
Thermal Pad Thickness & Compression Guide
Thermal pads only reach their rated W/mK under compression, usually 20–30%. Learn to measure the gap, pick nominal thickness, and set the right mounting force.
Every guide tagged Specifications — across all material families.
4 articles

Thermal pads only reach their rated W/mK under compression, usually 20–30%. Learn to measure the gap, pick nominal thickness, and set the right mounting force.

Choosing a thermal interface material means matching W/mK, thickness, hardness and insulation to your gap and power budget. A step-by-step guide for engineers.

Thermal resistance (K/W) is steady-state; thermal impedance adds time or area — for a TIM it's °C·in²/W at a set thickness. How they differ and when each matters.

A TIM's W/mK measures bulk conductivity, not real cooling. Learn what W/mK means, why the datasheet number misleads, and what predicts junction temperature.