Flat Film RTD Detectors

26 March 2026 | Labfacility Ltd

Flat Film RTD Detectors

Flat Film RTD Detectors are resistant to shock and have quick thermal response times compared to wirewound detectors.

Thin film Pt resistors take the form of a thin (1 micron) film of platinum on a ceramic substrate. The film is laser trimmed to have a precise R° value and then encapsulated in glass for protection.

A wide range of styles and dimensions are produced to allow for different applications. Such sensors have fast thermal response and their small thermal mass minimises intrusion in the media being tested. Such sensors are known variously as flat film, thin film or chip sensors.

Thermoelements and resistance thermometer sensing resistors alike normally require protection from environmental conditions and, depending on the application would normally be housed in a suitable sheath material if immersion is required. Alternative housings are used for non-immersion use such as in surface or air sensing.