The background insulation consists of a 3D-printed PLA (Polyactic Acid) body with an integrated stainless steel disc on the top side, and a thermal insulating block on the bottom side. The stainless steel disc is used to define the pressure point for the sample holder and to distribute the applied force. The thermal insulating block is clamp-fitted into the body, thereby being easily replaceable. It is made of a 20-mm-thick sheet of EPS (expanded polystyrene), but can on request be changed to XPS (extruded polystyrene). The use of XPS can be of advantage when testing a high thermal conducting sample or a sample with a rough surface, as it will require a high pressure between the background insulation and the sample. XPS has a higher compressive strength compared to EPS, but the thermal conductivity is somewhat higher.
The background insulation is designed for use up to 50°C, and is available in two sizes to suit the standard as well as the large version of the sample holder for solids.
- Option 1: For standard version of sample holder for solids
- Option 2: For large version of sample holder for solids
| Temperature range | Up to 50°C |
|---|---|
| Material | |
| Body | PLA, stainless steel |
| Insulation | EPS (or XPS on request) |
| Dimensions (height x diameter) | 32 mm x 64 mm (option 1) 32 mm x 95 mm (option 2) |
| Weight | 43 g (option 1) 76 g (option 2) |