Thermal Conductivity Instruments
LFA / THB / TIM-Tester / HFM and many more
The most common way to measure thermal diffusifity will be the well known Laser flash method (LFA). Here a sample is pulsed with a Laser and an IR detector on the opposite detects the temperature rise of the sample, what leads to the thermal diffusifity. If the density and specific heat capacity are known, the thermal conductivity can be calculated.
The TIM-Tester is our new instrument for the analysis of thermal interface materials like thermal fluids, thermal pastes (greases), phase change materials (PCM), solders or resilient thermal conductors. The TIM-Tester measures the thermal impedance of sample materials and identifies an apparent thermal conductivity.
The LFA process is extremely useful for gauging the quality and capabilities of materials such as the ceramic used in automobile brake systems or rocket engines. Another common application for this technology is in the chemical industry, where LFA is utilized to determine the conductivity of silicone oils and sodium nitrate. These are used as electrical insulators and phase change materials for storing and releasing thermal energy.
The heat flow meter (HFM) is a special instrument for quality control in factories. It needs bigger sample sizes but can measure the thermal conductivity with highest accuracy, using an exact controlled temperature gradient.
For thin film samples and micro samples, known from the computational industries, there are also the new thin film laser flash (TF-LFA) and thin film analyzer (TFA), that can measure the desired thermal conductivity and diffusivity with highest precision as well.
The Transient Hot Bridge method (THB) is made for solids, liquids and pastes and gives the thermal conductivity as direct result of the measurement with high accuracy within a few minutes. It is suitable for isolating materials as well as conducters like metals.
The LINSEIS Thermal Conductivity instruments operate in agreement with national and international standards such as ASTM E1461, DIN EN 821, BS EN 1159-2, ASTM C714, ASTM C518, ISO 8301, DIN EN 12667 EN 12 and ASTM D5470.
Linseis has become the global leader in thermal conductivity instrumentation — including thermal conductivity meters — because of our devotion to innovation and uncompromising standards. To learn more about what we have to offer, browse our product listings or get in touch with us today with any questions you may have.
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Measurement and Sample Overview
Below you will find an overview of the different measuring instruments for thermal conductivity. This should serve as an orientation. If you have any questions about a measurement or a material, please feel free to send us a message using the contact form at any time.
Green: measurement is possible
Yellow: measurement is probably possible
Grey: measurement is not possible
| Model | LFA | TIM-Tester | THB | HFM | TFA | TF-LFA |
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| Info | Most universal tool | For thermal interface materials | For fast and easy measurements | For insulating materials | Thin films on Linseis chip | For nm to μm films |
| Measurement | ||||||
| Thermal Conductivity | |
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| Thermal Diffusivity | |
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| Specific Heat Capacity | |
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| Thermal Resistivity | |
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| Defined Pressure on Sample | |
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| Atmosphere | |
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| Temperature range | -125 to +2800°C | -20 to +300°C | -150 to +700°C | -40 to +90°C | -170 to +300°C | -100 to +500°C |
| Price | $$ – $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
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| Paste | |
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| Thinfilm | |
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