Contact heating and cooling tester

The Contact Heating and Cooling Tester (Thermo Labo) evaluates the sensation of coldness or warmth experienced when skin comes into contact with a fabric. This sensation, known as "coldness and warmth feeling," varies depending on the heat transfer from the skin to the fabric. The Thermo Labo measures this sensation by evaluating the qmax value (peak heat flux), providing objective data on the contact thermal properties of textiles. It can also measure thermal conductivity and heat retention properties when equipped with optional accessories, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of fabric thermal comfort.

Application

The Thermo Labo is suitable for testing and evaluating:

Bedding materials designed to provide a cooling effect in summer

Underwear and clothing materials intended for warmth in winter

Textile products where contact thermal comfort (coldness or warmth) is a critical property

Fabrics for both dry skin/clothing conditions and wet/sweaty skin conditions (using wet mode)

Standards

JIS L 1927 — Textiles: Measurement method of cool touch feeling property

GB/T 35263-2017 — Textiles: Testing and evaluation for cool sensation at contact instant

CNS15687 / L3272 — Method of test for the instantaneous cool sensation of fabrics

Technical Parameters

Features

Realistic Contact Simulation:

The heat plate load and contact area mimic the sensation of touching an object with human skin, allowing more accurate measurement of peak heat flux (qmax).

Thermal Conductivity Measurement (Optional):

Evaluates how quickly heat transfers from a heat plate at a constant temperature (30℃) through a sample to another heat plate at 20℃.

Heat Retention Measurement (Optional):

Determines the heat retention rate (%) by measuring heat loss from a sample placed on a heat plate with constant temperature under continuous airflow.

Dry and Wet Mode:

Dry mode simulates contact with dry skin or clothing; wet mode simulates contact with sweaty skin or clothing.

Compact and Flexible Design:

Multiple modules (Thermo Labo, Thermo Cool, Wind Tunnel) allow customization depending on measurement requirements.

Easy Operation and Data Management:

USB and data logger interface enable seamless PC connectivity for data acquisition, recording, and analysis.

Test Principle

The instrument employs heat flux measurement to quantify thermal sensations. The sample is placed between two thermally controlled plates. Heat transfer from the upper plate (simulating skin) to the lower plate is recorded, and the peak heat flux (qmax) is calculated. Optional accessories allow measurement of thermal conductivity and heat retention under controlled airflow conditions.

Operation Instructions

Prepare a flat sample (standard size 180 × 180 mm, thickness ≤2 mm).

Place the sample on the heat plate, ensuring uniform contact.

Select measurement mode: dry or wet.

Set heat plate temperature and number of measurements via touch panel or software.

Start test; the system records qmax and optional thermal conductivity or heat retention data.

Export and save results via PC or data logger.

Ensure safety precautions to avoid burns and maintain stable environmental conditions.

FAQ

1.What is this product?

A device to evaluate contact coldness or warmth of textiles using heat flux measurement.

2.What is this product used for?

Testing thermal comfort properties of bedding, clothing, and textile materials.

3.Why is this product important?

Provides objective, quantitative evaluation of thermal sensations for product development and quality control.

4.What industries is this product suitable for?

Textiles, apparel, bedding, sportswear, and functional fabric R&D.

5.What types of this product are available?

Thermo Labo base unit, Thermo Cool module (heat retention), and optional Wind Tunnel for airflow tests.