Light/Laser Flash Analyzers

For measuring 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 and 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

Understanding 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 is critical to material selection for various applications. Insulation materials require low 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, while heat sinks require high conductivity for effective heat dissipation. In industrial processes such as casting and welding, 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 affects the movement of heat, affecting efficiency and quality. In addition, 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 is critical in rapid heating and cooling scenarios where heat transfer varies over time. 

One accurate, reliable and elegant solution to measure 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 and 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 is offered by the Flash/Laser Method. NETZSCH offers three models that cover the entire spectrum of materials and temperatures. 

Our Laser/Light Flash Analyzers

Explore the range of NETZSCH LFA instruments

LFA Accessories

Sample holders and accessories for NETZSCH LFA instruments 

Many different sample carriers are available. We will be happy to advise you on the selection of the right type and material for your specific application. In addition to the standard round and square sample holders, our range also includes sample holders for pastes and powders, liquid samples, in-plane measurements and thin films.

Principle of the LFA Method

Schematic of LFA 717 Hyperflash

An Efficient Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity

Laser/Light Flash Analysis: The light flash method, also known as the laser flash method, measures thermal diffusivity and conductivity by applying a short, intense pulse of energy to one side of a sample. This pulse heats the surface, causing a transient temperature rise that is monitored by an infrared detector on the opposite side. The time-dependent temperature rise is recorded, allowing thermal properties to be calculated based on the rate at which heat diffuses through the material. This method is fast, non-destructive, and effective on a wide range of materials.

Key Benefits of NETZSCH LFA instruments

The LFA 717 Hyperflash series is an essential tool for accurate thermal conductivity analysis in a variety of applications.

  • Durable Xenon lamp: Provides long-lasting performance for consistent results.
  • Wide temperature range: Operates effectively over a wide temperature range in a single setup.
  • Pulse Correction: Optimized for highly conductive materials to improve measurement accuracy.
  • Vacuum-tight design: Maintains defined atmospheres to prevent OxidationOxidation can describe different processes in the context of thermal analysis.oxidation and ensure sample integrity.
  • Time Efficiency: Utilizes mini tube furnaces and an Automatic Sample Changer (ASC) to process up to 16 samples simultaneously.
  • Advanced calculation models: Equipped with the latest models and a variety of sample holders for precise measurements on a wide range of materials.
  • Short Pulse Lengths: Facilitates pulse mapping for thin samples, improving measurement accuracy.
  • Autovac function: Streamlines operation under controlled atmospheres for quick and easy use.

Different Types of NETZSCH Light/Laser Flash Analyzers (LFA)

NETZSCH Light/Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) is an accurate, reliable, and elegant solution for measuring thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. This innovative approach effectively addresses the challenges of understanding and managing heat transfer.

Low-Temperature Light Flash Instrument


The low-temperature LFA 717 HyperFlash® is specifically designed to measure thermal conductivity well below ambient up to 500°C. This device is ideal for analyzing thermal conductivity in solids like metals, polymers, ceramics, but also specimens in liquid form like water, oil, tar, honey or liquid polymers and metals.

Applications:

  • Solid materials: Polymers, metals, ceramics
  • Pastes and powders: Metal powders, greases, resins
  • Low viscous liquids: Water, oil, tar, honey
  • Anisotropic materials: Fiber reinforced polymers and/or ceramics, carbon prepregs (through-plane and in-plane)
  • Thin and high conductive metal foils: (in-plane and through-plane) aluminum
  • Liquid metals: Steel, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, etc
  • Liquid waxes: Paraffin
  • Liquid polymers: PP, PE, PAN, etc. ∙ Liquid metals: steel, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, etc.
  • Thin foils: Adhesive tapes, metal foils ∙ Fibers: e.g., carbon fibers


Typical Temperature Range: 
 -100°C to 500°C

High-Temperature Light Flash Instrument


The high-temperature LFA 717 HyperFlash® HT instruments is engineered to measure thermal conductivity from room temperature up to 1250°C. This can be used to analyze metals, polymers and ceramics

 

Applications:

  • Solid materials: Polymers, metals, ceramics
  • Pastes and powders: Metal powders, greases, resins
  • Low viscous liquids: Water, oil, tar, honey
  • Anisotropic materials: Fiber reinforced polymers and/or ceramics, carbon prepregs (through-plane and in-plane)
  • Thin and high conductive metal foils: (in-plane and through-plane) aluminum
  • Liquid metals: steel, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, etc

 

Typical Temperature Range: 
RT to 1250°C

Pyrometer Laser Flash 


The Laser Flash technique is currently the most widely accepted method for precise measurement of the thermal diffusivityand the LFA 427 is the number one instrument on the world market.
High precision and reproducibility, short measurement times, variable sample holders and defined atmospheres are outstanding features of LFA measurements over the entire application range from -120°C to 2800°C.

Applications:


Typical Temperature Range:  
-120°C to 2800°C (5 furnaces needed to cover the complete temperature range)

Long Instrument Life
High-quality instrument paired with long  spare part availability and best service 
Always There for You
Direct contact to your NETZSCH experts in service, lab, training and sales 
Proven Excellence in Service
We support your NETZSCH LFA  instrument through the 
entire life cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for Laser/Light Analysis

Discover an accurate, reliable, and elegant solution for measuring thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity with the flash method. This innovative approach effectively addresses the challenges of understanding and managing heat transfer. Typical applications include:

  • Thermal Management: Control temperature in systems, devices, and materials to ensure optimal functioning, longevity, and efficiency.
  • Overheating Prevention: Select materials with suitable thermal properties to protect components from overheating.
  • Extreme Temperature Resistance: Design materials that can endure significant temperature fluctuations.
  • Process Temperature Control: Manage temperatures in processes such as extrusion, molding, and metalworking.
  • Efficiency Enhancement: Improve the performance of thermal insulation and heat exchangers for better energy use.nd reliability.
Here's what our customers say about using the NETZSCH LFA

"We determine the thermal diffusivity of ceramic substrates, such as AIN HP, with the NETZSCH LFA."

CeramTec Group, Innovation and Technology Department
CeramTec Group, Innovation and Technology Department
Plochingen, Germany

"The LFA 427 instrument with SiC furnace up to 1600°C has already solved many tricky challenges."

Center for Energy at the Australian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Center for Energy at the Australian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Vienna, Austria

"The NETZSCH LFA supports research into a new primary energy source in our high-temperature materials laboratory."

Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK-4), Research Center Jülich
Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK-4), Research Center Jülich
Jülich, Germany

LFA Case Studies

NETZSCH offers a variety of LFA instruments, accessories and services designed to meet your analytical needs across various industries. Each model is tailored to specific applications and temperature ranges.

Consultancy & Sales

Do you have further questions about the instrument or the method? Would you like to speak to a sales represenative?

Service & Support

Do you already have an instrument and need technical support or spare parts?

FAQs about NETZSCH LFA Service

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Media

Application Literature about Light Flash Analysis

Videos about Light Flash Analysis

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In this webinar we will introduce the basics of Light Flash Analysis (LFA). We will cover general instrument set-up for measuring thermal diffusivity and heat capacity. Following this, we will demonstrate the basics of data analysis for calculating thermal conductivity.

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In this presentation we’ll discuss the different aspects of performing high temperature LFA measurements including potential sample reactions with coatings, sample holder materials, and atmospheres. We will also cover best practices for how to handle same prep for high temperature testing, including testing metal samples above their Melting Temperatures and EnthalpiesThe enthalpy of fusion of a substance, also known as latent heat, is a measure of the energy input, typically heat, which is necessary to convert a substance from solid to liquid state. The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes state from solid (crystalline) to liquid (isotropic melt).melting temperature

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Join us for an insightful webinar on the impact of graphite on Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) measurements with focus on the preparation of sensitive samples. This session is designed for professionals and researchers who work with thin, highly conductive, and transparent materials, which are typically difficult to handle and measure accurately.