Physitemp
Physitemp Instruments manufactures medical-grade Type T thermocouple temperature sensors, electronic thermometers, data acquisition systems, and temperature controllers for OEM medical device companies, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical customers across a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersClifton, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Physitemp does
Physitemp Instruments, LLC is a privately held manufacturer of medical-grade Type T (copper-constantan) thermocouple temperature sensors and associated precision measurement instruments, headquartered in Clifton, New Jersey. Founded in 1979 (per company history), the company has built a 45+ year specialty around miniature, high-accuracy temperature probes (as small as 0.005 inches with time constants as low as 0.003 seconds) that meet NIST-traceable ±0.1°C accuracy in the physiological range. The product portfolio spans flexible implantable microprobes, needle microprobes, animal rectal probes, preclinical and general-purpose probes, electronic thermometers (BAT-10, BAT-12, TH-5 series), the THERMES-USB data acquisition platform (including a wireless variant), TCAT-2 animal temperature controllers, heating/cooling stages for microscopes and microtomes, and quantitative sensory testing equipment (Vibratron II, NTE-2A, NTE-3).
Physitemp's underlying technology rests on proprietary copper-constantan thermocouple wire manufactured to its own medical-grade specification — claimed to be five times more accurate in the physiological range than probes built with standard "Special Limits" wire — combined with complete probe interchangeability (no individual calibration required) and 100% product inspection rather than statistical sampling. The company also sells raw thermocouple wire in multiple gauges and insulations and produces fully custom OEM probe assemblies for medical device manufacturers that integrate temperature monitoring into their own products.
The business model is predominantly B2B hardware sales, with publicly disclosed unit pricing ranging from roughly $25 for accessories to $1,950 for larger systems (probes typically $100–$205, controllers $1,170–$1,395, thermometers $327–$1,520). Distribution combines a direct sales channel, an OEM-embedded channel serving medical device manufacturers, a US distributor network (Harvard Apparatus, AD Instruments, Cole-Parmer, Fisher Scientific, Stoelting, David Kopf Instruments, among others), and an international distributor footprint covering 15+ countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. End customers include OEM medical device manufacturers, bioscience and analytical chemistry research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies running clinical studies, and preclinical/clinical neurology researchers. No revenue figures, funding history, M&A activity, or named executive team are disclosed in available sources.
Physitemp firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Physitemp
- Legal name
- Physitemp Instruments, LLC
- Website
- https://physitemp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Physitemp Instruments manufactures medical-grade Type T thermocouple temperature sensors, electronic thermometers, data acquisition systems, and temperature controllers for OEM medical device companies, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical customers across a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Physitemp industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Medical Precision Temperature Sensors
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Continuous Temperature & Fever Monitoring (Wearable Thermometry) (HLAHACAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Thermistors & Temperature Sensors (NTC/PTC/RTD Elements) (HDAHANAH), Cold storage facility environmental sensing (rooms, freezers, blast chillers) (TLAEALAL)
Keywords
Where Physitemp is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Clifton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Physitemp business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Temperature Probes & Sensors: Sale of thermocouple microprobes including flexible implantable probes, needle microprobes, rectal probes, preclinical probes, and general purpose probes. Revenue is one-time per unit with recurring replacement sales
- Electronic Thermometers & Monitors: Sale of temperature monitoring instruments including BAT series multipurpose thermometers, TH series clinical thermometers, and data acquisition systems
- Temperature Controllers: Sale of temperature control equipment including TCAT-2 series animal temperature controllers, heating/cooling stages for microscopes and microtomes
- OEM Custom Probes: Custom OEM thermocouple probe assemblies manufactured for medical device companies incorporating temperature monitoring into their products. Includes proprietary thermocouple wire sales
- Quantitative Sensory Testing Equipment: Sale of sensory testing devices including Vibratron II vibration sensitivity testers and NTE-2A/NTE-3 thermal sensitivity testers
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Temperature Probes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Electronic Thermometers |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Temperature Controllers |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories & Software |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Physitemp product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Physitemp designs and manufactures precision Type T (copper-constantan) thermocouple temperature probes and electronic thermometers for medical, bioscience and preclinical research, plus animal temperature controllers, heating/cooling stages for microscopes and microtomes, data acquisition systems, and quantitative sensory testing instruments. The company sells through direct channels, an extensive US and international distributor network, and as an OEM supplier of custom thermocouple probe assemblies and proprietary wire to medical device manufacturers.
Product overview
Physitemp is a precision temperature measurement company offering a comprehensive portfolio of temperature monitoring and control products. The core offering consists of Type T thermocouple temperature probes (including flexible implantable probes, needle microprobes, animal rectal probes, preclinical probes, and general purpose probes) and electronic thermometers (BAT-10, BAT-12, TH-5, TH-8, PTM-1) that share a common platform with 0.1C accuracy. Supporting the probe and thermometer lines are data acquisition systems (THERMES-USB with wireless option), temperature controllers (TCAT-2 series for animal temperature control), heating/cooling stages for microscopes and microtomes, and quantitative sensory testing equipment (Vibratron II, NTE-2A, NTE-3). The product ecosystem includes comprehensive accessories including extension leads, heat lamps, warming blankets, heating plates, and software (DASYLAB Lite/BASIC) for data analysis. The company also manufactures proprietary thermocouple wire and offers OEM custom probe assemblies for medical device manufacturers. Physitemp specializes in Type T copper-constantan thermocouples with miniaturization as small as .005 inches and response times as fast as 0.003 seconds.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Flexible Implantable Probes (IT-series Type T microprobes) Sheathed Type T thermocouple microprobes (e.g., IT-18, IT-14, IT-21, IT-23, IT-24P, IT-1E) for measuring temperature in semi-solids, tissue samples, subcutaneous tissue, animal cranial temperatures, and various solutions. Accurate to ±0.1°C; certain variants autoclavable; available with ultra-fast response times down to 0.005 seconds and ultra-fine 24 gauge wire. Intended for bioscience and preclinical research customers.
- Animal Rectal Probes (RET-series) Core body temperature probes for rats (RET-2), mice (RET-3, RET-4) and very small animals such as neonatal mice (RET-5), plus isolated versions (RET-2 ISO, RET-3 ISO) for electrically noisy environments. Smooth ball tips with stainless steel or flexible polyurethane shafts and time constants as fast as 0.12 seconds. Sold to preclinical research laboratories.
- Needle Microprobes (MT-series, ICT-4) 29, 26 and 23 gauge fast-response Type T needle microprobes in 1–8 cm lengths, plus the ICT-4 micro-surface probe for integrated circuits and micro specimens. Designed for instant readings in tissue samples, semisolids, and liquids; maximum temperatures to 200°C; many variants autoclavable. Sold to bioscience researchers and laboratory users.
- Preclinical Probes (SST, OT, ESO series) Preclinical Type T probes including the SST-2 skin surface probe, OT-1 oral probe, and ESO-1 esophageal/rectal probe, all accurate to ±0.1°C and tailored to research animal applications. Reusable stainless-steel or soft-tip constructions. Sold to preclinical animal research labs.
- General Purpose Probes (BT, HT, DPT, GT, PT, PIT series) Versatile Type T probes for measuring temperature of solids, liquids, gases and semi-solids, including workhorse HT-1/HT-2 immersion probes, DPT-12/DPT-24 immersion probes, GT-1 air/gas probe, BT-1 right-angle probe, PT-6 multi-sensor pack, and PIT-6/PIT-12 probes for pressurized systems. Sold to industrial and laboratory users.
- Precision Thermocouple Wire (Proprietary Copper-Constantan) Proprietary Physitemp Type T copper-constantan thermocouple wire offered in multiple gauges (44, 40, 36, 30, 26, 24) with insulations including polyurethane, isonel, polyimide, TFE, FEP Teflon, PVC, and nylon. Sold directly to OEM medical device manufacturers as a raw material/component.
- Electronic Thermometers (BAT-10, BAT-12, TH-5, TH-5/AOP, PTM1) Type T digital thermometers with 0.1°C NIST-traceable resolution and accuracy in the physiological range, including the BAT-10 multipurpose thermometer (-200 to +400°C), BAT-12 microprobe thermometer, TH-5 and TH-5/AOP monitoring thermometers (25–45°C), and the handheld IP67 PTM1 portable thermometer accepting Type J/K/T thermocouples. Sold to research laboratories and OEM customers.
- THERMES-USB Temperature Data Acquisition Systems Multichannel Type T thermocouple data acquisition systems that turn a PC or laptop into a precision thermometer (±0.1°C accuracy), including a wireless (RF) version for remote acquisition and an OPT-2 optical-isolation link accessory (up to 4500 V DC isolation). Designed for research and OEM data-logging applications.
- Animal Temperature Controllers (TCAT-2 series) Feedback temperature controllers for maintaining laboratory animal body temperature during surgery or stereotaxic procedures, including the TCAT-2AC (AC loads), TCAT-2DF (dual AC/DC-Low voltage), and TCAT-2LV (low voltage heating pads/blankets, -100 to +400°C, 0.1°C resolution). Sold to preclinical research labs.
- Heating/Cooling & Freezing Stages for Microscopes and Microtomes (TS-4MP, BFS series) Thermal microscope stage (TS-4MP, -20 to +100°C maintained within 0.1°C) and freezing microtome stages (BFS-3MP, BFS-5MP, BFS-40MPA) for frozen tissue sectioning. Sold as standalone instruments to histology and microscopy laboratories.
- Vibratron II Vibration Sensitivity Tester Non-invasive quantitative sensory testing instrument that measures sensitivity to vibration of large nerve fibers for clinical evaluation of neuropathy. Sold to clinical neurology departments and neuropathy research centers.
- Thermal Sensitivity Testers (NTE-2A and NTE-3) Non-invasive clinical instruments for evaluating neuropathy and assessing short-fiber neurological function by comparing individual thermal thresholds to statistical normals; NTE-3 adds computer control software and CSV/Excel data export. Sold to clinical neurology and research providers.
- Temperature Control Accessories (Heat Lamps, Heating Plates, Warming Blankets, Heat Exchanger, Pump/Tank, Sediment Filter) Accessories used with TCAT-2 controllers and TS-4MP/BFS stages, including HL-1 series infrared heat lamps (table clamp, tabletop base, floor stand versions), HP-1M/HP-4M heating plates, WB-1/WB-2 far-infrared warming blankets with over-temperature protection, PTU-3 pump and tank unit, HE-1 heat exchanger, and WF-1 in-line sediment filter. Sold to preclinical and microscopy laboratories.
- Temperature Monitor Accessories (OPT-2 Optical Link, EXT leads, BP-1 Battery, SWT-2 Switchbox, TTS-5 Tripod, DSP-1 Sheaths) Accessories supporting Physitemp thermometers and THERMES systems, including the OPT-2 optical isolation link, EXT-6/EXT-10 Type T extension leads, BP-1 Li-Ion battery pack (up to 100 hours), SWT-2 thermocouple switchbox, TTS-5 tabletop tripod, and DSP-1 disposable probe sheaths (pack of 1000). Sold alongside thermometer and data acquisition purchases.
- Sensory Testing Accessories (VFR-1 Foot Rest) Adjustable non-slip foot/arm rest (12 x 8 inches) used with the Vibratron II and NTE-2A instruments. Sold as an accessory for quantitative sensory testing procedures.
- OEM Custom Thermocouple Probe Assemblies Custom-manufactured high-accuracy Type T thermocouple probe assemblies produced for medical device and OEM customers in wire gauges 44, 40, 36, 30, 26, and 24 with various insulations, leveraging Physitemp's proprietary copper-constantan wire and 45+ years of microsensor design experience. Thousands of custom probes are produced annually for OEM customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- ±0.1°C accuracy in physiological range - five times more accurate than competitive probes using standard 'Special Limits' wire
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Physitemp
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Physitemp technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
Physitemp partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Harvard ApparatuscoreUS distributor of Physitemp products. Located at 84 October Hill Road, Holliston, MA 01746. Serves research and laboratory market globally.
- AD InstrumentscoreUS distributor (Colorado Springs, CO) and international distributor (Australia). Provides Physitemp products to research institutions.
- Cole-ParmercoreMajor US laboratory equipment distributor with broad reach into research and industrial markets.
- Fisher ScientificcoreMajor US scientific distributor providing access to laboratory research customers nationwide.
- StoeltingcoreUS distributor serving laboratory animal research market with Physitemp temperature control products.
- David Kopf InstrumentscoreUS and international distributor specializing in stereotaxic and neuroscience laboratory equipment.
- Braintree ScientificminorUS laboratory equipment distributor serving research animal market.
- Columbus InstrumentsminorUS laboratory instrument distributor.
- Hacker InstrumentsminorUS laboratory equipment distributor.
- International Distributor NetworkcoreGlobal distribution network including: Austria (Science Products), Australia (AD Instruments, SDR Scientific), Brazil (LBF Biotechnologies), Canada (GENEQ), China (Yuyan Instrument, Bioleaf Biotech), France (PHYMEP), Germany (Biomedical Instruments Trading, Science Products), Israel (Mirom Medical), Japan (Muromachi Kikai, Protech International), South Korea (Iwoo Scientific, Sang Chung), Poland (Science Products), Sweden (AgoTho), Switzerland (Rothacher Medical, Science Products Trading), Taiwan (KYS Technology), UK (Linton Instrumentation)
- AIRFILTRONIXminorSister company providing clean air solutions for industry, medicine, and research. Referenced on Physitemp website as related company.
Scale indicators4 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Physitemp competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Omega Engineering: Omega is one of the largest manufacturers of thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and handheld temperature instruments for industrial, lab, and medical research applications — directly competing with Physitemp across probe and instrument categories.
- ADInstruments: ADInstruments supplies data acquisition systems and bioscience research instruments — overlapping with Physitemp's THERMES-USB and bioscience sensor business, and also serving as one of Physitemp's distributors.
- BIOPAC Systems: BIOPAC produces life science research data acquisition systems and physiological sensors, competing with Physitemp for preclinical animal physiology and biomedical research temperature measurement budgets.
- Harvard Apparatus: Harvard Apparatus is a major distributor of preclinical and physiological research equipment — including Physitemp's own products — and sells competing temperature and physiology instrumentation to the same research customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Fluke Corporation: Fluke's handheld thermometers and process calibration instruments overlap with Physitemp's BAT and TH series, though Fluke serves a much broader electrical and industrial measurement market and brings significantly larger R&D and channel resources.
- WIKA Instrument: WIKA is a global incumbent in temperature, pressure, and level sensing with extensive thermocouple and RTD offerings — competing with Physitemp on industrial and laboratory temperature probes and OEM sensor supply.
- Cole-Parmer: Cole-Parmer distributes a broad catalog of laboratory temperature probes and instruments that overlap with Physitemp's general-purpose and preclinical probe lines, while also serving as a US distributor of Physitemp products.
- Honeywell Sensing & IoT: Honeywell's sensing portfolio includes precision temperature sensors and OEM components for medical and industrial customers, competing with Physitemp in the OEM temperature sensor supply market at greater scale.
Emerging players
- Pinnacle Technology: Pinnacle designs telemetry and wired sensors for preclinical animal research, including temperature monitoring, competing with Physitemp's TCAT-2 controllers, rectal probes, and implantable microprobes.
- Starr Life Sciences: Starr Life Sciences makes telemetric and continuous body temperature monitoring products for laboratory rodents — directly overlapping with Physitemp's animal rectal and implantable probe lines in the preclinical research market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Physitemp social profiles
Digital presencePhysitemp financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Physitemp leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Physitemp funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Physitemp M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Physitemp
What does Physitemp do?
Physitemp designs and manufactures precision Type T (copper-constantan) thermocouple temperature probes and electronic thermometers for medical, bioscience and preclinical research, plus animal temperature controllers, heating/cooling stages for microscopes and microtomes, data acquisition systems, and quantitative sensory testing instruments. The company sells through direct channels, an extensive US and international distributor network, and as an OEM supplier of custom thermocouple probe assemblies and proprietary wire to medical device manufacturers.
Is Physitemp a public or private company?
Physitemp is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Physitemp founded?
Physitemp was founded in 1979. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Physitemp based?
Physitemp is headquartered in Clifton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Physitemp make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Temperature Probes & Sensors are the primary driver. The others are electronic Thermometers & Monitors, temperature Controllers, OEM Custom Probes and quantitative Sensory Testing Equipment.
Who are Physitemp's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Omega Engineering, ADInstruments, BIOPAC Systems and Harvard Apparatus. Broad incumbents are Fluke Corporation, WIKA Instrument, Cole-Parmer and Honeywell Sensing & IoT. Emerging players are Pinnacle Technology and Starr Life Sciences.
Does Physitemp have an API?
No public API is recorded for Physitemp.
What industry is Physitemp in?
Physitemp's product category is Medical Precision Temperature Sensors. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHACAK, Continuous Temperature & Fever Monitoring (Wearable Thermometry), with a secondary code of HDAHANAH, Thermistors & Temperature Sensors (NTC/PTC/RTD Elements). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.