Thermal management Solutions
We partner with our clients on their specific needs for bespoke thermal management solutions. We specialise in design assistance, rapid prototypes, short run orders, as well as timely deliveries and stocking of high volume production requirements. We are proud to be dependable suppliers to the electronics, computer, telecommunications, automotive, medical, and food service industries.
Many standard sizes and configurations of thermal interface materials are available. Enquire to Request a sample of our material.
We are conveniently located in Mumbai, India and deliver to all our clients in India and internationally.
Thermal pads
Insulator Pads designed to be clean, grease free and flexible. It can be customised to your own outline drawings
Thermal Tubes
Made from silicone rubber with high thermal conductivity. Flexible conductive tubes ideal for clip mounted power devices.
Thermal GREASE
Grease like silicon material. Ensures high conductivity, low bleed and high temperature stability
Thermal Interface Materials: Everything You Need to Know
Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are used to improve heat transfer between two surfaces, such as a semiconductor device and a heat sink. TIMs are typically used in electronics cooling applications to prevent overheating and ensure reliable operation.
Why Do Electronic Devices Get Hot?
Electronic devices generate heat when electricity flows through them. This heat can be generated by the resistance of the materials used in the device, as well as by the power consumed by the device. If this heat is not dissipated, it can cause the device to overheat, which can lead to performance degradation, damage, or even failure.
What are Thermal Interface Materials?
TIMs are materials that have a high thermal conductivity, meaning that they can transfer heat efficiently. This allows TIMs to help dissipate heat from electronic devices to the surrounding environment.
Types of Thermal Interface Materials
There are several different types of TIMs available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of TIMs include:
Thermal tapes: Thermal tapes are easy to apply and remove, but they typically have a lower thermal conductivity than other types of TIMs.
Greases: Greases have a high thermal conductivity and are easy to apply, but they can be messy and can be difficult to keep in place.
Gels: Gels are similar to greases, but they are more solid and less likely to pump out from between the two surfaces.
Thermal adhesives: Thermal adhesives bond the two surfaces together, providing a strong thermal interface. However, they can be difficult to apply and remove.
Phase change materials (PCMs): PCMs melt at a specific temperature, providing a high thermal conductivity when the device is operating. However, they can be expensive and can be difficult to apply.
Selecting the Right Thermal Interface Material (TIM) for Your Application
When selecting a TIM for your application, there are several factors to consider, including:
Thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity of the TIM will determine how efficiently it can transfer heat.
Ease of application: Some TIMs are easier to apply than others. Consider the complexity of your application and the manufacturing process when selecting a TIM.
Reliability: TIMs should be reliable and perform consistently over time.
Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the TIM with the other materials in your system, such as the heat sink and the semiconductor device.
Environmental factors: Consider the environmental factors that the TIM will be exposed to, such as temperature, humidity, and chemicals.
TIMs are an important part of many electronics cooling systems. By selecting the right TIM for your application, you can help to ensure the reliable operation of your electronic devices. At Trocad, we can help you with your bespoke needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Thermal Pad by Customised?
Yes, Thermal pads can be customised to meet the specific needs of an application. This includes tailoring the thickness, size, and thermal conductivity of the pad. Some thermal pads may be pre-cut to fit specific components, while others may be sold in sheets that can be cut to size. It is important to choose the right thermal pad for your application to ensure proper heat dissipation and prevent damage to electronic components.
In other words, thermal pads can be made to be any thickness, size, or shape, and they can be made with different materials that have different thermal conductivities. This means that you can find a thermal pad that is perfect for your specific application, whether you need to cool a small chip or a large heat sink.
It is important to choose the right thermal pad for your application because the wrong pad could lead to overheating, which can damage your electronic components. For example, if you choose a thermal pad that is too thin, it may not be able to transfer enough heat away from the component, causing it to overheat. If you choose a thermal pad that is too thick, it may create a gap between the component and the heat sink, which can also lead to overheating.
If you are not sure which thermal pad to choose for your application, it is best to consult with a qualified engineer or manufacturer.
How are Thermal Pads cut to different sizes?
There are a few different ways to do this depending on quantity, budget and needs:
Cut to size: Thermal pads can be cut to any size or shape using a sharp knife or scissors. However, this requires precision to not to cut too close to the edge of the pad, as this can damage it. This is typically done for small sample quanitities for prototyping and testing.
Use a die-cutter: A die-cutter is a machine that can cut thermal pads to precise shapes. This is a good option if you need a large number of thermal pads of the same size and shape. The die is made bespoke for your needs.
3D Printed: Sophisticated 3D printers can create thermal pads of any size, shape, and thickness, with a variety of different thermal conductivity options. This is typically more expensive. It can be effective for very specific needs.
Which customisation method you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Here are some reasons why you might want to customize a thermal pad:
To fit a specific component or heat sink
To improve thermal performance
To reduce costs
To improve aesthetics
To comply with industry regulations
If you are considering customizing a thermal pad, it is important to consult with a qualified manufacturer or engineer to ensure that you choose the right material and thickness for your application.
Can I use Thermal Grease on Thermal Pads?
Thermal Grease should not be used on top of Thermal Pads.
Thermal Grease or paste is used to fill in gaps between two surfaces, such as a CPU and a heat sink. This helps to improve heat transfer between the two surfaces. Thermal pads, on the other hand, are used to conform to uneven surfaces and provide a good thermal interface.
If you use thermal paste on top of a thermal pad, the paste will fill in the pores of the pad and reduce its ability to dissipate heat. This can lead to overheating of the component.
Here is a summary of when to use thermal grease/paste and thermal pads:
Thermal grease / paste: Use thermal paste when there is a gap between the component and the heat sink.
Thermal pads: Use thermal pads when the surfaces are uneven or when you need a conforming interface.
Can I re-use Thermal Pads?
Thermal pads are not reusable. Once a thermal pad has been compressed and used, its thermal conductivity and ability to effectively transfer heat can decrease. Reusing a thermal pad may reduce performance and compromise cooling efficiency.
Here are some of the reasons why thermal pads are not reusable:
Contamination: When a thermal pad is removed, it may accumulate contaminants such as dust, debris, or oils from the components. These contaminants can reduce the thermal conductivity of the pad and potentially cause problems if it is reused.
Deformation: The thermal pad may lose its original shape and thickness after being compressed and used. This can impact its ability to provide proper thermal contact.
Degradation: Thermal pads can degrade over time due to heat and exposure to the environment. This can reduce their thermal conductivity and performance.
It is recommended to replace thermal pads when necessary to ensure optimal heat transfer and cooling performance. When replacing a thermal pad, select a new one that matches the specifications required for your specific components and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
Here are some tips for selecting and replacing thermal pads:
Choose the right thermal conductivity: Thermal pads are available with a variety of thermal conductivity ratings. Choose a pad with a thermal conductivity rating that is appropriate for your components and cooling needs.
Consider the thickness: Thermal pads are also available in different thicknesses. Choose a pad that is thick enough to provide good thermal contact, but not so thick that it creates a gap between the component and the heat sink.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly installing the thermal pad. This will help to ensure that the pad is installed correctly and that it provides the best possible cooling performance.