thermal management, Chromerics, THERM-A-GAP T630G

Fully cured dispensed thermal materials combine cost-effectiveness and performance in volume automotive applications

News Release from: Chomerics Europe
28/02/2008

Chomerics Europe has been able to provide a solution to a difficult thermal management application encountered on an automotive ECU produced by one of Europe's leading tier one suppliers. Using its silicone-based THERM-A-GAP™ T630G dispensable form-in-place gap filling material, Chomerics was able to provide a cost-effective solution, well suited to an automated, high volume production environment.

In addition to giving a high level of thermal performance, the THERM-A-GAP T630G material also provided vibration absorption to help protect components from damage in the harsh environment that is typical of automotive applications.

Previous approaches considered included thermal interface pads, which can be expensive both in terms of component and assembly cost, and thermal greases that have limited thermal performance, are messy to apply, and have performance that may degrade over time.

Being fully cured means that THERM-A-GAP T630G does not require a post-application curing cycle, thus helping to speed the production process. Usefully, the material is also re-workable, allowing the ECU to be taken apart and re-assembled without jeopardising thermal performance.

thixotropic nature THERM-A-GAP T630G ensures that it remains at the interface over the life of the product, helping to maintain thermal performance. A further benefit is the very low (less than 1 PSI/6.9 kPa) force required to deflect the material and create an effective thermal path between the device and chassis or housing.