Comparing Thermal Conductivity Methods

Compare Method	Modified Transient Plane Source	Transient Line Source	Transient Plane Source	Guarded Hot Plate / Heat Flow Meter	Laser Flash Diffusivity
SPEED & FLEXIBILITY
Sample Preparation	None Required	None Required	Some	Extensive	Extensive
Testing Time	Seconds	Minutes	Minutes	Hours	Hours
Training Time	Minimal	Minimal	Significant	Moderate	Moderate
Non-Destructive	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Method Development
ASTM/ISO Standards	ASTM D7984, WK50791, WK43689	ASTM D5334, D5930, IEEE442	ISO-22007-2	ASTM C518, C177	ASTM E1461, E2585
RANGE
k-Range (W/mK)	0 – 500	0.1 – 6	0 – 100 (100 – 500 requires Cρ)	0 – 2	0 – 500 (requires density & Cρ)
SAMPLE CONFIGURATION
Minimum	0 – 500	80 ml	Two Identical Samples	6” x 6” (150 x 150mm)	0.5” diameter (12.4mm) 0.004” thick (1mm)
Maximum	Unlimited (17mm)	Unlimited	Two Identical Samples Unlimited	24” x 24” (600 x 600mm)	0.5” diameter (12.4mm) 0.004” thick (1mm)
Material Testing Capability	Solids, Liquids, Powders, Pastes	Granular Materials, Powders, Slurries, Gels, and Pastes	Solids, Liquid	Solids	Solids
Isotropic & Anisotropic Materials	Yes	No	Yes (Requires Cρ and Density)	No	Yes
Heterogeneous Materials	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
PRICING	$$-$$$	$	$$$	$$$	$$$$