In our previous post, we dove into the key properties of thermal pads, such as thermal conductivity and compressibility, to help engineers select the right material. But the material itself is only half the solution. In the complex world of AI hardware, where space is a premium and component geometry is constantly evolving, an off-the-shelf thermal pad is rarely the perfect fit.
The true solution lies in customization. This is where the power of advanced fabrication techniques—our core competency—comes into play. At NEDC, we don’t just provide material; we provide a precision-engineered part that is designed to fit your unique application perfectly, ensuring optimal thermal performance and a streamlined assembly process.
The Problem with Standard Sizing
AI systems, from graphics processors to custom-designed accelerator boards, often have unique shapes and surface topographies. Standard-sized thermal pads lead to several issues:
- Imperfect Coverage: A square pad on a custom-shaped component can leave critical “hot spots” uncovered.
- Waste: Trimming a standard pad by hand is inefficient, prone to error, and creates unnecessary material waste.
- Assembly Challenges: Hand-cutting pads on an assembly line is a time-consuming process that can introduce inconsistencies and slow down production.
The NEDC Advantage: Precision Fabrication
Our expertise in a variety of cutting techniques allows us to fabricate a part that is perfect for your needs, every time.
- Die Cutting: This is our core strength. Using precision steel-rule dies, we can stamp out thousands of thermal pads with incredible speed and repeatability. This process is ideal for high-volume production, ensuring every part is identical and ready for quick assembly.
- Laser Cutting: For complex shapes or very small parts where a physical die is impractical, laser cutting offers unmatched precision. It’s a non-contact process, which makes it ideal for delicate materials.
- Waterjet Cutting: This technique uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through materials. It’s perfect for thicker thermal gap fillers or materials that cannot be cut with a laser due to a risk of burning or melting.
The result of these methods is a finished part that fits perfectly, every time. This precision not only ensures reliable thermal performance but also reduces assembly time and overall production costs.
A Seamless Integration, Not Just a Component
When you partner with NEDC, you’re not just ordering a part; you’re getting a solution. We work with you to understand your specific thermal and mechanical requirements. We help you choose from a wide range of materials from leading manufacturers and then apply our AS9100D and ISO-9001:2015 certified processes to create a custom-cut part that is production-ready.
By providing a custom-cut, finished part, we eliminate the need for you to handle material conversion in-house. This frees up your resources to focus on what you do best—innovating and building next-generation AI hardware.