Equipment
TA Instruments Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
The DMA can provide forces up to 50N, at frequencies of 0.1 to 200Hz. The VAMOS Lab DMA also includes a Gas Cooling Accessory (GCA) which is cooled using liquid nitrogen. Relevant environment testing is from -150C to 200C.
The DMA is available for use by OSU researchers and collaborators on active grants and can be used for a fee for external researchers.
MicroSLA DLP 3D Printer (aka "Crush")
Resin-based Digital Light Process (DLP) 3D printer. Can generate micron-scale objects with 15µm resolution in the X&Y-axis and 5µm in the Z-axis.
Able to perform grayscale and field-assisted 3D printing of functional resin systems.
Mark-10 Mechanical Tester
The Mark-10 tensile tester is a materials-test frame which can accommodate a wide range of mechanical testing modes, including uniaxial tension, compression, flexural/bending, and fiber-based pull tests. It supports interchangeable grips and fixtures (for example wedge, clevis, fiber-specific grips) and force sensors capable of both tension and compression measurement. The frame, in conjunction with the control panel and force-sensor network, enables automated acquisition of force/displacement (or extension) data, generation of stress–strain curves, peak and yield determinations, and repeatable testing under controlled rates. The Mark-10 is well suited to test samples ranging from soft elastomers and polymeric films, through fibers and yarns, to rigid components and composites.
The Mark-10 is available for use by OSU researchers and collaborators on active grants and can be used for a fee for external researchers.
Vibration Tester
The vibration tester, from The Modal Shop, provides a vibration test platform capable of uniaxial excitation up to 500 lbf (≈ 2.2 kN) peak sine force. The system supports a nominal frequency range up to approximately 4,500 Hz, with a full peak-to-peak stroke of 1.0 in (≈ 25 mm). A large 6 in (152 mm) diameter mounting table, with internally-threaded fixtures, accommodates a wide range of test articles. The armature suspension uses composite materials to deliver high lateral and rotational stiffness while maintaining compliance on the motion axis so that full stroke is achieved. The amplifier is a compact digital switching design (2050E12-7) that requires only single-phase power, simplifying facility power requirements.
The Vibration Tester is available for use by OSU researchers and collaborators on active grants and can be used for a fee for external researchers.
Custom 3-axis Motion Platform (aka "Rockstar")
A custom-built 3-axis motion stage, primarily used for direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing, was developed in-house using high-precision Aerotech motion stages, controllers, and brushless servo motors, providing sub-micron positioning resolution (<1 µm) across three translational axes. The open-architecture control system enables fully programmable motion profiles, synchronized multi-axis coordination, and integration with external sensors or dispensing systems. This platform supports not only additive manufacturing of functional inks and soft materials but also serves as a flexible testbed for custom motion control experiments, process monitoring, and hybrid manufacturing toolpath development.
The Rockstar is available for use by OSU researchers and collaborators on active grants and can be used for a fee for external researchers.
