thermal pad application, high powered, lab, good place for TFlex SF10
Thermal Pads are the future. I don’t think anyone can overstate that at this point. Electronics are getting smaller, while the power densities obviously increase. Recently, I discovered a material that we really liked. It had a lot of qualities that we often hear sought after when discussing thermal pads. What are these qualities?
Properties of TFlex SF10
-Silicone-Free Polymer
Silicone can be insidious in an application, especially in lighted/image applications due to the fogging that can happen from silicone bleed that is inherent in silicone products. TFlex SF10 is a silicone-free thermal pad.
-High Compliance under Low Pressure
A thermal pad can have a high thermal conductivity like a brick. However, what is ideal to see is a pad that does both high compliance under low pressure. Pressure is a luxury, but sometimes it isn’t as available as you may think. TFLEX SF10 checks both of those – both, high conductivity and high compliance.
-Large thickness availability of 0.020-0.200
When it comes to thermal pads, thickness of thermal pads usually tops out at .125’’. As everyone knows, think “Thin to Win” however, when it comes to thermal pads, sometimes just a thicker thermal interface pad is the way to go! In addition, TFLEX SF10 comes in increments of .010”, TFLEX SF10
-Electrical Isolation
Electrical Isolation, and high thermal conductivity are usually not in the same category, but this pad without any fiberglass reinforcement, is a fantastic electrical isolation product.
-High Thermal Conductivity
What is High Thermal Conductivity? This pad has a 10 W/m-K. This is some of the highest you see when it comes to thermal pads.
Drawbacks of TFLEX SF10:
Some understood drawbacks of SF10 include the fact there are no fiberglass reinforcement on the pads. I personally like fiberglass reinforcement because its makes it easier to handle pads without the pad falling apart well placing the pad into the application. Oftentimes, with high conductivity pads, stability can be a problem- because thats also what can make them great. I will say this pad is incredibly easy to handle considering how highly filled you can assume this thermal pad is.
Notes on Nomenclature of TFLEX SF10
This thermal gap pad does not include the typical naming nomenclature that you see with the other legacy Thermagon materials. For example, its TFLEX SF10, 1.00= .040” TFLEX SF10 tack both sides
OR
TFLEX SF10DF, 2.00= .080” TFLEX SF10 tack one side.
More Information on Thermally Conductive Pads
NEDC die-cuts, and otherwise converts TFlex thermal pads into finished converted parts. For more information on thermal pads, or electrical insulation materials, please contact sales@nedc.com.