Microstamp: Stamps for DIC

We have been developping stamps to apply precise patterns on sample surfaces for local strain measurements using digital image correlation (DIC) during mechanical and thermal testing.

Typically, when local strain measurements are needed in mechanical tests, sample surfaces are marked with spray paint or an airbrush to create a speckle pattern with good gray-level contrast. However, achieving a high-quality speckle pattern can be tedious, user-dependent, and difficult to control or reproduce.

Our goal is to simplify and standardize sample marking, making it accessible to any user. With commercial and open-source DIC software becoming increasingly user-friendly and effective, the key challenge lies in providing high-quality images. This requires not only good cameras, optics, and lighting but also consistent surface marking.

To address the latter, we have developed soft stamps that allow easy and reproducible marking of both flat and curved surfaces. These stamps ensure a consistent pattern, improving measurement reliability. They come with an applicator that requires no special skills to use.

We offer generic rectangular stamps in various sizes, such as 60 × 30 mm² and 80 × 40 mm², with pattern resolutions down to 180 microns in diameter (see Figure below). Additionally, we can create custom stamps tailored to your specific testing needs, including custom dimensions, pattern sizes, and densities.

Microstamp has been succesfully compared to a spray paint speckle during mechanical tests.

Contact: microstamps [ ] gmail . com