Multi-sensor characterization instrument HFM 783 Aspida

single-sensor

Overview
HFM 783 Aspida is a compact heat flow meter for steady-state thermal conductivity testing of insulation and other low-conductivity materials. It measures heat flux through a specimen placed between two temperature-controlled plates and calculates thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal resistance (R) according to Fourier's law. The instrument features Peltier plate control for fast equilibration, an integrated full-color touch display and a service-friendly stainless-steel chamber.

Highlights

• Cost-effective solution for thermal conductivity analysis suitable for quality control and entry-level R&D in the insulation industry.
• Accepts square samples up to 300 mm × 300 mm and thickness up to 100 mm; integrated touch display and intuitive software for simplified operation.
• Wide practical measurement range for low-conductivity materials; plate operation from -10 °C to 70 °C.
• Peltier temperature control with external chiller interface for rapid and stable setpoints.
• Service- and maintenance-friendly design with easy access stainless-steel chamber.

Method
HFM 783 Aspida uses the steady-state heat flow meter method. The specimen is positioned between a hot and a cold plate with a defined temperature gradient. Calibrated heat flux transducers record heat flow Q on one or both sides; the instrument measures sample thickness L (internal gauge or user input) and plate temperatures to compute thermal conductivity λ and thermal resistance R. Calibration with reference standards ensures traceable results.

Measurement principle and operation notes

• Specimen placed between two temperature-controlled plates; controlled mean temperature and ΔT applied.
• Heat flux measured by calibrated area heat flux transducer(s) on one or both sides of the specimen.
• After thermal equilibrium, outputs (heat flux, plate temperatures, thickness) are used to compute λ and R according to Fourier's law.
• Instrument supports motorized plate motion and controlled contact force to handle compressible or irregular samples reproducibly.

Software and data handling
The integrated full-color touch display provides real-time readout of hot/cold plate temperatures, mean temperature, ΔT and heat flux. Built-in measurement methods (time-based tests, stability criteria) ensure repeatable operation. Measurement data and graphs can be exported via USB and reports generated from customizable templates (including templates compatible with ASTM C518). Optional features include automated backups and consolidated Excel-compatible exports for further analysis.

Calibration
Calibration is performed using certified reference materials. NETZSCH supplies factory-certified EPS calibration standards and supports verification with reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1450d). Calibration data can be stored in the instrument software for automated evaluations and traceable documentation.

Applications

• Quality control and R&D for insulation materials, foams, fibrous and textile insulations, vacuum-insulation-panel-related testing and other low-conductivity products.
• Material selection and energy-efficiency studies for building components and thermal systems.

Technical specifications

• Standards: Heat flow meter method according to ISO 8301, ASTM C518, DIN EN 12664, EN 12667, JIS A1412-2; additional product/technique related standards may apply (e.g., EN 13162 / EN 13163 / EN 13164 / EN 13165 / EN 12939 / EN 1946-3).
• Type: Stand-alone instrument with integrated touch display.
• Thermal conductivity range (typical): 0.002 to 0.5 W/(m·K) (performance depends on sample and test conditions).
• Performance (verified with NIST SRM 1450d, 25 mm): Accuracy typically ±1.0 to ±2.0% (ISO 8301 allows up to ±5%); repeatability typically ±0.5% (application-dependent).
• Plate temperature (operation): -10 °C to 70 °C (mean sample temperature range).
• Metering area heat flux transducer: 100 mm × 100 mm.
• Specimen size (maximum): up to 300 mm × 300 mm × 100 mm (L × W × H).
• Chiller system: External chiller interface for stable plate temperature setpoints.
• Plate temperature control: Peltier system for hot and cold plates; rapid heating/cooling and precise control.
• Plate motion: Motorized for thickness adjustment and reproducible contact.
• Plate thermocouples: PT100 sensors.
• Thermocouple resolution: ±0.01 K.
• Variable load / contact force: 0 to 500 N (contact pressure up to ~5.5 kPa, application-dependent).
• Calibration standards: NETZSCH factory-certified EPS standards; compatibility with reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1450d) for verification; EPS standard effective range 8 °C to 40 °C.