Screw-in type thermocouple K,J,T,E

The TC-K1 / TC-J1 / TC-T1 series uses a structured ordering code that allows customers to specify all key configuration parameters in a single alphanumeric string. The ordering code format is as follows:

Code Breakdown

Click on below link to download catalog, user manual for TC-K1/J1/T1

TC-K1/J1/T1 Catalog

Potential Applications

The compact screw-in form factor and broad customisation options of the TC-K1 / TC-J1 / TC-T1 series make it suitable for an exceptionally wide range of industrial, commercial, and OEM applications. The following table provides an overview of the primary market segments and recommended sensor configurations.

Application Details

Plastics and Rubber Processing

In injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding machines, precise melt temperature control is critical to product quality and cycle time optimisation. The TC-K1 / TC-J1 series sensors are routinely threaded directly into the barrel, nozzle, or hot runner manifold of injection moulding machines, where their compact screw-in body provides a secure, leak-proof seal against high-pressure polymer melts. Type K sensors are preferred for high-temperature engineering polymers (e.g., PEEK, PPS), while Type J sensors are well-suited to standard commodity resins (e.g., PP, PE, ABS).

Food and Beverage Processing

The TC-T1 (Type T) sensor is particularly well-suited to food processing applications due to its excellent accuracy in the low-to-medium temperature range (−200 °C to +350 °C) and its compatibility with food-safe silicone lead wire. Applications include pasteurisation vessels, cooking kettles, fermentation tanks, cold storage monitoring, and refrigeration system control. The M6 or M8 screw thread allows the sensor to be installed directly into sanitary fittings or process pipework.

HVAC and Building Automation

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, the TC-K1 / TC-J1 / TC-T1 sensors can be installed into duct walls, heat exchangers, boiler flue gas outlets, and chilled water pipework to provide continuous temperature feedback to building management systems (BMS). The 1/4 NPT and 1/4 BSP thread options ensure compatibility with standard HVAC pipe fittings used in North American and European markets respectively.

Industrial Heating Equipment

Ovens, kilns, furnaces, and heat treatment chambers rely on accurate temperature measurement for process repeatability and product quality assurance. The TC-K1 (Type K) sensor, with its upper operating limit of +1,372 °C, is the standard choice for high-temperature industrial heating equipment. The stainless steel braided lead wire option (SS) provides additional protection against the elevated ambient temperatures typically found in the vicinity of industrial ovens and kilns.

Automotive and Engine Testing

In engine test cells, dynamometers, and vehicle thermal management systems, screw-in thermocouples are used to monitor coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature (EGT), oil temperature, and intake air temperature. The M6 and M8 thread options are directly compatible with standard automotive sensor bosses, and the grounded junction configuration provides the fast thermal response required for dynamic engine testing.

Chemical and Petrochemical Processing

In chemical reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and pipeline systems, the TC-K1 / TC-J1 series provides reliable temperature measurement in aggressive process environments. The 316 stainless steel body option offers enhanced resistance to chloride-containing media and acidic process fluids. The PTFE (TF) lead wire option is recommended for installations where the lead wire may be exposed to chemical splash or vapour.

Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing

In reflow soldering ovens, wave soldering machines, and semiconductor fabrication equipment, precise temperature profiling is essential for process control and product yield. The TC-K1 (Type K) sensor's wide temperature range and fast response make it the preferred choice for these applications. The ungrounded junction configuration is typically specified to prevent ground loops that could interfere with sensitive electronic measurement equipment.

Packaging Machinery

Heat sealing, shrink wrapping, and form-fill-seal machines require accurate temperature control of sealing bars and heating elements. The TC-K1 / TC-J1 sensors can be installed directly into the sealing jaw or heating platen, providing closed-loop temperature feedback to the machine's PID controller. Maxwell's own range of PID temperature controllers is fully compatible with the TC-K1 / TC-J1 / TC-T1 series, offering a complete, integrated thermal control solution.

Medical and Laboratory Equipment

In autoclaves, incubators, laboratory ovens, and sterilisation equipment, the TC-T1 (Type T) sensor's high accuracy and excellent repeatability in the 0 °C to +200 °C range make it the sensor of choice. The silicone lead wire option (SILI) is recommended for medical applications due to its biocompatibility and ease of cleaning.

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

In FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printers, screw-in thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature of the heated print bed and the hot end assembly. The M6 thread is the most common thread size used in desktop and industrial FDM printers, and the TC-K1 sensor's compatibility with standard thermocouple inputs on most 3D printer control boards makes it a popular aftermarket upgrade.