08.01.2025 by Aileen Sammler
Introducing the New NETZSCH LFA 717: Precision Redefined in Thermal Conductivity Measurement
At NETZSCH, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation in thermal analysis. Today, we are proud to announce the launch of the NETZSCH LFA 717 HyperFlash®, a state-of-the-art laser/light flash system, designed to deliver unparalleled precision in Thermal DiffusivityThermal diffusivity (a with the unit mm2/s) is a material-specific property for characterizing unsteady heat conduction. This value describes how quickly a material reacts to a change in temperature.thermal diffusivity/Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity measurement. Whether you are working with solids, liquids, or even multi-layer samples, the LFA 717 instrument offers a versatile and time-efficient solution tailored to your needs.
How Does Laser/Light Flash Analysis Work?
Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature. Thermal conductivity can be measured by a variety of methods including heat flow meters, guarded hot plates, transient source techniques, and laser flash instruments. Among these, the laser flash technique stands out for its speed and adaptability to multiple applications.
The principle is simple, but powerful: A short energy pulse heats one side of a small sample. The temperature rise on the opposite side is recorded over time. Using this data, the system calculates the Thermal DiffusivityThermal diffusivity (a with the unit mm2/s) is a material-specific property for characterizing unsteady heat conduction. This value describes how quickly a material reacts to a change in temperature.thermal diffusivity, which, combined with the sample’s Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.specific heat capacity and DensityThe mass density is defined as the ratio between mass and volume. density, determines its Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity. This efficient method provides accurate results in a fraction of the time required by conventional techniques.
Two Versions to Meet Every Need
The NETZSCH LFA 717 HyperFlash® is available in two versions, each optimized for specific temperature ranges and applications:
- Standard Version: Covers a wide temperature range from -100°C to 500°C, ideal for a variety of materials. Its automatic sample changer (ASC) accommodates up to 16 samples simultaneously, enhancing sample throughput.
- High-Temperature Version: The LFA 717 HyperFlash® HT instrument operates above 1200°C, allowing for the analysis of metals in their molten state. This makes it an excellent choice for high-temperature applications requiring robust performance.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Durable Xenon Flash Lamps
Both versions are equipped with a xenon flash lamp, renowned for their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. Positioned close to the sample, the lamp provides sufficient energy to ensure reliable measurements.
2. Innovative Furnace Design
The LFA 717 instrument uses:
- A flat plate furnace in the standard system.
- Mini-tube furnaces in the high-temperature system, significantly improving temperature stability and minimizing convection effects.
These features allow up to 10 temperature steps in just one hour, drastically reducing measurement times.
3. Advanced Detection and Measurement
Temperature changes in the sample are detected by highly sensitive infrared detectors (InSb and MCT), covering both high and low-temperature ranges. This non-contact detection method eliminates thermal Contact ResistanceAccording to the second law of thermodynamics, heat transfer between two systems always moves in the direction from higher to lower temperatures. The amount of thermal energy transferred by heat conduction, e.g., through a wall of a building, is influenced by the thermal resistances of the concrete wall and the insulation layer.contact resistance and avoids unwanted sample-sensor interactions.
4. Versatile Sample Handling
The NETZSCH LFA 717 HyperFlash® is designed to handle an impressive variety of sample types, including solids, liquids, powders, fibers, foams, and even molten materials. The system accommodates square or round samples with diameters ranging from 6 mm to 25.4 mm, offering unparalleled flexibility.
Whether you're analyzing transparent materials, multi-layer composites, or even in-plane properties, the instrument’s intelligent software keeps every application covered. Advanced calculation models tailored to specific material types yield precise and reliable results – regardless of complexity.
5. Intelligent Proteus® Software and Calculation Models
The LFA 717 is powered by an intelligent software equipped with specialized models for a variety of applications. This ensures accurate Thermal DiffusivityThermal diffusivity (a with the unit mm2/s) is a material-specific property for characterizing unsteady heat conduction. This value describes how quickly a material reacts to a change in temperature.thermal diffusivity calculations for materials such as transparent samples, multi-layer composites, oils, and more.
Enhanced Usability
The NETZSCH LFA instrument offers several advanced features for seamless operation:
- Pulse Correction: For highly conductive materials
- Vacuum-Tight Chambers: Enables defined atmospheres to prevent OxidationOxidation can describe different processes in the context of thermal analysis.oxidation
- AutoVac System: Simplifies chamber evacuation for quick and hassle-free measurements
- Pulse Mapping: Optimized measurements for thin samples
Why Choose the NETZSCH LFA 717?
The LFA 717 HyperFlash® is not just a new instrument; it’s another big step forward in Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity analysis. Here’s a quick summary of its standout features:
- Long-lasting xenon lamp.
- Comprehensive temperature range in a single system.
- Time-saving mini-tube furnaces and an ASC* for 16 samples.
- Advanced calculation models and sample holders for diverse material types.
- Vacuum-tight chambers and robust software for precise results.
*ASC automatic sample changer
To the products:
Redefine Thermal Analysis with NETZSCH
With the launch of the NETZSCH LFA 717, we are setting a new benchmark for accuracy, efficiency, and versatility in the determination of Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity. Whether you’re studying high-temperature molten metals or delicate polymers, the LFA 717 instrument delivers results you can trust.
