Measurement of the dynamic mechanical properties of viscous materials

In microsystems metallic components are increasingly being replaced by those from low-cost polymers. For the thickness measurement of polymers, there is now the DIN standard 32567 available, which describes both, optical and tactile surface measuring methods for the precise measurement of the thickness of polymer layers.

The standard describes methods by which both, the contact force and the tip radius of stylus instruments can be measured, a basic condition for non-destructive precision tactile profile measurements.

From motion sensor to smartphones – many everyday products increasingly contain parts which are made of polymer materials. The desired operation of these components depends not only on the dimensions, often also on the mechanical properties of these materials.

The dimensions can be measured optically or tactilely. However, in the thickness measurement of transparent materials with optical measuring methods, but also in the stylus measurement of coatings on hard substrates systematic deviations of the measured thickness are observed. In tactile methods, the main influencing factors are the probing force and the tip radius.

With viscous materials whose mechanical properties are time-dependent, also different scanning speeds affect the level of systematic deviations. PTB has therefore, in cooperation with other European national metrology institutes, developed a method for correcting these systematic errors, which has been standardized in DIN 32567. In the standard, the main influencing factors are shown for tactile and optical measurements and methods for the estimation, correction and reduction of systematic errors are described.

Contact at PTB

Dr. Uwe Brand, Working Group 5.11 Hardness and Tactile Probing Methods, Telefon: 0531-592 5111, E-Mail: uwe.brand@ptb.de

Further Information

• Brand, U.; Beckert, E.; Beutler, A.; Dai, G.; Stelzer, C.; Hertwig, A.; Klapetek, P.; Koglin, J.; Thelen, R. and Tutsch, R.: Comparison of optical and tactile layer thickness measurements of polymers and metals on silicon or SiO2. Meas. Sci. Technol. 22 (2011) 094021 (14pp)
• DIN 32567 Fertigungsmittel für Mikrosysteme — Ermittlung von Materialeinflüssen auf die Messunsicherheit in der optischen und taktilen dimensionellen Messtechnik. Teile 1 – 5
• Li, Z., Brand, U. und Ahbe, T.: Step height measurement of microscale thermoplastic polymer specimens using contact stylus profilometry. Prec. Eng. 45, 110–117 (2016)

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