Shimadzu Thermal Analysis Instruments 60 Series

Significance of the Topic

The characterization of material thermal properties via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) is essential across research, quality control and industrial development. Precise thermal analysis informs polymer processing, pharmaceutical formulation, adhesive curing and electronic component reliability.

Study Objectives and Overview

This brochure presents the Shimadzu 60 Series thermal analyzers: the DSC-60 Plus and DSC-60A Plus for high-sensitivity calorimetry, the DTG-60/60H/60A/60AH for simultaneous TG/DTA, and the LabSolutions TA software family. It aims to highlight key performance improvements, automation features and software integration that support routine and advanced thermal analyses.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• DSC-60 Plus detector and furnace deliver stable baselines from –140 °C to 600 °C with noise below 0.5 μW, extended ±150 mW calorimetric range and high resolution.
• DSC-60A Plus adds a 24-position autosampler for continuous, unattended screening and automated reporting.
• Optional TM-DSC enables modulation of temperature ramps to separate overlapping thermal events and determine specific heat capacity.
• DTG-60 series employs an X-shaped fulcrum Roberval balance for high-precision TG to 1100 °C or 1500 °C and DTA sensitivity. Programmable atmosphere control allows inert, reactive or vacuum gas flows.
• LabSolutions TA, DB TA and CS software provide intuitive control, automated analysis templates, audit trails, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and networked data management.
• Accessories include flow controllers for gas switching, auto-cooling options (liquid nitrogen or electric), sample sealing presses and a range of sample pans for hermetic, pressure-proof or high-temperature applications.

Key Results and Discussion

Performance data show the DSC-60 Plus accurately capturing glass transitions of NBR rubber, adhesive curing exotherms and protein denaturation at low concentrations. TM-DSC separates reversing and non-reversing heat flow, clarifying overlapping phenomena. The DTG-60 system resolves trace mass changes, e.g. CaC2O4 decomposition and carbon black content in polymers, under precise thermal programs. Autosampling and automatic reporting streamline throughput and reproducibility.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• High sensitivity and stable baselines enable trace thermal event detection critical for advanced polymers and pharmaceuticals.
• Autosampler and automation templates support high-volume screening and consistent QC workflows.
• Multi-mode TG/DTA allows mechanistic reaction studies, material aging assessment and purity analysis without sample pretreatment.
• Software audit trails and database options ensure regulatory compliance in GMP environments.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Integration of temperature-modulated techniques will expand differentiation of complex thermal events and enhance specific heat measurement. Greater automation, AI-assisted data interpretation and cloud-based data management will further improve throughput and remote collaboration. Advances in micro-furnace design and enhanced gas handling will extend the range of reactive environments and ultra-fast heating/cooling protocols.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu 60 Series represents a comprehensive thermal analysis platform combining high-performance DSC, TG/DTA instrumentation with flexible automation and robust software. These capabilities enable accurate, high-throughput thermal characterization for research, product development and quality control across diverse industries.

Reference

No external literature references were provided.