Thermal Pads

Thermal pads, made from a silicone polymer material, act as both an effective thermal interface and a shock absorber between heat sinks and electronic devices. They ensure efficient heat transfer while also protecting sensitive components from damage.

Thermal pads from RS NZ are available in sheet form and can be cut to specific size requirements. This is usually to accommodate a certain number of components for various applications.

Thinner thermal gap fillers are usually used to expand the efficiency of heat sinks, while thicker thermal gap fillers are generally used to conduct heat to chassis or electronic enclosures.

Thermal Gap Pads are available in a range of thermal conductivity levels and materials such as Acrylic, Fibreglass, Graphite, Silicone and numerous plastic variants. Thermal pads are excellent for sealing air gaps across inconsistent surfaces and provide efficient thermal transfer.

How do Thermal Gap Pads Work?

A thermal pad's soft structure conforms to uneven surfaces, reducing resistance to heat flow. This effectively eliminates air pockets, creating a continuous thermal bridge for efficient heat transfer.

In addition to heat dissipation, these pads also act as shock absorbers, reducing vibration stress and protecting electronic components from potential damage. Importantly, thermal pads enhance safety by preventing electrical fires. Their ability to soften at high temperatures allows them to fill imperfections on surfaces, further improving heat conduction.

Types of Thermal Pads

Thermal pads come in various forms to suit different applications and thermal management needs. Here's a look at some common types:

Thermal Gap Pads

These thermal pads are designed specifically to fill gaps between components and heat sinks, ensuring efficient heat transfer. They offer high compressibility and conformability to adapt to uneven surfaces and eliminate air pockets.

Thermal Interface Sheets

These thermal pads are thin, sheet-like materials that provide a thermal interface between components and heatsinks. They are often used in applications where a lower thermal resistance is required, such as in high-performance electronics.

Thermal Fillers

These are gap-filling materials that are used to fill larger spaces or voids in electronic assemblies. They offer good thermal conductivity and can help to improve the overall thermal performance of a device.

Silicone-based Pads

Silicon-based thermal conductive pads are made from silicone polymers and are known for their flexibility and good thermal conductivity. They are often used in applications where a soft and conformable material is needed.

Graphite Pads

Graphite is a material with excellent thermal conductivity. Graphite thermal pads are often used in high-performance applications where heat dissipation is critical, such as in laptops and gaming consoles.

Features of Thermal Pads

Thermal pads offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable component in heat management solutions:

• Extremely Long Life: Thermal pads are designed for long-term performance, maintaining their thermal properties and structural integrity over an extended period. This contributes to the longevity and reliability of the electronic devices they protect.
• High Performance: Thermal pads offer excellent heat dissipation, efficiently preventing critical components from overheating and ensuring optimal operating temperatures.
• Durable and Flexible: Thermal pads are typically made from durable materials that can withstand pressure and vibration. Their flexibility allows them to conform to uneven surfaces, ensuring good contact and efficient heat transfer.
• Easy to Install and Maintain: Thermal pads are easy to handle and install, often requiring no special tools or adhesives. They also require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient solution for thermal management.
• Safe and Convenient: Made from non-toxic materials, thermal pads are generally safe to handle. They offer a convenient solution for thermal management, eliminating the mess and potential hazards associated with thermal paste.

Applications of Thermal Transfer Pads

Thermal pads are essential for efficient heat management in a wide range of electronic devices and systems. Here are some of their key applications:

• Between Semiconductors and Heat Sinks: Thermal pads effectively transfer heat generated by semiconductors (like CPUs and GPUs) to heat sinks, which then dissipate the heat into the surrounding environment.
• Hard Drive Cooling: Thermal pads help to cool hard drives by transferring heat away from the drive's internal components to the external casing or a heat sink. This is crucial for maintaining drive performance and preventing data loss due to overheating.
• Military Applications: Thermal pads are used in various military electronics to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. Their ability to withstand shock and vibration makes them ideal for rugged applications.
• DDR SDRAM in Computers: Thermal pads are used to cool DDR SDRAM modules in computers, preventing performance degradation and ensuring data integrity.
• Signal Amplifiers: Thermal pads help to manage heat in signal amplifiers, which can generate significant heat during operation. This maintains signal quality and prevents distortion.
• Power Supplies: Power supplies often utilise thermal pads to transfer heat away from critical components like transformers and capacitors, improving efficiency and reliability.

Optimise Your Device's Cooling with Thermal Pads Now

As a trusted supplier and distributor of thermal management solutions, RS NZ offers a wide range of high-quality thermal pads from leading brands like RS PRO, Bergquist, Wurth Elektronik, and Panasonic. Our range includes thermal conductive silicone pads, thermal gel pads, and more. Explore our selection of thermal pads today, featuring various thicknesses, sizes, and thermal conductivities to meet your specific needs.

We also feature other critical electronic components like digital temperature controllers and thermocouples. Browse our full range of products today and find the components you need for your next project.

Ordering & Delivery Information for NZ

RS NZ is committed to providing a smooth and efficient shopping experience, with a comprehensive online catalogue designed for effortless navigation. Locating the ideal thermal pad that fits your requirements is simple with our user-friendly platform.

We also prioritise prompt and reliable delivery across New Zealand. For details on estimated delivery times and relevant charges, please visit our Delivery Information page.