Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) are essential in ensuring the reliability and performance of electronic devices by minimizing thermal resistance between heat-generating components and their cooling systems. However, selecting the right TIM requires precise testing and comparison under controlled conditions, as manufacturer-provided data often varies due to different testing standards and conditions.
Our Thermal Interface Material Testing Service offers comprehensive measurement of thermal impedance and thermal conductivity, two key properties that determine the effectiveness of a TIM. We utilize the Longwin LW-9389 TIM Tester, a state-of-the-art and widely respected piece of equipment in the industry, to perform these measurements with exceptional accuracy. By adhering to the ASTM D5470 standard, we ensure that our testing is consistent, reliable, and comparable across different TIM products.
What sets us apart is our ability to provide a detailed, side-by-side comparison of multiple TIMs under the exact same conditions of pressure and temperature. This allows our clients—many of whom are leading global companies—to make informed decisions tailored to their specific applications. Whether you are evaluating new materials or validating the performance of existing ones, our service gives you the data you need to confidently select the best TIM for your needs.
Our expertise, combined with industry-leading equipment, makes us the preferred partner for companies looking to optimize their thermal management solutions.
What Can Be Tested for Thermal Interface Material Test and How Accurate?
Almost all thermal interface materials can be tested:
Thermal Grease
Gap Filler Pads
Phase Change Materials (PCM)
Thermal Tapes
Graphite Sheets
Thermally Conductive Insulators
In addition, the following materials can be tested:
Ceramics
Metals
Plastics
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
Metal Core PCB (MCPCB)
Metal-based Copper Clad Laminates (MCCL)
Tests:
Thermal Impedance
Thermal Conductivity
Contact Impedance
Pad Deflection
Test Range and Accuracy:
Thermal Impedance: > 0.01 °C-cm²/W
Thermal Conductivity: < 20 W/m-°C
Accuracy: ±5%
Features of LW-9389 TIM Thermal Impedance & Conductivity Tester
- Based on ASTM D5470
- Good repeatability and reproducibility
- Suitable for measuring thermal impedance and conductivity of grease and pad
- Automated setting of press load and input power
- Automated setting of temperatures of hot surface, cold surface and average temperature
- Suitable for reliability tests
- Automated DAQ and output in Excel
Specifications
- Press Load Range: 4 ~ 50 kgf
- Max. Heating Power: 160 W
- Max. Heating Temperature: 180℃
- Constant Temperature Range: Ambient+3℃~50℃
- Overall Dimension: 1.37 (W) × 0.87 (D) × 1.88 (H) m (Ref.)
- Power Source: AC220V, 10 Amp, Single Phase
Methodology of Our Thermal Interface Material Testing
The test is performed based on ASTM D5470:
Calculation of Thermal Conductivity and Contact Impedance:
In the ASTM D5470-06 standard, the linear correlation of thermal impedance and thickness is measured based on one specimen with three different thicknesses. The values are extrapolated with the thickness set to zero, which is contact impedance. The thermal conductivity, also known as apparent thermal conductivity, can be found by taking the reciprocal of the slope.
Example of Software Interface – Pad/Grease Impedance Test:
What is the Cost and Turn-Around Time of Thermal Interface Material Testing?
Thermal Interface Material Testing Services at MyHeatSinks are accurate, quick, and cost-effective. The average time for testing one material is 2-4 hours. However, due to equipment availability and scheduling, the typical turn-around time is one week. In case of a major holiday or an event like COVID-19 pandemic, the turn-around time will increase to two weeks.