Although “Thermal Gel and Potting Gel” are both thermal interface materials, they include differences in functionalities. Even their names are almost the same as each other. So we opted to choose thermal gel vs thermal potting gel detailed comparison. Where the demand for thermal management solutions has increased, the demand for general information about the products for businesses/users has also increased.
In today’s comparison, we will thoroughly discuss features, differences, advantages/disadvantages, and suitable applications between thermal and potting gel. This comparison guide will help businesses gain a general awareness and a deep understanding of these thermal products. This will help them to choose a suitable thermal product for suitable components. Let’s move toward the core topic now,
Thermal Gel vs Thermal Potting Gel
– Thermal Gel:
A thermal gel is a soft, gel-like thermal interface material that one can use to manage the rising temperature of electronic components. It effectively transfers the heat-generating elements between the surfaces, fills the air gaps perfectly, and is considered more advanced than thermal paste.
Key Features:
- It offers thermal conductivity of 1.0 W/mK to 6.0 W/mK.
- It has a more advanced composition than its predecessors.
- It is easy to apply and remove.
- It can be re-used/re-applied when needed.
- It is reliable, durable, and long-lasting.
– Thermal Potting Gel:
A thermal potting gel is also a heat management solution against rising temps. But it also serves as an encapsulation and protection shield against dust, moisture, water, and fire. So it serves two features of thermal management and component protection to ensure a longer lifespan.
Key Features:
- It offers thermal conductivity of 0.8 W/mK to 4.0 W/mK.
- It also protects components from dust, moisture, fire, and water.
- Cures in different forms depending upon temperature.
- It is also easy to apply.
- It is also reliable, durable, and long-lasting.
Comparison of Key Features:
If we analyze the key features of Thermal Gel vs Thermal Potting Gel. Both thermal materials have an edge over each other. The thermal gel offers stronger thermal conductivity than the thermal potting gel. Thermal potting gel delivers less thermal conductivity but stronger protection to components against dust, moisture, and short circuits.
Similarly, the thermal gel is reusable after removal, while the thermal potting gel is not reusable. But again, the thermal potting gel offers a longer lifespan than the thermal gel. Such a comparison concludes that both thermal materials present quality performance and reliability. Preferring a specific one depends upon the requirement of its usage in electronic components.
Applications Compatibility
– Applications of Thermal Gel:
- Thermal Gel is compatible with CPUs, GPUs, and Consoles.
- It is used in medical devices like CT-Scan, MRI, and Ultrasound Machines.
- It is also used in Electric Vehicles (Batteries and Lighting Systems).
- The LED lighting system is also equipped with thermal gel for a cooling solution.
– Applications of Thermal Potting Gel:
- Thermal Potting Gel is compatible with electronics like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
- It is also compatible with power modules, inverters, and other sensors.
- It is used in military and aviation equipment.
- It is also used in the medical industry.
- Server machines and telecommunication equipment also use thermal potting gel.
Comparison of Applications:
Both products offer huge compatibility with several components and equipment. However, according to figures, the thermal potting gel delivers more variety of compatibility. This is only because of its component’s protection from environmental impacts other than cooling capabilities.
So, we can conclude the comparison here with the fact that thermal gel is used more in common components like PCs, Consoles, and LEDs. The thermal potting gel is used in common and critical components like military/aviation equipment/large data centres.
Advantages & Disadvantages:
– Advantages of Thermal Gel:
- Thermal Gel features higher thermal conductivity.
- It is a budget-friendly thermal product.
- It is easily available in the market on demand.
- It fills up air gaps efficiently.
– Disadvantages of Thermal Gel:
- It becomes dry over a period.
- It easily catches dust and other particles.
- It does not work well with components producing higher vibrations.
– Advantages of Thermal Potting Gel:
- Thermal Potting Gel offers moderate heat conductivity.
- It protects from environmental factors.
- It also protects components from vibration and shocks.
- It is compatible with a variety of components.
– Disadvantages of Thermal Potting Gel:
- It is a costly option as compared to other thermal products.
- It is difficult to remove and can’t be reapplied.
- It takes more time to cure.
Comparison of Advantages/Disadvantages:
Again the comparison of thermal gel vs thermal potting gel indicates that both perform parallel. One is expensive but offers a longer lifespan, similarly the other features higher thermal conductivity but lacks environmental safety for components.
So we can consider the results tied here, but with a highlighted fact that, if there is a need for thermal conductivity only. The thermal gel would perform better, while in the case of required thermal conductivity plus encapsulation thermal potting gel would perform better.
– Where to Choose Thermal Gel:
- Where one needs only an efficient thermal conductivity.
- Where one needs reusability.
- Where one is considering a low-budget product.
– Where to Choose Thermal Potting Gel:
- Where one needs thermal conductivity plus protection of components.
- Where one needs a thermal product with a higher lifespan.
- Where one needs application on critical components with no risk factors.
Jiuju as Your Thermal Management Partner
Businesses and Consumers who are looking for a reputable and quality thermal manufacturer. We highly recommend considering JiuJu for its quality thermal products and renowned reputation in the market. JiuJu has a core speciality in manufacturing products like Thermal Paste, Thermal Pads, Thermal Gel, Thermal Potting Gel, Thermal Tapes, and many other Thermal Adhesives.
JiuJu always offers its customers affordable rates, fast/secure delivery, and 24/7 customer support. Not only that, but they also provide pre/post-product counselling. Businesses approaching JiuJu with bulk orders can get the products at wholesale rates. So, JiuJu always welcomes its clients for a successful and long-term collaboration.
If we review the operational activities at JiuJu. There is the use of the latest machinery, tons of monthly productions, an experienced team of manufacturers, and an organized storage/transportation system. The required certifications concerning production and environmental factors are also marked green.
Reach out to JiuJu with your requirements and get quotations for the thermal products.
Summary
Choosing a working option from this comparison of thermal gel vs thermal potting gel depends upon the needs and specifications of one’s components. Both are manufactured focusing on the core needs of users. An appropriate level of knowledge and awareness can help users to adopt a suitable product.
Results are considered tied, as each performs parallel and well in its domain. Moreover, this comparison guide is enough for businesses/consumers to decide which product suits their requirements.
After choosing the product, don’t forget to visit JiuJu’s official page to order your product at afford
