Thermal Pads
Thermal pads (also referred to as heat transfer pads, heatsink pads or gap pads) are typically made from silicone polymer to form a thermal pad material and act as a shock dampener that provides an effective thermal interface between heat sinks and electronic devices.
They are offered in sheet form and can be cut to adhere to specific size requirements to accommodate a number of components in various applications. Thin gap fillers are usually used to expand the efficiency of heat sinks, while thick thermal gap fillers are generally used to conduct heat to chassis or electronic enclosures.
While most heatsink pads are made from silicone, they are also available in a range of thermal conductivity levels and materials, with each material offering specific benefits suited to different use cases:
- Silicone: Highly flexible and durable, silicone thermal pads are commonly used in consumer electronics for applications requiring a soft, adaptable material that can conform to irregular surfaces.
- Acrylic: Known for its excellent bonding properties, acrylic pads are often used in LED lighting systems and power supplies where a strong adhesive bond is crucial for heat dissipation.
- Fibreglass: Offering superb mechanical stability and heat resistance, fibreglass gap pads are ideal for high-temperature environments found in automotive and industrial applications.
- Graphite: With exceptional thermal conductivity, graphite pads are perfect for applications requiring rapid heat spreading, such as in high-performance CPUs and GPUs.
- Other Plastic Variants: These are typically used where specific chemical resistances or lower cost options are needed, suitable for consumer goods and less intensive electronic applications.
How Do Thermal Gap Pads Work?
The thermally conductive pad's soft structure offers high conformability to lessen interface resistance. The thermal gap filler adapts to the irregularities between the surface which eliminates air pockets and creates a thermal bridge. In addition to effective heat dissipation, Thermal interface pads also help reduce vibration stress for shock dampening. By keeping the internal components of electronic products from wear and tear resulting from high circuit board temperatures, thermal pads help to provide extended longevity.
They are also important in providing safety by eliminating the possibility of electrical fires. Thermal pads become soft at high temperatures which means they can fill imperfections in the surface for better conduction qualities and to minimise potential damage to components.
Thermal Conductivity Ratings
Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat, quantified by its thermal conductivity coefficient, measured in watts per metre per degree Celsius (W/m·K). The higher the coefficient, the more effectively the material conducts heat.
Hence, selecting the right thermal pad involves considering the thermal requirements of the device. High heat transfer pad ratings are essential for high-heat components like CPUs, where efficient heat dissipation is necessary. Conversely, lower ratings might be adequate for less demanding applications, ensuring you choose a thermally conductive pad appropriate for your specific thermal management needs.
Applications for Petlier Modules Include:
- To sit between a semiconductor and heat sink
- Hard drive cooling
- Military
- Applied to DDR SDRAM in computers
- Signal amplifiers
Key Features
- Extremely long life
- High performance
- Durable and flexible
- Easy to install and maintain
- Safe and convenient
Thermal Pads Installation Guidelines
Proper installation of thermal pads is crucial for effective performance as it ensures optimal thermal conductivity between the heat source and the heat sink. This facilitates efficient heat transfer, preventing overheating and potential damage to electronic components.
To properly install a gap pad, first, ensure the surfaces are clean and devoid of debris. Then, choose a pad thickness that complements the interface gaps to avoid air pockets.
Thermal pads ideally should not be reused once removed because the material may degrade or deform, thereby reducing its effectiveness in adequately filling thermal gaps and conducting heat. If you’ve removed a pad and need to replace it, it's essential to apply a new one to maintain the integrity of the thermal management system, ensuring continued protection and efficiency.
Industry Applications
Thermal management solutions like high-performance thermal pads are indispensable across a broad range of industries:
- Discrete Manufacturing: In discrete manufacturing, thermal gap filler pads manage heat in tightly packed electronic assemblies, preventing overheating and ensuring the reliability of products.
- Process Manufacturing: Thermal gap fillers are crucial for maintaining stable equipment temperatures, protecting sensitive components, and ensuring continuous production lines.
- Energy and Utilities: Gap filler pads enhance efficiency and safety in power generation and distribution systems, providing crucial thermal management in critical infrastructures.
- Facilities and Intralogistics: High-conductivity thermal pads are employed in automated systems to prevent thermal overload in continuously operating machinery, ensuring operational stability and efficiency.
Your Trusted Thermal Pads Supplier & Manufacturer
RS is a globally recognised and trusted supplier, distributor, and manufacturer of high-performance, thermally conductive pads. Featuring renowned brands like Berquist, Wurth Elektronik, Panasonic, and our own RS Pro line, we provide a comprehensive selection of thermal padding for various applications, from hard drive cooling to advanced electronic systems.
We also carry a range of other thermal management supplies, such as thermal breakers and thermal relays, to ensure your systems operate safely and efficiently. Choose RS today for reliable and durable high-conductivity thermal pads at competitive prices. For more information on our delivery services and fees, please visit our Delivery Page.