These alumina pads solve a basic but critical problem: they create an efficient thermal highway between hot components (like power switches) and their heat sinks or cooling systems. By filling microscopic air gaps from imperfect surfaces, they prevent heat from getting trapped where it shouldn’t.
Why Alumina (Al₂O₃)?
It’s the workhorse of thermal ceramics for good reason:
- Solid thermal performance: Consistently moves heat at 20-30 W/m·K – enough to handle serious power loads without breaking a sweat.
- Bulletproof insulation: Keeps electricity where it belongs, even when things get hot.
- Tough as nails: High melting point and chemical stability mean it won’t flinch in harsh environments. Your gear stays reliable when conditions get extreme.
Where They Shine:
You’ll find these pads doing the heavy lifting in:
- Power switches & IGBT/MOSFET transistor interfaces
- IC chip packaging
- LED board thermal management (TIM)
- Chip-on-Film (COF) applications
- EV drive systems, inverters, and power supplies – anywhere you need to insulate and cool simultaneously.
The Market’s Heating Up (And So Are We)
As power electronics push harder and get denser, that 20-30 W/m·K range is becoming table stakes. Alumina pads aren’t just keeping pace – they’re becoming essential building blocks for reliable high-power designs.
Sizing That Fits Your Build
We stock pads for all major TO packages. Standard thickness starts at 1mm (custom thickness? No problem):
| Package | Dimensions (L×W mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TO-3P | 25×20 | |
| TO-220 | 20×14 | |
| TO-247 | 22×17 | Often 0.635mm |
| TO-264 | 28×22 | |
| TO-3 | 39.7×26.67 | Rhombus shape |
| TO-254 | 34×24 | |
| TO-257 | 40×28 | |
| TO-258 | 50.8×50.8 |
Also common: 114.3×114.3, 152×152, 190.5×138mm
Need something special? Send us your specs – we cut to order.
Why Engineers Reach for These
Beyond the numbers, alumina pads deliver three things that matter on the bench:
- Predictability: Consistent thermal performance batch-to-batch
- Durability: Won’t degrade when cycled from -50°C to 500°C+
- Electrical peace of mind: No unexpected leakage or breakdowns
They’re not the flashiest solution – just relentlessly effective at what they do. As power densities climb, that reliability becomes your secret weapon.
