Why TOCS is the only solution you’ll ever need
Rapid measurement delivers thermal conductivity and diffusivity in under five minutes. Unmatched accuracy comes from the 3‑omega method, which simultaneously extracts two key material parameters. A simple, ready‑to‑use system means you spend zero time on calibration and few clicks on the screen. Versatile temperature range lets you study materials from ambient to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius on the same chip.
Watch the demo video to see the 3-omega characterization system in action.
How it works
The system is built around a borosilicate glass chip that is 12 x 12 mm. Three identical 3‑omega sensor structures are embedded in the chip; two meander‑shaped heaters sit on opposite sides. This layout gives you the choice between a homogeneous temperature field or a deliberate gradient, so you can follow curing, phase transitions or temperature‑dependent behaviour on the same sample.
The 3‑omega method drives a sinusoidal current through the heater. The resulting fourth‑harmonic voltage is directly related to the thermal properties of the material in contact with the chip. Because the chip contains two heaters, a bi‑directional model fit can be applied, yielding both conductivity and diffusivity.
The chip holder is a magnetic clip that fits into a rack like a key card. Swapping chips and samples takes only a few seconds, and the measurement software guides you through the whole process with one click.
Key advantages
Speed – sensor analysis is finished in less than a minute; the full diffusivity fit follows shortly after.
Precision – the dual‑heater, tri‑sensor design eliminates edge effects and increases repeatability.
Flexibility – the system works with liquids, gels, pastes and soft solids up to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius.
Ease of use – no soldering, no manual calibration curves, plug‑and‑play.
Cost‑effective – single‑use chips are inexpensive, and the sensor board can be reused many times.
Typical workflow
Place the sample on the chip, insert the magnetic holder into the rack, launch the software and start the measurement with one click. The software automatically fits the bi‑directional model and outputs conductivity and diffusivity. The data can be exported to CSV, PDF or directly to your laboratory database.
Ideal use cases
- Epoxy curing studies – monitor thermal evolution in real time.
- Food gels – measure changes during heating or storage.
- Biomaterials – quick characterization of hydrogels and soft tissues.
- Industrial lubricants – verify thermal performance under process conditions.
Ideal use cases
Epoxy curing studies
Food gels
Biomaterials
Industrial lubricants
Specifications
- Chip dimensions 12 by 12 millimetres.
- Material borosilicate glass.
- Sensors three 3‑omega thermoelements.
- Heaters two meander‑shaped, up to hundred eighty degrees Celsius.
- Temperature range twenty to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius.
- Measurement time five minutes or less.
Software for Windows and Linux, USB‑based. - Consumable cost below fifteen dollars per chip.
Downloads
Ready to accelerate your thermal characterization?
Upgrade to TOCS and turn a complex, time‑consuming measurement into a quick, reliable routine.
Contact us today for a demonstration, pricing or to order your first set of TOCS chips.