INSPIRION TCM
Method Overview
Thermal conductivity is a fundamental physical property that defines a material’s ability to conduct heat. It is a critical parameter in material selection, design, and quality control across countless industries. From optimizing the insulating properties of building materials and protective clothing to enhancing the efficiency of heat sinks, electronic components, and thermal interface materials, precise knowledge of thermal conductivity ensures product performance, safety, and energy efficiency. Reliable measurement of this property is essential for R&D, manufacturing, and compliance with industry standards.
INSPIRION Smart TCM Analyzer
The INSPIRION Smart TCM is a versatile, compact, and highly accurate instrument for determining the thermal conductivity of a vast array of materials. Utilizing the proven Transient Plane Source (TPS) method, often referred to as the “Hot Disk” technique, it offers a direct, non-destructive, and rapid measurement solution for solids, liquids, powders, and porous materials without complex sample preparation.
Key Features & Advantages
Universal Application: Single instrument capable of analyzing metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics, fibers, textiles, foams, insulation (mineral wool), glass, wood, cement, paper, cardboard, aqueous solutions, and liquid coolants.
Non-Destructive Testing: Samples remain intact and usable after analysis.
Direct Measurement: Simultaneously determines both thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal diffusivity.
High Precision & Speed: Direct sensor contact ensures excellent metrological characteristics with an accuracy of up to 0.5%. Measurements are completed in just 5 to 160 seconds.
Broad Measurement Range: Covers an exceptionally wide span from excellent insulators to superior conductors: 0.0001 to 300 W/(m·K).
Complete Kit: Includes all necessary accessories (sensors, holders, vials) in the standard package.
Field-Portable: Compact design allows for use in both laboratory and on-site conditions.
The analyzer employs a Hot Disk sensor that acts as both a heat source and a resistance thermometer. The sensor is placed between two sample pieces or immersed in a liquid. A precisely controlled electrical pulse heats the sensor, and the resulting temperature rise is recorded. By analyzing the temperature response over time, the instrument’s software directly calculates the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the material in contact.
Applications
The INSPIRION Smart TCM is designed for compliance and research in numerous fields:
Polymers & Plastics: Determination of thermal conductivity
Construction Materials: Quality control of insulating materials, concrete, bricks, and composites
Textiles & Fibers: Evaluation of thermal properties for protective clothing, technical fabrics, and insulation.
Porous & Foamed Materials: Analysis of insulation boards, sponges, and acoustic materials.
Liquids & Coolants: Characterization of heat transfer fluids, oils, and aqueous solutions at varying temperatures.
Advanced Materials: R&D on composites, ceramics, phase-change materials, and thermal interface materials (TIMs).
Why Choose the INSPIRION Smart TCM?
Unmatched Versatility: One instrument for virtually any material state—solid, liquid, powder, or porous.
Speed & Ease of Use: Get accurate results in minutes with minimal sample preparation.
Exceptional Accuracy: Direct-contact method with digital baseline and constant compensation delivers highly reliable data.
Cost-Effective: Complete, ready-to-use kit eliminates the need for additional accessory purchases.
Expert Support: Backed by the technical and methodological expertise.