Measurement Technology NW Introduces a New High Resolution 12-Zone Thermal Foot Test System

    SEATTLE, WA, July 29, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Measurement Technology NW's Thermal Foot Test System has been redesigned for 2014. The original 9-zone model with sliding heel has been replaced by an advanced 12-zone foot model with ankle joint (approximately 25 degree of downward movement) and flexing toe segment (approximately 15 degree range of motion) for easier installation into a boot or shoe.

Used to evaluate the thermal resistance of footwear in ambient conditions as low as -40 degree C, this sophisticated multi-zone foot manikin is fitted with heaters and temperature sensors to simulate the human metabolism, while a PC computer running MTNW's exclusive ThermDAC software controls the foot temperature and automatically logs data.

The popular sweating skin option is still available, featuring volumetric control of sweat rates, selectable by manikin region. Sweat is delivered to a matrix of pores covering the active surface of the manikin, where a wicking fabric skin layer is used to distribute water over the surface.

An exciting new option is a temperature controlled sole compression plate, used to compress the sole/midsole components of footwear during tests to better simulate the performance of insulation layers under the weight of a standing human. Compression is achieved using a stroke actuator, which is able to deliver up to 200 pounds (90 kg) of compressive force. The load's pivot point replicates the normal human weight distribution ratio of 60% heel, 10% midfoot, and 30% forefoot. This ratio can be varied.

MTNW's exclusive ThermDAC software, included with all our thermal manikin and guarded hotplate systems, provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface with real-time graphing and statistical functions that can be applied to the test data over any operator selected time range. Tests can be run in temperature, heat flux, or comfort model mode, and set points can be individually adjusted for each zone before - or during - a test. Operators are able to visually monitor test status, with zoom and text notation features that make it easy to analyze the test data being collected, either during or after a test.

For over 25 years Measurement Technology NW has manufactured a range of precision instruments for measuring and evaluating the thermal comfort of textiles, garments, and dynamic environments such as automobile, truck, and aircraft interiors. MTNW systems support all major ASTM, ISO, and ENV textile testing standards. To learn more, contact Measurement Technology NW at 206-634-1308, or send an email inquiry to [email protected].

Measurement Technology NW designs and manufactures advanced thermal comfort measurement systems for textile and garment testing organizations in the commercial, university, and government/military research sectors.

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