Thermocouple Applications

Thermocouple applications are essential to virtually every industrial heating system — from injection molding and extrusion to furnace heat treatment and glass melting. EaseWise thermocouples are built from two dissimilar metal wires joined at a sensing junction, generating a precise voltage signal proportional to temperature. Available in three configurations — K Type for wide-range general-purpose measurement up to 1260°C, J Type for stable, cost-effective mid-range sensing up to 750°C, and Platinum-Rhodium (S/R/B Type) with ceramic tube protection for ultra-high-temperature processes up to 1600°C — all are fully customizable in probe diameter, sheath material, thread type, junction style, and lead wire configuration.

K type thermocouple

K Type Thermocouple Applications

The K Type (NiCr-NiAl) thermocouple is the most widely used industrial temperature sensor, covering -200°C to 1260°C with reliable accuracy across the full range. It is the standard choice for injection molding machine barrels, extruder die heads, industrial ovens, and general heating equipment where fast response and stable output are required.
Key Advantages:
  • Widest temperature range among base-metal thermocouples
  • Low cost, excellent availability, universal compatibility
  • Accuracy Class 1 or Class 2 per IEC 60584
  • Available in grounded, ungrounded, and exposed junction
  • Sheath options: SS304, SS316, Inconel 600

J Type Thermocouple Applications

The J Type (Fe-CuNi) thermocouple offers higher sensitivity than K Type in the -40°C to 750°C range, making it ideal for plastic processing, packaging machines, and older industrial equipment. Its iron-based positive leg provides a stronger mV signal at lower temperatures, enabling more precise readings in mid-range heating applications.
Key Advantages:
  • Higher output voltage than K Type for better low-to-mid range resolution
  • Cost-effective for extrusion, drying, and sealing equipment
  • Accuracy Class 1 or Class 2 per IEC 60584
  • Available in grounded and ungrounded junction
  • Sheath options: SS304, SS316
thermocouple-application
platinum-rhodium thermocouples application

Platinum-Rhodium Thermocouple Applications

Platinum-rhodium thermocouples are the gold standard for ultra-high-temperature measurement, using noble metal elements (Pt-Rh alloy / pure Pt) encased in a 99% alumina ceramic (corundum) protection tube. Available in S Type (Pt-10%Rh / Pt, 0–1600°C), R Type (Pt-13%Rh / Pt, 0–1600°C), and B Type (Pt-30%Rh / Pt-6%Rh, 0–1800°C), they deliver unmatched stability and accuracy in the most demanding thermal environments.
Key Advantages:
  • Ultra-high temperature capability up to 1800°C
  • 99% corundum ceramic tube for superior thermal shock resistance
  • Excellent oxidation resistance in air and inert atmospheres
  • B Type requires no compensation wire (thermal EMF < 3μV at 0–50°C)
  • Long-term stability with annual drift < 0.1%
  • Ideal for furnaces, kilns, glass melting, metallurgy, and ceramic sintering, which are the most demanding thermocouple applications in high-temperature industrial processing.
Parameter K Type J Type Platinum-Rhodium
Temperature Range -200°C to 1260°C -40°C to 750°C 0°C to 1600°C (B: 1800°C)
Accuracy (IEC 60584) Class 1: ±1.5°C / Class 2: ±2.5°C Class 1: ±1.5°C / Class 2: ±2.5°C ±1.5°C or ±0.25%t
Element Material NiCr (+) / NiAl (-) Fe (+) / CuNi (-) Pt-Rh alloy (+) / Pt or Pt-Rh (-)
Junction Style Grounded / Ungrounded / Exposed Grounded / Ungrounded Grounded / Ungrounded
Protection Tube SS304 / SS316 / Inconel 600 SS304 / SS316 99% Al₂O₃ corundum ceramic / High-alumina
Probe Diameter Φ1mm – Φ8mm Φ1mm – Φ8mm Φ16mm / Φ25mm
Thread Options M6 / M8 / M10 / NPT 1/8″ / 1/4″ M6 / M8 / M10 / NPT 1/8″ / 1/4″ M20×1.5 / NPT 1/2″ / Flange
Compensation Wire Required (K type extension) Required (J type extension) B Type: not required; S/R: required
Lead Wire Fiberglass / PTFE / SS braid / Shielded Fiberglass / PTFE / SS braid / Shielded High-temp fiberglass / Ceramic bead
Key Application Injection molding / Extruder / Oven Plastic processing / Packaging / Dryer Furnace / Kiln / Glass / Metallurgy / Ceramic

Request a Quote

Tell us your thermocouple type (K/J/Platinum-Rhodium), probe diameter, length, sheath material, and thread requirement. We’ll provide a custom solution and quotation within 12 hours.

Amy: +86 18883188154 | amy-easewise@tzheater.com
Hanna: +86 17351636811 | hanna-easewise@tzheater.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Thermocouples are used in injection molding machine barrels, extruder die heads, industrial ovens, furnaces, kilns, glass melting tanks, food processing equipment, chemical reactors, and HVAC systems — anywhere precise temperature measurement and control is required across diverse thermocouple applications.

K Type covers -200°C to 1260°C for general industrial use. J Type covers -40°C to 750°C with higher mid-range sensitivity. Platinum-Rhodium (S/R/B) covers 0°C to 1800°C with ceramic tube protection for furnaces, kilns, and metallurgy.

Choose platinum-rhodium when your process exceeds 1200°C — glass melting, steel heat treatment, ceramic sintering, or high-temperature furnace applications. The corundum ceramic tube provides superior thermal shock resistance and chemical inertness at extreme temperatures.

Grounded junction for fastest response and general use. Ungrounded junction when electrical isolation from the sheath is required. Exposed junction for the fastest response in clean, dry gas environments (K Type only).

Yes. We customize thermocouple type, probe diameter, sheath material, probe length, thread type, junction style, cable insulation, and connector type to match your equipment.

B Type (double platinum-rhodium) does not require compensation wire — its thermal EMF below 50°C is less than 3μV, negligible for most applications. S and R Types do require matched compensation wire.