Precision Instrumentation for Automotive Testing
Custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses, and Aerosensor aerodynamic measurement probes — engineered for powertrain development, EV battery testing, emissions measurement, and aerodynamic evaluation.
Temperature. Pressure. Flow. From a Single Source.
Automotive test programs demand instrumentation that holds calibration under thermal cycling, vibration, and the tight tolerances of modern powertrain and EV development. K-Tec Systems manufactures custom thermocouples, RTDs, and wire harnesses in-house, and serves as the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor precision aerodynamic probes — giving automotive engineers and test labs a single, qualified source for both temperature and aerodynamic measurement.
Our sensors and probes are built to perform where standard catalog parts fall short. Whether you need thermocouples for engine and exhaust testing, RTDs for EV battery thermal management validation, or multi-hole probes for wind tunnel aerodynamic development, K-Tec works directly with your engineering team from specification through delivery.
Where K-Tec Instrumentation Is Used
From dynamometer cells to wind tunnels, K-Tec’s instrumentation is specified for critical measurement points across automotive development and testing programs.
Powertrain & Engine Testing
Custom thermocouples and RTDs for exhaust gas temperature measurement, cylinder head monitoring, and multi-point thermal mapping on engine dynamometer test stands. Built to withstand sustained high-temperature and high-vibration operation.
EV Battery & Thermal Management
RTDs and thermocouples for battery pack thermal characterization, cell-level temperature monitoring, and thermal runaway testing. Precise, repeatable measurement supports validation of thermal management systems across operating conditions.
Emissions & Exhaust Testing
High-temperature thermocouples for exhaust gas temperature and aftertreatment system monitoring, including catalytic converter and particulate filter testing. NIST traceable calibration supports regulatory test documentation.
Vehicle Aerodynamics & Wind Tunnel Testing
Kiel probes, multi-hole probes, and Kiel rakes for total pressure, static pressure, and three-dimensional flow vector measurement in automotive wind tunnels. Individually calibrated with lookup tables ready for test data systems.
NVH & Durability Testing
Custom wire harness assemblies and temperature sensors built for long-duration durability rigs and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) test environments — where consistent signal integrity under vibration and thermal cycling is essential.
Research & Development
Custom probe geometries and thermocouple assemblies developed to customer specifications. Aerosensor’s in-house calibration wind tunnel validates probes across wide yaw and pitch angles at airspeeds up to 275 mph.
Instrumentation for Automotive Programs
K-Tec manufactures thermocouples, RTDs, and wire harnesses in-house, and is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor aerodynamic measurement probes. All products are available with engineering support and documentation for automotive test program requirements.
Custom Thermocouples
All ANSI types. Custom wire diameter, sheath material, MgO insulation, and termination. Built to your exact specifications for engine testing, exhaust measurement, and high-temperature environments.
- TypesJ, K, T, E, N, R, S, B
- InsulationMgO (standard)
- CalibrationNIST traceable
- DocumentationCertificate of Conformance
RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors)
Higher accuracy and repeatability than thermocouples at moderate temperatures. Preferred for EV battery thermal management testing and other measurement-critical applications requiring temperature stability over wide operating ranges.
- ElementPt100, Pt1000
- ClassA or B per IEC 60751
- CalibrationNIST traceable
- DocumentationCertificate of Conformance
Wire Harnesses
Custom wire harness assemblies built to automotive routing and environmental requirements. Used in powertrain test cells, durability rigs, and EV battery test installations — where reliable signal integrity and durability under vibration and temperature cycling are non-negotiable.
- BuildCustom to your specs
- EnvironmentHigh vibration, temp cycling
- DocumentationCertificate of Conformance
Kiel Probes
Total pressure measurement across wide flow angles. Extends reliable measurement to ±50° — far beyond the ±5° limitation of a standard pitot tube.
- Accuracy±0.1%
- Flow anglesUp to ±50°
- Max temp980°C
- Min dia.1.6mm
Kiel Rakes
Multi-point total pressure measurement across a defined area simultaneously. Monolithic DMLS or modular machined assemblies. Used in wind tunnel testing and exhaust flow analysis.
- ConstructionDMLS or machined
- MaterialSS, Inconel, titanium
- ConfigCustom geometry
5-Hole Probes
Full 3D flow vector resolution — total pressure, static pressure, yaw, and pitch — from a single probe position. Down to 2mm head diameter. Rated to 980°C in Inconel. Ideal for automotive wind tunnel flow mapping.
- Accuracy±0.25%
- Flow anglesUp to ±45°
- Max temp980°C
- Min dia.2mm
Yaw Pitots
Simultaneous dynamic pressure and yaw angle measurement in a single instrument. Useful for road-to-tunnel correlation in vehicle aerodynamic development programs.
- Accuracy±0.25%
- Yaw rangeUp to ±30°
- Max temp980°C
Integrated Temperature and Aerodynamic Measurement
K-Tec’s custom thermocouple wire can be incorporated directly into Aerosensor probe assemblies for simultaneous flow and temperature measurement from a single instrument. Wire type and integration method are specified to your exact test requirements — delivered as a complete, documented solution from a single supplier.
Built for Automotive Procurement Requirements
K-Tec thermocouples are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards — the internationally recognized standard for testing and calibration laboratories. This is a critical qualification for automotive OEM and Tier 1 procurement.
All calibration equipment maintains full traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. A Certificate of Conformance is provided with every thermocouple and RTD order.
All thermocouples are manufactured in compliance with ANSI/ASTM thermocouple standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and interchangeability across your test instrumentation.
K-Tec Systems is registered to do business with the U.S. Government. CAGE Code: 4W0S0. SBA Small Business. Accepts U.S. Government purchase cards.
K-Tec Systems is a certified woman-owned business, recognized by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). A valuable supplier diversity credential for OEM and Tier 1 sourcing programs.
Every Aerosensor probe is individually calibrated in an in-house wind tunnel across five discrete flow speeds and the full operating yaw and pitch angle range. Calibration data is supplied as lookup tables.
What Sets Us Apart for Automotive Programs
Custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses, and Aerosensor precision probes — all available through a single qualified supplier. Fewer vendors, consolidated documentation, single point of contact.
Every thermocouple, RTD, and wire harness is built to your specifications. Aerosensor probes are available in custom geometries, materials, and configurations. No standard-part compromises on critical measurement points.
Certificate of Conformance with every order. NIST traceable calibration. Aerosensor calibration data supplied as lookup tables ready for integration into test software.
MgO-insulated thermocouples for high-vibration environments. Aerosensor probes in Inconel rated to 980°C. Titanium available for weight-critical applications.
K-Tec instrumentation is specified by automotive OEMs and engineering development firms for powertrain, NVH, and durability test programs.
Thermocouples, RTDs, and wire harnesses manufactured in Ferndale, Michigan. Direct engineering support from specification through delivery. CAGE Code 4W0S0 — qualified for U.S. Government procurement.
Talk to Our Engineering Team
Describe your application and measurement requirements. Our team will identify the right sensors, probes, and configurations — and can provide documentation to support your procurement process.
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