Benchtop Thermal Conductivity Tester (Heat Flow Method)

Benchtop Thermal Conductivity Tester (Heat Flow Method) is a compact, high-precision testing system designed for measuring thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and interfacial contact thermal resistance of thin thermally conductive and electrically insulating materials. The instrument is fully designed and manufactured in accordance with ASTM D5470-2017. utilizing the steady heat flow method combined with precise temperature gradient measurement. With automated servo-controlled loading, automatic thickness measurement, multi-point temperature detection, and computer-based control, the system enables accurate evaluation of material thermal performance under different pressures and temperatures while saving valuable laboratory space.

Application

The Benchtop Thermal Conductivity Tester is primarily used for thermal performance analysis of thin solid materials and interface materials, including:

Thin thermally conductive solids

Solid electrical insulation materials

Thermal interface materials, such as thermal grease, silicone grease, and resins

Rubber and elastomer materials

Ceramic materials, including beryllium oxide ceramics and alumina ceramics

Metal and composite substrates, such as aluminum substrates and copper-clad laminates

Standard testing is performed on solid sheet samples. With the use of optional frames and sample cells, powdered and paste materials can also be evaluated. The system is widely applied in universities, research institutes, quality inspection laboratories, and manufacturing facilities for material thermal analysis.

Standards

The instrument complies with and references the following international and national standards:

ASTM D5470-2017

Standard Test Method for Thermal Transmission Properties of Thin Thermally Conductive Solid Electrical Insulation Materials

MIL-I-49456A

Insulation Sheet Materials, Thermally Conductive, Resin-Based and Glass Fiber Reinforced

GB/T 5598-2015

Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Beryllium Oxide Ceramics

GB/T 29313-2017

Test Method for Thermal Conductive Properties of Electrical Insulating Materials

Parameters

Features

Fully designed and manufactured in accordance with ASTM D5470-2017

Benchtop configuration with the same testing performance as floor-standing models

Servo motor automatic loading with precise pressure control

Automatic thickness measurement for improved accuracy and repeatability

Six-point temperature gradient detection to enhance measurement precision

Thermal protection structure around the test rod to reduce environmental influence

Measurement of thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and interfacial contact thermal resistance

Capability to generate thermal resistance curves under different pressures and temperatures

Optimized mathematical models for high-conductivity and interface testing

Automatic cold-end temperature compensation without ice-water compensation

Fully automated data acquisition, analysis, and report output

Accessories

Main testing unit

Thermal analysis software (Chinese and English versions)

HX-1008 precision low-temperature constant-temperature water bath (0.01 °C accuracy)

Computer (user-selectable)

Calibration reference samples (2 pieces)

Sample fixtures and accessories (solid sample molds, powder, paste, and grease sample cells)

Test Procedures

Select the appropriate test mode according to material type and test objective.

Place the solid sheet sample between the hot and cold plates.

Install sample frames or test cells when testing powder or paste materials.

Set test parameters, including temperature and pressure, via the software.

Apply pressure automatically using the servo-controlled loading system.

Measure sample thickness automatically before testing.

Record temperature gradients and heat flow data during steady-state conditions.

Calculate thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and contact thermal resistance.

Save, print, and export test results and reports.

Maintenance Information

Keep hot and cold plate surfaces clean and free from contamination

Inspect pressure loading and thickness measurement systems regularly

Verify system accuracy using calibration reference samples when required

Ensure stable operation of the constant-temperature water bath

Store accessories and fixtures properly when not in use

FAQ

1. What types of materials can be tested with the Benchtop Thermal Conductivity Tester?

The Benchtop system is designed for testing thin thermally conductive and electrically insulating materials. Typical materials include thermal grease, silicone grease, resins, rubber, beryllium oxide ceramics, alumina ceramics, metals, aluminum substrates, copper-clad laminates, and composite materials. Solid sheet samples are tested directly, while powdered and paste materials can be evaluated using optional frames and dedicated sample cells. This flexibility allows the system to cover a wide range of thermal interface and insulation applications.

2. What thermal parameters can be obtained from a single test?

The instrument can measure thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and interfacial contact thermal resistance. By performing tests under different pressures and temperatures, thermal resistance curves can be generated. With optimized mathematical models and six-point temperature gradient detection, the system provides reliable analysis of both material heat transfer behavior and interface thermal performance, supporting detailed evaluation of thermal management materials.

3. How does the instrument control pressure during testing?

Pressure is applied automatically using a servo motor control system with a range of 0–1000 N and a control accuracy of 0.1 N. The pressure value can be precisely set and maintained throughout the test, ensuring stable contact conditions. This capability is essential for accurate contact thermal resistance measurement and for studying pressure-dependent thermal behavior of materials.

4. Is ice-water compensation required for cold-end temperature control?

No. The Benchtop Thermal Conductivity Tester uses an automatic cold-end temperature compensation system. This design eliminates the need for traditional ice-water compensation, improving operational convenience and maintaining stable temperature control during testing.