Thermal interfaces facilitate heat transfer between different elements such as electronic components, heat sinks, or the chassis. They efficiently fill the air gaps to ensure optimal thermal transfer and prevent component overheating. To maximize their effectiveness, these interfaces need to adhere perfectly to the surface on which they are applied, which sometimes requires a precise and tailored cut for each configuration. At Compelma, we understand the importance of seamless integration. Therefore, we offer our clients a comprehensive solution. We manage the custom cutting of thermal interfaces that are ordered from us.
Thermal Interfaces as Facilitators of Heat Transfer Between Heat Sources
Thermal interfaces are specialized materials used to enhance heat transfer between two surfaces, commonly heat-generating electronic components such as:
- Processors (CPU, GPU);
- Heat sinks or chassis that dissipate this heat to prevent overheating.
Thermal interfaces come in various forms, including:
- Thermal pads used for components with flat surfaces;
- Gap fillers, flexible and compressible materials that adapt to irregular surfaces;
- Thermal mattresses, similar to thermal pads, but often thicker;
- Graphite sheets, thin and lightweight, often used in applications where space and weight are critical (this material, however, is electrically conductive).
The main function of thermal interfaces is to fill air gaps between two contact surfaces. Air is a poor conductor of heat, and without a thermal interface, heat dissipation is inefficient, potentially causing overheating or damaging components. Thermal interfaces improve contact between surfaces, enhance thermal conductivity, and ensure optimal heat transfer.
Why Choose Custom-Cut Thermal Interfaces?
Each application may have specific requirements regarding:
- Thermal conductivity;
- Thickness;
- Hardness;
- Dimensions.
The custom cutting of thermal interfaces is sometimes essential to meet the demands of each project. Therefore, you benefit from a precise fit and maximum efficiency to:
- Reduce the risk of overheating;
- Extend the lifespan of your components.
Custom interfaces can perfectly adapt to the often very specific geometries of components and heat sinks to ensure homogeneous contact and effective heat dispersion.
Custom cutting provides enough flexibility to accommodate specific constraints:
- Restricted spaces;
- Need for high thermal conductivity, etc.
It also allows for optimizing material use, reducing both waste and costs. Ultimately, choosing custom-cut thermal interfaces is an investment in a solution that enhances the thermal management of your systems for long-lasting performance and high reliability.
Integration and Cutting of Thermal Interfaces: Compelma’s Comprehensive Support
A Thermal Interface Cutting Adapted to Your Projects
At Compelma, we have chosen to support our clients throughout the integration of their thermal interfaces. Rest assured, you won’t be left alone with a piece of interface to cut by hand, often with complex dimensions, to meet your project requirements.
We offer a custom cutting service that covers all needs, from prototypes to mass production, including all possible geometries. We also provide specific packaging when necessary:
- Kits of cut pieces;
- Bagging;
- Liner protection.
You receive ready-to-use delivery.
To achieve this, we use our cutting machines:
- The XY cutting table uses a fixed or vibrating blade for quick cuts. The cutting plans are drawn and then uploaded to the machine for optimal precision.
- The cutting press allows cutting multiple thermal interfaces in a single operation using a wood thread tool. This equipment is ideal for quick cuts and large volumes.
Solutions for Complexing Thermal Interfaces or Assemblies for the Most Specific Projects
We can perform thermal interface complexing to achieve specific properties or custom thicknesses to meet the requirements of each project. Thermal interface complexing involves combining several materials to create a thermal interface with specific properties:
- Enhanced thermal conductivity;
- Custom thickness;
- Electrical insulation capabilities, etc.
This work meets the particular specifications of the most complex applications. We can even integrate these thermal interfaces into various assemblies, whether in sheet metal shield caps or on aluminum castings, for even more precise applications.
Cutting Other Materials, Including Those from Other Suppliers
Our expertise is not limited to thermal interfaces: we also offer cutting services for other materials such as copper foils or foam gaskets.
Our flexibility extends further. We can cut using our own materials or those provided by our clients, even if they come from other suppliers.
The Catalog of Most-Used Thermal Interfaces for Projects Entrusted to Compelma
Below is a summary table of the thermal interface references we most commonly use for our various projects.
|
Interface Name |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) |
Thickness (mm) |
Hardness (Shore 00) |
Operating Temperature (°C) |
| GR80A | 8.0 | 0.3 – 3.0 | 75 | -40 to +150 |
| PG80A | 8.0 | 0.5 – 2.0 | – | -40 to +150 |
| GR45A | 4.5 | 0.5 – 5.0 | 50 | -40 to +150 |
| GR25A | 2.5 | 0.5 – 5.0 | 50 | -40 to +150 |
| PG25A | 2.5 | 1.5 – 5.0 | – | -40 to +150 |
| NR-c | 1.3 | 0.3 – 3.0 | 53 | -40 to +150 |
| X-23-7762 | 6.2 | 0.2 – 2.0 | – | -40 to +200 |
| XR-PE | 11.0 | 0.5 – 3.0 | – | -40 to +150 |
To view our entire catalog, click the following link: Fujipoly Catalog
At Compelma, we are committed to providing custom thermal solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. Our expertise in cutting and packaging thermal interfaces ensures products perfectly suited to all configurations. These solutions are capable of ensuring optimal thermal dissipation and effective component protection. For more information on our solutions and to discover how we can assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.