University new materials labs face a unique dilemma in equipment setup: they need to meet the teaching demo needs of undergraduates and postgraduates (which requires representativeness, operability, and durability) while also supporting cutting-edge research projects (which requires high sensitivity, a wide testing range, and advanced data analysis capabilities).

The recommended setup strategy is a 'pyramid' structure: the base layer should be equipped with a sufficient number of teaching demo devices—for example, 3-5 general-purpose DSCs for undergraduate labs, along with a high-end DSC with modulation capabilities (MDSC) for graduate research. Similarly, for universal testing machines, you can have 2-3 general-purpose units plus 1 high-end unit (equipped with a non-contact extensometer and various fixtures) to meet the gradient needs from teaching to research.

The core layer should select 1-2 'flagship devices' as open shared platforms—for example, a TA Instruments Discovery HR rotational rheometer or a DMA 850 dynamic mechanical analyzer. These devices are not only powerful for research but also serve as key hardware to attract top graduate students and collaborative projects.

The extended layer should be fitted with specialized equipment based on the research group’s focus—for lithium battery research, configure glove boxes and electrochemical workstations; for polymer synthesis, configure GPC; for coatings research, configure QUV aging chambers.

Dehuisci (www.dehuisci.com) has served material schools at universities like Southeast University and has extensive experience in university instrument procurement and configuration planning. For consultation: 0512-67071902.