Universal Transient Plane Source (TPS) Thermal Conductivity Analyzer for University Research

How the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method differs from other thermal conductivity analyzers

Differences between the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method and other thermal conductivity measurement techniques

2026-04-08 26

Fast Thermal Measurement Heat Transfer Measurement TPS Thermal Conductivity Analyzer

Research on thermally conductive materials in universities is characterized by a high degree of material diversity:
In terms of conductivity range: It encompasses everything from thermal insulators to highly conductive materials.
In terms of physical form: It covers solids, liquids, powders, and even gases.
Since students work on a wide variety of thesis topics, researchers inevitably encounter all these material types. However, since most other thermal conductivity analyzers on the market are often limited to measuring only one specific form of material, a single instrument is rarely sufficient to address the diverse needs of all student projects.

Detail

Different Method	Transient Plane Source (TPS)	Laser Flash	Hot Wire	Plate Method
Measurement Method	Non-steady state	Non-steady state	Non-steady state	Steady state
Properties Measured	Directly obtains thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity	Directly obtains thermal diffusivity and specific heat; thermal conductivity is calculated by inputting sample density	Directly obtains thermal conductivity	Directly obtains thermal conductivity
Applicable Range	Solids, liquids, powders, pastes, gels, particles	Solids	Solids, liquids	Solids
Sample Preparation	No special requirements, simple sample preparation	Complex sample preparation	Simple sample preparation, but specific requirements	Large sample dimensions required
Measurement Accuracy	±3%, best up to ±0.5%	best up to ±10%	best up to ±3%	best up to ±3%
Physical Model	Plane heat source contact measurement, requires good finite contact	Non-contact heat source	Line heat source, requires good contact for line model	Contact heat source, requires good surface contact
Thermal Conductivity Range [W/(m*k)]	0.005-300	10-500	0.005-10	0.005-5
Measurement Time	5-160s	A few minutes	Tens of minutes	Several hours

Research on thermally conductive materials in universities often features material diversity: whether in terms of thermal conductivity range: it includes both insulating materials and thermally conductive materials, or in terms of material form: solids, liquids, powders, and even gases. Given that different students choose different thesis topics, they will inevitably encounter all these types of materials. However, since other models of thermal conductivity analyzers on the market often can only measure materials of a single form, a single instrument would find it difficult to address the diverse needs of all student projects. In addition, the fast testing speed and simple sample preparation of this thermal conductivity analyzer are also very important factors considered by universities.

Technical Specifications:

Test Range: 0.005 - 300 W/(m*K)
Measurement Temperature Range: Room temperature - 130°C
Probe Diameter: Probe No. 1: 7.5mm; Probe No. 2: 15mm
Accuracy: ±3%
Repeatability Error: ≤3%
Measurement Time: 5~160 seconds
Power Supply: AC 220V
Total Power: <500W
Sample Temperature Rise: <15°C
Test Sample Power: Power of Probe No. 1 is 0
Sample Specifications:
- Single sample size for Probe No. 1: 15*15*3.75mm
- Single sample size for Probe No. 2: 30*30*7.5mm

Note: Probe No. 1 is used for measuring thin, low-conductivity materials. If the sample surface is smooth, flat, and adhesive, samples can be stacked.

Machine Dimensions: 50*41*20