Thermal interface materials are used to eliminate air gaps or voids from adjoining rough or un-even mating surfaces. Because the thermal interface material has a greater thermal conductivity than the air it replaces, the resistance across the joint decreases and the component junction temperature will be reduced.
Two principal “gap filler” thermal interface materials prevalent on the market today are thermal gels – also known as dispensable gap fillers – and gap filler pads.
So, which one should you select for your application? Here are the top 6 things you need to know.
Both thermal gels and thermal gap filler pads are highly conformable, but the maximum configurability of a gap pad is less than that of a gel due to its solid structure. Dispensable gels provide maximum conformability because they can be dispensed in near-infinite shapes and patterns.
Gap filler pads have long been the go-to choice for many design engineers, but recent advances in thermal gels, which are highly conformable, pre-cured single-component compounds, can provide superior performance, greater ease of manufacturing and assembly, and a lower cost in certain high-volume applications; particularly as electronic design applications get smaller, more fragile and more complex.
Looking to learn more about thermal gap pads and dispensable gels? Download our new white paper Thermal Interface Materials: Choosing Between Gels and Gap Filler Pads now!
In this white paper, you’ll learn about the two general types of thermal interface materials – gels (or dispensable gap fillers) and gap filler pads – which are used by design engineers for displacing air voids and ensuring proper heat transfer, as well as:
• Heat transfer fundamentals refresher
• Intro to gap filler pads and thermal gels
• Pads vs. gels – understanding key differences
• Conclusion and recommendations
This white paper analyzes and draws conclusions about key performance and manufacturability characteristics in both gap pads and new advances in gels. Download Thermal Interface Materials: Choosing Between Gels and Gap Filler Pads today!
This blog was contributed by Jarrod Cohen, marketing communications manager, Parker Chomerics.
Selecting a Thermal Gel or Thermal Gap Pad – Your Questions Answered (Part I)
Selecting a Thermal Gel or Thermal Gap Pad – Your Questions Answered (Part II)
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