The Sweating Guarded Hotplate (often referred to as the “skin Model”) is intended to simulate the heat and mass transfer processes which occur next to the surface of the skin. The physical properties of textile materials which contribute to physiological comfort involve a complex combination of heat and mass transfer. Each may occur separately of simultaneously.

Measurement of thermal resistance and water vapour resistance under steady state conditions of a range of products including fabrics, films, coatings, foams and leather including multi layer assemblies.

The specimen to be tested is placed on an eletronically heated porous plate with conditioned air ducted to flow across and parallel to its upper surface.