What You Need to Know About Thermal Tape

You've probably heard of Thermal Tape, but aren't sure what it is or why you need it. Essentially, it's thermally conductive glue that's used to affix electronic components to heat sinks. It can come in the form of double-sided tape or paste. Here are some things to know about Thermal Tape. Read on to learn more. 

Thermally conductive adhesive transfer tapes work by providing a preferred heat transfer path between heat-producing surfaces and cooling components. These tapes can be used for a variety of purposes, including in heat-conducting applications such as on computers and other electronic devices. It also has the added benefit of reducing device failure and improving system performance. If you're not sure whether Thermal Tape is right for your application, here are some things to keep in mind.

Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes are soft but able to adhere to many surfaces. Their high adhesion and good thermal interface properties help them bond heat-generating components to thermally conductive surfaces. Thermal interface materials are the most effective way to transfer heat and work with different types of conductive materials. They can also be die-cut into intricate shapes and sizes. And because of their versatility, they can be used to bond multiple heat-generating components.

Thermal tape comes in many different types, depending on its application. There are thin, flame-resistant thermal tapes, and thicker, non-conductive ones. For example, thermal tapes made from polyimide are best for electrical and automotive components. However, thermal tapes made from polyimide are generally flame resistant. Thermal tapes made from rubber are categorized as premium or Vulcanised, depending on their application. They're often used in electrical and automotive components and may be used in cable jacketing. On the other hand, more general rubber thermal tapes are used for moisture seals, repairs, and paddings.

Another type of thermal tape is called thermal epoxy. Thermal epoxy and thermal paste are less effective, though they don't have the strength and adhesiveness of Thermal Tape. They're not as effective, but the thermal tape does have its uses. The main difference between the two is the thermal conductivity of the material. A good thermal conductor is 3W/mK, while a low-grade thermal tape may only transmit two or three watts of heat.

Thermal tape can be applied between a chip and a heatsink. It fills the gap between the two surfaces and transfers heat away from the chip. While thermal tape is a good heat conductor, This type of adhesive is designed to keep components in place while avoiding short circuits or other problems.