Thermal conductivity is a key performance indicator in the development of heat-conducting materials, electronic packaging materials, insulation materials, and composites. But many engineers, when choosing a thermal conductivity tester, only focus on the "thermal conductivity range" and overlook the decisive impact of the testing method on the results—different methods suit different types of materials, sample forms, and temperature ranges.

There are four mainstream thermal conductivity testing methods on the market: Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) is the most versatile method; it measures thermal diffusivity and then converts it to thermal conductivity using specific heat and density. It’s suitable for solid materials and has a wide temperature range (RT to 1500°C), making it the top choice for new material development. The Transient Plane Source (TPS) method can directly measure thermal conductivity, requires simple sample preparation, and works for solids, liquids, powders, and pastes—perfect for QC settings. The Heat Flow Meter method is suitable for medium- to low-conductivity materials (like polymers and insulation) and follows the ASTM E1530 standard. The Guarded Hot Plate method is the gold standard for insulation materials, offering the highest accuracy but longer testing times.

Dehuisci (www.dehuisci.com) represents thermal conductivity tester brands like TA Instruments and Netzsch, covering LFA, TPS, Heat Flow Meter, and more. They can recommend the best solution based on material type and testing standards. Contact us at 0512-67071902.