Q-Pad 3 sheet stock
At NEDC, thermal pads are our specialty. However, oftentimes customers are looking for a thermal pad that is a grease replacement, that isn’t damaged by reflow solder baths. To be honest, Q-Pad 3 is a unique product for this reason. Q-Pad 3 is a fiberglass reinforced grease replacement.
Properties of Q-Pad 3 aka SIL PAD TSP Q2000
Q-Pad 3 eliminates the problems thermal grease creates, such as contamination in electronic assemblies. The graphite helps make the material more conformable to imperfect surfaces when clamped in between two surfaces. The thermal conductivity is 2 W/m-K. However, as mentioned before, and I’ll mention again, thermal conductivity is not everything; Q-Pad 3 has great thermal impedance values(see datasheet below It’s good to note, that unlike other thermal pads, Q-Pad 3 is not electrically insulating. In addition, Q-Pad 3 has the notorious UL 94 V0 rating.
How is Q-Pad 3 Mounted?
Since Q-Pad 3 depends on force to maximize thermal transfer; clips, screws/rivets, are the best way to get Q-Pad 3 into the application. When I am looking at a build-to-print part of Q-Pad 3, I am expecting to see holes in the part typically because I am looking for mounting holes- however clips will do just fine too.
Is Q-Pad 3, and Q-Pad 2 Similar?
They are awfully similar. However, Q-Pad 2 is reinforced with aluminum instead of fiberglass. In addition, Q-Pad 3 is slightly thinner at 5 mils versus 6 mils of Q-Pad II.
Why do I like Q-Pad 3?
A. Thermal Grease can easily spread all over the place, and frankly- I don’t like it, and find it gross. Having a pre-cut thermal preform dramatically reduces the chances of having an electrical short.
B. There is a good price to performance ratio that is unique with Q-Pad 3.
C. Compared to Q-Pad II, it is easy to handle and doesn’t bruise as easily as the aluminum based Q-Pad II.
D. If its not obvious, we are a big fan of Bergquist/Henkel. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention, Q-Pad 3 is incredibly unique. There is no product on the thermal market like it. I get the question all the time, is there an alternative to Q-Pad 3? The answer is no- not really. Maybe Q-Pad 2, but the specific performance of Q-Pad 3, is very unique.
Why Q-Pad 3, over Q-Pad 2?
Q-Pad 3 is much more conformable than Q-Pad 2, and more conformable than graphite thermal interface materials that may be compared to it. Its more conformable due to the fact that its a fiberglass reinforcement, and not a aluminum reinforcrment that Q-Pad II has.
ai block, enclosure
Applications for Q-Pad III Thermal Pads
-Heat Sink/Transistors
-Between larger surface areas that need thermal transfer
-Power Modules, or Resistors, Transformers, Solid State Relays
What Materials Can I Substitute for Q-Pad 3?
Above, I mentioned Q-Pad 2/Q-Pad 3 can sometimes me interchanged for similiar performance, however they can operate completely differently. With that said:
Maybe Q-Pad 2. Maybe. But – I’m not trying to be cagey when I say- Q-Pad 3 rarely/never has a replacement, and I say- not at all. Q-Pad 3 (aka Q2000) is very unique, it has a few qualities going for it. These properties are unique that not any material has all at the same time.
A. Its a silicone-fiberglass mix.
B. Its matrix is pretty impressionable, allowing good out-flow when under pressure.
C. The thermal conductivity is very good for what it is- while also achieving good thermal impedance.
Nomenclature/Terminology of Q-Pad 3
Q3-0.005-AC-1212 (12” x 12” with GAAC PSA(its the type of PSA offer)
Q3-0.005-00-1212 (12” x 12” with no PSA)
Q2000-0.005-AC (PSA included), Q2000-0.005-00 (NO PSA)
More Information/Availability of Q-Pad 3, aka SIL PAD TSP Q2000
Q-Pad 3 comes in a thickness of .005’’. In addition, it comes with or without PSA to help in the assembly process. It also comes in the format of rolled goods. The color of Q-Pad 3 is a light black that originates from the graphite filling. NEDC custom die-cuts, and laser-cuts Q-Pad 3 parts to custom, and standard Sil-Pad Configuration shapes. For more information, on Q-Pad 3.