The TIM world is like the big bang.. It moves, and expands faster than ever. The reasoning for this is the fact that clock rates continue to expand and move even more rapidly. In this world, graphite thermal material is a TIM of choice because of a few features.
Features of Thermal Thin Graphite Film
- Its available in thin cross sections. REMEMBER “ THIN TO WIN” . Thin cross sections, and contact points in thermal applications rule the world.
- The thermal conductivity is incredible in contrast to other TIM materials.
- It compresses, and is very conformable in compression applications. Some customers may even comment how fragile this graphite material is, however that is part of the design.
- Its not sticky, and hassle free to clean up- although they are a one time use.
TGON 800 Flexible Graphite Thermal Performance
NEDC has been die-cutting flexible graphite TGON Electrically Conductive Gap Filler Pads for a long time. TGON 800 is made up of 98% graphite, making it extremely thermally conductive. This graphite flexible film has a unique grain orientation that allows for this. As an example to the thermal conductivity that I was pointing out earlier; the biggest selling point, in the XY plane is 240 W/mK… 240 W/m-K. In the Z-axis, its 5 W/m-K. The thermal conductivity of this pad in the XY direction is extremely conductive. Its good to note that TGON 800 , IS not electrically isolating, but is in fact electrically conductive. Normally I’d put this in the availability section for our blog posts.. But this graphite is unique because it comes in .005’’, .010’’, and .020’’ which is on the thinner side of thermal pad availability. For the customers/design engineers looking for their reliable V0 products. All thicknesses of TGON 800 is rated for UL 94 V0 for fire resistance. In addition, it has a good TML, and CVCM for outgassing ASTM E595 tested.
Designations of the TGON800 Series
TGON 805, .005’’ +/- .001’’ (.13mm) TGON805A0, TGON805A1, A10462-20, A10462-20, A10462-03, A10462-02
TGON 810, .010’’ +/- .001’’ (.25mm) TGON810A0, TGON810A1, Laird#A10463-02, A10463-01, A10463-10, A10463-12
TGON 820, .020’’ +/- .002’’ (.51mm) TGON820A0, TGON820A1, A10464-02, A10464-01, A10464-07, A10464-10
Applications for TGON 800 Series | 805, 810, 820 Graphite Film
-ANYTHING electronic
-Power Supplies/Batteries
-Peripherals such as Laptop computers, or PC screens
-Electrical Grounding (finding an electrically conductive thermal pad is harder than you think)
Why is TGON 800 used in Military/Aerospace Applications?
TGON has been utilized in military applications for as long as I can remember. There are a few reasons for this. Primarily, the outgassing of this material has been tested, and this is important for space applications. Second, this material is tried, and true. As mentioned, I’ve seen this applications thousands of times across the die-cut parts we’ve made.
How is TGON 800 Graphite Film Series Cut?
Custom shapes of graphite can be a tough cookie to cut. Why is this? Well, lets start with the fact the material is literally graphite. Second, as mentioned this graphite film is pretty fragile. For these reasons, it can be challenging to cut with conventional laser cutting. The laser cannot pentrate the graphite. Knife-cutting can also be a challenge because the knife plotter can also drag across the graphite and cause it to tear. In our experience conventional die-cutting is the best way to cut this material into consistent quality parts.
Availability of Lairds TGON 805, 810, 820 Thermal Interface Materials
TGON comes in an “A1” designation for adhesive one side options. Sheet sizes come in a standard of 12’’ x 18’’. However, you are able to get the sheets in the larger 18’’ x 24’’ sizes. TGON 800 comes in the natural pewter graphite color. This is good when it comes to assembly. NEDC die-cuts these pads on a regular basis. For more information on thermal interface pads, or TIM (thermal interface materials) please contact sales@nedc.com.
Datasheet Download for TGON Electrically Conductive Gap Filler Pads