Gravity Convection Ovens
Small, low temperature drying oven. Temperature ranges from 40°C to 240°C. Simple timer to control oven duration.
Haas CNC Machine (VF-1)
Haas CNC Machine (VF-1)
Three-axis milling machine for custom fabrication of test equipment or samples. Capable of producing complex part geometry through milling, drilling, and facing of material. Use of the VF-1 is restricted to lab staff. Users wishing to have parts fabricated should contact Van Vlack staff.
DetailsHummer Sputter Coater
Hummer Sputter Coater
Sputter coater for coating poor or non-conducting samples for SEM imaging. Coats with gold-palladium mixture. Large chamber for coating of multiple small samples or few large samples. Adjustable voltage timer to control deposition thickness.
DetailsLECO MSX205 Sectioning Machine
LECO MSX205 Sectioning Machine
High-powered saw for sectioning of tough samples. Uses abrasive blade with coolant and variable speed control. X-axis control spindle, adjustable table, and vise can be used for exact sample positioning. Downward cutting force controlled by cutting handle.
DetailsLECO MX400 Mounting Press
LECO MX400 Mounting Press
Programmable mounting press with multiple mounting materials. Van Vlack programmed methods available for user’s ease of use. Spacing mounts available to allow two samples to be mounted in one cycle. Standard, conductive, and clear epoxy mounting materials provided by Van Vlack.
DetailsQATM Grinder/Polisher
QATM Grinder/Polisher
Combination grinder and polisher for preparation of metallographic samples. Both single-sample and multiple-sample holders available. Adjustable preset programs for mounted samples, along with hand grinding/polishing mode. Users are required to provide their own consumables (grinding pads, polishing media, etc.).
DetailsRTC 1000 Furnace
ThermoScientific Lindberg/Blue M™ LGO Box Furnace
ThermoScientific Lindberg/Blue M™ LGO Box Furnace
Multi-use programmable lab furnace for general heating. Operating temperatures from 100°C to 1200°C. Multi-step programming provides highly customizable thermal treatments. Flow gas meter included for users requiring inert atmospheres during heating.
DetailsUltimaker S7 3D Printer
Ultimaker S7 3D Printer
FDM printer with dual nozzle functionality. Removable build plate can be flexed to detach parts. Active leveling program to ensure parts are square to build plate. Ultimaker line of filaments with preset parameters available for users. Usage currently reserved for MSE undergraduate classes.
DetailsPhysical Properties
DynaCool Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
DynaCool Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
Quantum Design’s PPMS provides experimentalists the ability to measure electrical, magnetic, thermal and optical properties of materials. The Cryogen Free DynaCool PPMS system can control the sample temperature from 1.8 K to 400 K with a maximum applied magnetic field of 9 Tesla.
Details