01 / Measure
Directional conductivity
In-plane and through-thickness thermal conductivity using dedicated configurations appropriate to anisotropic materials.
Capabilities / Thermal characterization
Measure the complete thermal response—not just one direction.
For anisotropic composites and heat-spreader materials, a single conductivity number can be misleading. CoolTek offers three-direction thermal-conductivity characterization with engineering interpretation and expandable research-grade scope.
Three-direction conductivity
kxx, kyy, and kzz
Dedicated in-plane and through-thickness configurations allow the principal conductivity components of an orthotropic material system to be characterized separately.
kxxin-plane X
kyyin-plane Y
kzzthrough-thickness
Specimen geometry, number of replicates, temperature range, and achievable uncertainty are confirmed for each material and project scope.
Engineering characterization
Replicate specimens in all three principal directions, repeatability assessment, formal reporting, and uncertainty-aware comparison suitable for design inputs.
Advanced research characterization
Expanded uncertainty treatment, FEA-assisted parasitic heat-loss corrections, interface studies, and publication-grade analysis where justified by the program.
Custom material preparation
Optional laminate fabrication, orientation-specific specimens, machining, or preparation can be included when the customer does not already have test-ready samples.
What the service can include
From conductivity numbers to engineering understanding.
02 / Quantify
Repeatability & uncertainty
Multiple specimens per direction can establish repeatability and quantify specimen-to-specimen and measurement variation.
03 / Interpret
Systematics & FEA support
Contact effects, parasitic heat loss, interfaces, and thermal-model interpretation can be incorporated for expanded scopes.
Optional additions: interface thermal resistance, custom laminate fabrication and orientation layups, specimen machining, FEA, parasitic heat-loss studies, environmental exposure coordination, and advanced reporting.
Why multidirectional characterization matters
Composite thermal performance lives in the architecture.
Foams, fiber orientation, resin-rich interfaces, bonded skins, and local contact conditions can create very different heat-flow behavior in plane and through thickness. That is why CoolTek's thermal service is structured around directional conductivity and engineering interpretation rather than a single nominal material number.
Image shown is research heritage from the Jung Research Group at Purdue University and is not presented as a CoolTek customer deliverable.
Best suited for anisotropic engineering materials.
The service is especially relevant when a laminate is being used as a heat spreader, structural thermal path, or design input to an FEA model.
- Carbon-fiber and high-conductivity composite laminates
- Heat spreaders and lightweight thermal-management structures
- Materials with strongly different in-plane and through-thickness behavior
- Design programs requiring repeatable values rather than a single screening measurement
Start with the requirement
Have a difficult part, material, or prototype?
Tell us what the hardware needs to do, the operating environment, quantity, and schedule.