The AMETEK PTC-125 is a professional dry block temperature calibrator designed for accurate and reliable temperature sensor calibration in laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing and industrial applications.
With a temperature range from −90 °C to +125 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.03 °C and an accuracy of ±0.07 °C when using the specified external reference sensor, the AMETEK PTC-125 provides outstanding performance for demanding low-temperature calibration applications.
The calibrator combines advanced Free Piston Stirling Cooler (FPSC) technology with active dual-zone temperature control. This ensures efficient heating and cooling, excellent temperature homogeneity and reliable calibration results.
Unlike conventional liquid calibration baths, the AMETEK PTC-125 uses interchangeable metal inserts to generate controlled temperatures without calibration liquids.
Its portable design, large color display and USB communication interface make it suitable for both laboratory and field calibration.
Depending on the selected configuration, the instrument can also provide integrated reference thermometer measurement, sensor-under-test measurement and automated calibration functions.
For professional temperature calibration equipment and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Temperature range from −90 °C to +125 °C
- Internal reference accuracy of ±0.30 °C
- Accuracy of ±0.07 °C with the specified external STS-150 reference sensor
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.03 °C
- Radial temperature homogeneity of 0.01 °C
- Advanced Free Piston Stirling Cooler technology
- Active dual-zone temperature control
- Fast heating and cooling performance
- Temperature resolution selectable down to 0.01 °C
- Large 5.7-inch color display
- Intelligent external reference sensors
- True-Ohm four-wire reference measurement
- Interchangeable calibration inserts
- USB communication interface
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Integrated stability monitoring
- Optional sensor-under-test measurement
- Optional temperature switch testing
- Compatible with JofraCal calibration software
- Three configurations: PTC-125A, PTC-125B and PTC-125C
- Portable construction weighing approximately 15.2 kg
- Suitable for laboratory and industrial calibration
Wide Temperature Range from −90 °C to +125 °C
The AMETEK PTC-125 provides a temperature calibration range of:
−90 °C to +125 °C
This wide temperature range makes the calibrator suitable for applications requiring temperatures significantly below ambient conditions.
Typical calibration points include:
- −90 °C
- −80 °C
- −60 °C
- −40 °C
- −20 °C
- 0 °C
- +25 °C
- +50 °C
- +100 °C
- +125 °C
The instrument is particularly useful for calibrating temperature sensors used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental testing, refrigeration and industrial process control.
The specified temperature range depends on ambient conditions.
At ambient temperatures of 0 °C and 23 °C, the instrument supports the full range from −90 °C to +125 °C.
At an ambient temperature of 40 °C, the minimum achievable temperature is −73 °C.
This distinction is important when selecting the calibrator for demanding low-temperature applications.
High Temperature Accuracy
The AMETEK PTC-125 provides two different accuracy specifications.
Accuracy with Internal Reference
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.30 °C
This value describes the accuracy when using the internal temperature reference.
Accuracy with External Reference
When using the specified STS-150 external reference sensor, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.07 °C
This specification applies to the PTC-125B and PTC-125C configurations.
The external reference thermometer measures the temperature within the calibration insert.
This allows more accurate comparison calibrations than relying exclusively on the internal temperature indication.
The stated accuracy is a manufacturer specification under defined conditions and must not be confused with the expanded measurement uncertainty of an individual calibration certificate.
Excellent Temperature Stability
The AMETEK PTC-125 provides excellent temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.03 °C
This specification describes the temperature variation over time under defined operating conditions.
According to the manufacturer, the stability is evaluated after the stability indicator has been active for 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute measurement period.
Excellent temperature stability is essential for accurate temperature sensor calibration.
Stable temperature conditions help reduce measurement variations during comparison measurements.
Active Dual-Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK PTC-125 features active dual-zone temperature control.
The system uses two independently controlled temperature zones.
The lower zone provides precise temperature control in the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the open top of the calibration block and the inserted temperature sensors.
This technology improves temperature homogeneity and reduces temperature gradients.
It is particularly useful when calibrating sensors with different dimensions or sensing element positions.
The active dual-zone system also supports calibration of certain mechanical temperature sensors and liquid-filled thermometers.
Free Piston Stirling Cooler Technology
The AMETEK PTC-125 uses advanced Free Piston Stirling Cooler technology.
This cooling system enables the instrument to generate temperatures down to −90 °C.
Compared with conventional thermoelectric cooling systems, the Stirling cooler provides efficient low-temperature performance.
The cooling technology allows the calibrator to cover a wide temperature range without external refrigeration equipment.
It also eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen during normal operation.
This makes the PTC-125 particularly suitable for mobile calibration and laboratory applications.
Fast Heating Performance
The AMETEK PTC-125 provides efficient heating performance.
Typical heating times include:
| Temperature Change | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| −90 °C to +23 °C | 15 minutes |
| +23 °C to +125 °C | 13 minutes |
Fast heating reduces waiting times between calibration points.
This is particularly useful when performing multi-point calibration procedures.
The actual heating time depends on ambient conditions, sensor loading and the selected calibration insert.
Efficient Cooling Performance
The PTC-125 also provides controlled cooling over its operating range.
Typical cooling times include:
| Temperature Change | Cooling Time |
|---|---|
| +125 °C to +23 °C | 40 minutes |
| +23 °C to −80 °C | 75 minutes |
| −80 °C to −90 °C | 30 minutes |
| +23 °C to −90 °C | 105 minutes |
| +125 °C to −90 °C | 145 minutes |
The cooling performance makes the instrument suitable for applications requiring calibration at very low temperatures.
The final approach to −90 °C requires more time than cooling through moderate temperature ranges.
Excellent Radial Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK PTC-125 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
The manufacturer specifies a temperature difference between calibration holes of:
0.01 °C
This characteristic is particularly important when calibrating several sensors simultaneously.
Good radial homogeneity helps minimize temperature differences between the reference thermometer and the devices under test.
The actual measurement uncertainty also depends on sensor geometry, immersion depth and thermal contact.
Interchangeable Calibration Inserts
The AMETEK PTC-125 uses interchangeable calibration inserts.
These allow different temperature sensors to be accommodated within the calibration block.
The manufacturer specifies the following insert dimensions:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter | 29.7 mm |
| Inner diameter | 25.6 mm |
| Insert length | 150 mm |
| Weight of undrilled insert | Approx. 290 g |
Different insert configurations are available.
Metric multi-hole insert kits cover sensor diameters from approximately 3 mm to 13 mm.
Imperial insert kits are also available.
The appropriate insert should be selected according to the dimensions of the temperature sensors being calibrated.
Good thermal contact between the sensor and insert helps minimize measurement errors.
Intelligent Reference Sensors
The PTC-125B and PTC-125C support intelligent reference temperature sensors.
The STS-150 reference sensor contains individual calibration coefficients stored in its intelligent connector.
When the sensor is connected, the calibrator can automatically recognize the calibration information.
This simplifies reference thermometer setup and reduces the risk of entering incorrect calibration coefficients.
The reference sensor also supports calibration interval monitoring.
For the PTC-125, the manufacturer offers a specially designed STS-150 reference sensor with an angled probe configuration.
This design helps accommodate temperature sensors with connection heads or threaded fittings.
True-Ohm Measurement Technology
The PTC-125B and PTC-125C feature a reference thermometer input using four-wire resistance measurement.
The system uses JOFRA True-Ohm technology.
This measurement method helps reduce errors caused by thermoelectric voltages in the measurement circuit.
The manufacturer specifies a reference resistance measurement range of:
400 Ω
The 12-month accuracy is:
±(0.003% of reading + 0.0007% of full scale)
This provides accurate measurement conditions for compatible reference resistance thermometers.
Three Available Configurations
The AMETEK PTC-125 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK PTC-125A
The PTC-125A is the basic professional temperature calibrator.
It provides precise temperature generation and control using the internal temperature reference.
This configuration is suitable for applications where external measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK PTC-125B
The PTC-125B provides the most comprehensive measurement functionality.
In addition to temperature generation, it includes:
- External reference thermometer input
- Sensor-under-test measurement
- RTD measurement
- Thermocouple measurement
- Current measurement
- Temperature switch testing
- Advanced calibration functions
The PTC-125B is particularly suitable for automated calibration procedures.
AMETEK PTC-125C
The PTC-125C includes an external reference thermometer input.
It is designed for applications requiring accurate temperature comparison measurements using an external reference sensor.
Unlike the PTC-125B, the PTC-125C does not provide the complete sensor-under-test measurement functionality.
Automatic Temperature Stepping
The AMETEK PTC-125 supports automatic temperature stepping.
Up to 20 temperature steps can be programmed.
The user can define the temperature setpoints and holding times.
This allows the calibrator to perform predefined temperature sequences automatically.
Automatic stepping is particularly useful for routine calibration procedures.
It reduces manual intervention and helps improve repeatability.
Temperature Switch Testing
The PTC-125B supports temperature switch testing.
The instrument can determine switching points and hysteresis.
This function is useful for checking thermostats and temperature switches used in industrial control systems.
The calibrator changes the temperature while monitoring the electrical switch contact.
The resulting switching temperatures can be documented and evaluated.
This functionality is specific to the PTC-125B configuration.
Large Color Display
The AMETEK PTC-125 features a 5.7-inch color display.
The display provides clear information about the calibration process.
Depending on the selected configuration, displayed values may include:
- Set temperature
- Internal reference temperature
- External reference temperature
- Sensor-under-test indication
- Stability status
- Calibration information
The menu-driven user interface simplifies operation.
The display is designed for convenient use in both laboratory and industrial environments.
USB Communication and JofraCal Software
The AMETEK PTC-125 includes a USB communication interface.
The interface supports communication with compatible calibration software.
The instrument can be used with JofraCal calibration software.
JofraCal supports calibration procedures for temperature sensors, transmitters and temperature switches.
Depending on the instrument configuration and software functionality, calibration data can be transferred to a computer for documentation and evaluation.
The software helps simplify repetitive calibration tasks.
Portable Design
The AMETEK PTC-125 combines professional calibration performance with portable construction.
The instrument weighs approximately:
15.2 kg
Its dimensions are:
531 × 169 × 432 mm
This makes the calibrator suitable for transportation between laboratories and industrial measurement locations.
A protective carrying case is available as an accessory.
The case provides storage space for the calibrator, inserts, reference sensors and additional accessories.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | AMETEK PTC-125 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | PTC-125 |
| Product type | Professional Dry Block Temperature Calibrator |
| Temperature range at 23 °C ambient | −90 °C to +125 °C |
| Temperature range at 40 °C ambient | −73 °C to +125 °C |
| Internal reference accuracy | ±0.30 °C |
| Accuracy with external STS-150 | ±0.07 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.03 °C |
| Radial homogeneity | 0.01 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 1 °C / 0.1 °C / 0.01 °C |
| Cooling technology | Free Piston Stirling Cooler |
| Temperature control | Active dual-zone |
| Heating time, −90 °C to +23 °C | 15 minutes |
| Heating time, +23 °C to +125 °C | 13 minutes |
| Cooling time, +23 °C to −90 °C | 105 minutes |
| Cooling time, +125 °C to −90 °C | 145 minutes |
| Approximate time to stability | 10 minutes |
| Maximum immersion depth | 190 mm |
| Insert length | 150 mm |
| Insert outer diameter | 29.7 mm |
| Display | 5.7-inch color VGA |
| Communication | USB 2.0 device |
| Automatic temperature steps | Up to 20 |
| Reference sensor input | Models B and C |
| Sensor-under-test input | Model B |
| Temperature switch testing | Model B |
| Software | JofraCal |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| Power supply | 115 V or 230 V AC version |
| Maximum power consumption | 450 VA |
| Protection rating | IP10 |
| Dimensions | 531 × 169 × 432 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 15.2 kg |
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining reliable and traceable temperature measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for temperature measuring instruments and calibration equipment.
When the AMETEK PTC-125 is used for temperature sensor calibration, the measurement uncertainty must be evaluated according to the complete calibration procedure.
Relevant uncertainty contributions may include:
- Calibration of the internal or external reference thermometer
- Temperature stability
- Axial temperature distribution
- Radial temperature distribution
- Loading effects
- Sensor immersion depth
- Thermal contact between sensor and insert
- Reference thermometer readout uncertainty
- Sensor-under-test measurement uncertainty
- Measurement repeatability
The uncertainty evaluation should follow the applicable calibration procedure and relevant metrological guidelines.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK PTC-125?
The AMETEK PTC-125 combines accurate low-temperature calibration with advanced temperature control and convenient operation.
Its temperature range from −90 °C to +125 °C makes it particularly suitable for demanding industrial and laboratory applications.
The Free Piston Stirling Cooler provides efficient cooling performance without requiring liquid nitrogen.
Active dual-zone temperature control helps maintain excellent temperature homogeneity.
Temperature stability of ±0.03 °C and an accuracy of ±0.07 °C with the specified external reference sensor provide reliable conditions for precision calibration.
The interchangeable calibration inserts accommodate temperature sensors with different diameters.
Intelligent reference sensors simplify setup and reduce the risk of incorrect calibration coefficient entry.
The PTC-125B configuration provides additional measurement and documentation functions for automated calibration procedures.
For calibration laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies and industrial users requiring a professional low-temperature calibrator, the AMETEK PTC-125 provides an excellent combination of accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Applications for the AMETEK PTC-125
Typical applications include:
- Low-temperature sensor calibration
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Precision temperature measurement
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch testing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare applications
- Food processing
- Refrigeration systems
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial process instrumentation
- Calibration laboratories
- Industrial quality assurance
- Temperature metrology
- Field calibration
The combination of a wide temperature range, excellent temperature stability, advanced cooling technology and flexible measurement functions makes the AMETEK PTC-125 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Discover the europascal Calibration Service.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK PTC-125 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
