Stick-on foil thermocouples have been specially designed for measurements directly on surfaces. Hence their field of application in research, development and production is located where one has to measure temperature distributions and gradients in housing, heat radiation or heat efficiency, or where no space is available for any other larger thermometer.

Foil thermocouples offer the following advantages:
• high flexibility
• small dimensions (7 x 7 x 0.16 mm)
• low response times (as low as 0.06 s)
• simple installation (just stick on)

The extremely flat measuring elements are embedded in a foil which is impregnated with cresylic resin and have two metal stripes for connection. These stripes permit easy connection of extension wires. The one for the plus pole has a red marking to avoid wrong connection.

Elements of type K (NiCr-Ni) are embedded in an oxidized aluminium foil that is impregnated with phenolic resin. The very high temperature conductivity of aluminium and the good temperature transmission between surface and sensor even allow temperature shock measurements on surfaces.

The elements can be attached to a surface with any standard adhesive, as long as a good heat contact is assured to measure the temperature. Special adhesives for temperatures of up to 200°C can be ordered from EPHY-MESS.

Foil thermocouples are available as types J (Fe-CuNi), T (Cu-CuNi) and K (Ni-CrNi).