Sil-Pad 2000, 10mil die-cut
NEDC has an affinity for an incredible amount of thermal management materials. TIMs, as they are called, have started to replace messy thermal greases & mica in some applications as electronics have become ubiquitous. One of the most popular thermal pads that NEDC converts through die-cutting is Sil-Pad 2000. The reason for its popularity is obvious. It becomes readily apparent after a review of the properties and characteristics of the material.
What is Sil-Pad 2000 (SIL PAD TSP 3500)?
Sil-Pad 2000 is a silicone elastomer reinforced with sturdy fiberglass insert that is filled with thermally conductive fillers. This yields a thermal pad that is quite impressive in its different properties. This pad features a 90 Shore A durometer, and a thermal conductivity of 3.5 W/m-K.* As of this writing, it has the highest thermal conductivity value in the Sil-Pad family. In should be noted, the thermal performance of this pad goes up with more pressure. For example, the thermal performance nearly doubles from 10 psi @ .57 °C-in2/W to .30 °C-in2/W @ 200 psi. Despite its high thermal conductivity, it is still a high reliability insulator that features a high volume resistivity of 1011 Ohms.† As with most Bergquist thermal pads, this material features the arduous UL 94 V-O(file # E59150) rating. In addition, this material has a impressive continuous usage temperature of -76° to 392°F. This material also comes in a clean, and neat white color. Given Sil-Pad 2000s high performance, it is found in a number of demanding applications ranging from commercial avionics to high-performance power supplies. It is typically the best thermal insulator gap filler for chosen aerospace, and military application.
Why does Sil-Pad 2000 use a Fiberglass Carrier?
A fiberglass carrier for thermal insulator materials is used when handling is the concern. In addition to helping with handling, Sil-Pad 2000 aka TSP3500 is used in high pressure applications so when it is put under pressure, it helps the material avoid creep, and flow that it could be suspectible to when under as much as 200 psi.
Electric light lamp in industrial enclosure, power distribution industry.
Electric light lamp in industrial enclosure, power distribution industry.
Sil-Pad 2000 vs Sil-Pad A2000? Are they the same thermal insulator?
I was going to write a blog on this, but I thought it would be better to have a note in here. A lot of times customers confuse Sil-Pad 2000 with Sil-Pad A2000. They are different materials. One may ask, what are the differences? It should first be said that Sil-Pad A2000 (TSP A3000) was designed to be an alternative to Sil Pad 2000 (TSP 3500) originally.
-The Outgassing with Sil-Pad A2000 on the TML(Total Mass Loss is slightly higher
-Sil-Pad A2000 is available only .015” and .020”, while Sil-Pad 2000 is available slightly thinner at .010”.
-Thermal Conductivity to better with Sil-Pad 2000, but only slightly..
-Dielectric Constant is slightly different for Sil-Pad A2000 aka SIL PAD TSP A3000.
-The thermal performance and thermal impedence are essentially neck, and neck with Sil-Pad 2000 being slightly better.
Well its always a good idea to test in the application, Sil-Pad A2000 can be considered a good alternative to Sil-Pad 2000 for thermal applications.
Download Datasheet for Sil-Pad A2000 AKA SIL-PAD TSP A3000
Download Datasheet for Sil-Pad 2000 AKA SIL-PAD TSP 3500
Nomenclature of Sil-Pad 2000/SP2000 (SIL PAD TSP3500)
Sil-Pad 2000 has gone through a number of different names throughout the years. However, its still the great thermal insulator with incredibly reliable performance. Here are a few of the iterations we still see on build prints today. Most of the part numbers we see for Sil-Pad 2000 come from the aerospace/military industry, and they do include PSA. However, this pad is available without adhesive backing.
SP2000-0.010-AC, SP2000-0.015-AC
SP2015-AC, SP2010-AC
SIL PAD TSP 3500 .010” THK with PSA
SP2000, .010” AC
Why Sil-Pad 2000 for Aerospace/Space/Military Applications?
-Sil-Pad 2000 has an outgassing rating per ASTM E595 with .03 CVCM%, and Total Mass Loss of (TML%) of .07%. In addition, Sil-Pad 2000 has been a thermal insulator of choice for over 40 years in the aersopace industry which NEDC has been a supplier for for over 30 years itself.
-Sil-Pad 2000 is well known as one of the best, if not the best thermal insulator that is available in the industry from a thermal conductivity, and thermal impedence standpoint.
Availability of Sil-Pad 2000 (TSP 3500)
Sil-Pad 2000 aka SIL PAD TSP 3500 can be provided with pressure-sensitive adhesive, on one side or both. This adhesive is an unloaded acrylic tape(AC). This adhesive aids in assembly by peel and sticking parts. NEDC commonly die-cuts or waterjet cuts these materials into special custom or generic shapes for its customers. For more information, or you would like a quote on any thermal pads please contact sales@nedc.com.
*This metric was tested per ASTM D5470.
† This metric was tested per ASTM D257.