Electronic devices generate a lot of heat while in operation. Managing this heat is essential to maintaining optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. Engineers have developed several options for fixing heating in devices and equipment.
In high-volume manufacturing, where consistency and ease-of-use drive success, thermal pads stand out as your best choice. We will show you why selecting thermal pads is the ideal move for thermal management.
What Do Thermal Pads Do?
Thermal pads, also called thermal interface pads or thermally conductive pads, are soft, compressible sheets integral to protecting modern electronic components.
A thermal pad primarily fills the tiny air gaps formed by microscopic imperfections between two solid surfaces. Thermal pads carry heat from one electronic component (the heat source) to the heat sinks or cooling assembly before finally spreading it across other areas of the device.
This process helps to provide a cooling effect to the internal components of a device or equipment, making the chances of system overload due to overheating near impossible.
Whether in computers, game consoles, or industrial equipment, thermal pads’ role in ensuring the safety of sensitive components is non-negotiable. Heat pads help significantly extend the life span of electronic components and also improve their overall performance.
So, how are thermal pads able to achieve this efficient cooling effect?
Two of the thermal pads’ key properties result in their unrivaled cooling capabilities. First, they are excellent gap fillers (wet-out). A thermal pad’s wet-out properties allow it to conform and fill the tiniest spaces on a surface.
Secondly, courtesy of their inherent thermal conductivity, thermal pads are very efficient at conducting heat. The thermal conductivity of a material is measured in Watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK); the higher the W/mK value, the higher its thermal conductivity.
Silicone Thermal Pads
Silicone thermal pads are thermal interface material (TIM) made of silicone, as the name suggests. Silicone, a versatile material with great utility, ensures the thermal pads are highly conductive. It is ideal for application on uneven surfaces and filling out air gaps.
Industrial manufacturers and engineers typically opt for a slicing thermal pad for heat management due to the material’s numerous benefits.
Benefits of Silicone Thermal Pads include:
- Silicone thermal pads are easily customizable
- Possess the required amount of thermal conductivity required in consumer electronics
- Cost-effective
- Impressive flexibility.
Given these advantages, it is clear why choosing silicone thermal pads is a smart decision for most applications.
Graphite Thermal Pads
Unlike silicone thermal pads, graphite thermal pads are not designed to serve as gap fillers; therefore, they are only available in low thickness. Due to its distinctly thinner structure, achieving wet-out and optimal thermal performance with a graphite pad requires it to be used on smooth and parallel surfaces.
For high-performance thermal management, trust graphite thermal pads for their outstanding conductivity. Use them in applications where electrical insulation is not needed, and experience their proven effectiveness.
Benefits of Graphite thermal Pads include:
- They are easy to install and remove
- High thermal conductivity
- Ideal for high-performance applications such as GPUs, CPUs, and gaming laptops.
Other Types of Thermal Pads
While silicone and graphite pads are two of the most common options, you can rely on JIUJU for a wide selection of alternative materials tailored for your specific needs. Some other types of thermal pads include:
- Acrylic thermal pad
- Ultra soft thermal pad
- Ceramic-filled pads
- Low-bleed thermal pad
- Fiberglass thermal pad
- Polyester thermal pad
- Phase change thermal pad.
Choose the type that meets your demands. JIUJU ensures you have premium options for every unique requirement, delivering reliability you can trust.
Thermal Pads vs. Thermal Paste
Over the years, we have witnessed a lengthy debate centered around thermal pads and thermal paste, the question of “which is better?” To this, there is no straightforward answer, as both serve their respective purposes.
When faced with the challenge of selecting either one of thermal pad and thermal paste, it is important to scrutinize your design and consider your operational needs. Let us help you select the solution that optimizes your electronics’ performance and long-term value:
- Thermal Conductivity: Electronics usually require specific levels of heat management. If you are looking to optimize your device for the maximum thermal performance, then you might want to go for thermal paste. However if your product only requires moderate heat transfer, then thermal pads are equally a good option.
- Cost: For budget-sensitive needs, thermal pads offer the best deal, as they are cost-effective overall, even though the material cost of thermal paste is lower. The reason for this is that thermal pads inherently offer better precision, while thermal pastes on the other hand, require a special precision equipment which will gulp a significant amount of capital.
- Ease of application: Thermal pads are easier to apply. The installation process is seamless, even its removal is equally as easy. The ease of application makes thermal pads a favorite for applications where the heat source is not easily accessible, just like in laptops. The ease of using pads often benefits high-volume assembly processes.
- Durability: Thermal pads generally last longer than thermal paste, as paste can dry out over time, especially under prolonged high temperatures. Consider thermal pads if long-term reliability is a priority in your application.
| Thermal Pad | Thermal Pad | Thermal Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | ➖ | ✅ |
| Cost | ✅ | ➖ |
| Ease-of-Application | ✅ | ➖ |
| Durability | ✅ | ➖ |
NOTE: Scoring one point higher does not diminish the value of the other, it simply means one is better than the other in certain aspects. JIUJU will guide you to the optimal solution for your needs, always!
Why Choose JIUJU for Thermal Pads?
Choose JIUJU, the industry leader in thermal pad technology and your dedicated business partner. Our decades of research and development are ready to help propel your business forward.
With JIUJU, you benefit from premium, technologically-advanced thermal pads designed for superior performance. Rely on our expertise for solutions that drive your success.
Choose JIUJU for mechanical resilience. Choose JIUJU for durability. Choose JIUJU for cost-effectiveness. Choose JIUJU for sustainability. Choose JIUJU to give your business a headstart.
Brands We Sell Directly To
Our commitment to quality, precision, and sustainability has made us the go-to supplier of thermal pads for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Thermal Pads are very versatile, and as such, it is not surprising that our clientele cuts across a wide range of industries, some of which include:
- Computer Electronics – e.g., Dell and ZTE
- Automotive – GM, Volkswagen, Ford, etc.
- Gaming – Sony
- LED Lighting, and many more.
Our Key Materials Partners
Over the past two decades, we have built a strong, long-term relationship with a network of some of the world’s most reliable polymer and chemical suppliers. This ensures that we are always first in line to receive the very best materials they have in stock. When you partner with us, be assured that the quality is as superior as it can get anywhere in the world.
Contact Us
Are you ready to take the next step towards solving your thermal management problems? Our team of experts, with a combined industry experience of over 100 years, is always ready to talk.
FAQs
What is the best type of thermal pad?
There are different types of thermal pads for various applications, the most common ones being silicone thermal pad and graphite thermal pad. Each one with its peculiar strengths.
How long do thermal pads last?
Thermal pads typically last between 5-10 years, although the figures aren’t definite, it could be more, it could be less.
When should I change my thermal pads?
When your device begins to consistently run much more hotter than it used to, you might want to get the thermal pads checked.
Where to get thermal pads wholesale?
JIUJU is the number 1 trusted global supplier of thermal pads with a reliable supply chain, cutting across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
