Gap Pads

What are Gap Fillers/Pads?

Thermal gap fillers are used to fill the gaps between electronic components and heat sinks. With high thermal conductivity, they can transfer heat more effectively than air. This helps to keep the components cooler and within their allowable thermal ranges. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so when there is a gap between a component and a heat sink, the heat can't transfer as easily. This can lead to the component overheating.

Gap fillers are designed to be compliant and to conform to the shape of the surfaces, without generating too much pressure. This makes them ideal for applications where there are multiple heat sources with varying heights.

They are typically made of silicone, which has many attractive properties for this application. Silicone is a good surface wetter and forms a good bond with the surfaces of the heat sink and the component. It is also thermally stable and physically inert, which means that it will not degrade over time or react with the components.

How do They Work?

Gap fillers bridge the gaps between heat-generating components and heat sinks and provide a more conductive path for heat transfer. This helps to keep components cooler and prevent them from overheating.

Common Applications Include:

• Electronic devices: Gap fillers are commonly used in electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, drones, and routers.
• Power electronics: They are also used in power electronics applications like power converters and inverters.
• Industrial equipment: These fillers can also be useful for a variety of industrial equipment, including motors, generators, and pumps.