Thermal tape - electrically conductive or not?

[Mark R]

I want to attach some hot electronic devices to a heatsink, but the case of the devices is not electrically neutral (nor connected directly to any of the pins). I want to attach several to one heatsink, but need to insulate them electrically.

Will conventional thermal tape be up to the job?

 

[Jeff7]

Most thermal tape is insulative, but I have seen some that has a layer of foil in it. Another option might be Arctic Alumina with epoxy, or else just use the pre-mixed Arctic Alumina Adhesive. I think that's completely non-conductive.

 

[OulOat]

AAA is permanent though

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: OulOat
AAA is permanent though

True. I prefer to use Arctic Something (depends on application) and a few dabs of standard epoxy that can be bought at hardware or department stores. That way, it sticks pretty good, provides good thermal transfer, and it can usually be popped off without destroying the chip. I say usually because if you use too much, then of course, it will become very permanent; I have not yet destroyed a chip because of removing an epoxied heatsink.
And thermal tape can also be pretty permanent; some of that stuff has a pretty vicious grip.

 

[Mark R]

Thanks for the help guys. I've been and done some research comparing different tapes and compounds.

Looks like thermal tape is out for my project - it's nowhere near good enough (even with an infinite heatsink, I'd come close to burning out the devices).

I'm going to have to bond the devices to metal heat spreaders, and then insulate the heat spreaders from the heatsink.

 

[lenjack]

Instead of epoxy, tiny dabs of crazy glue will be faster, neater, as good or better at keeping the interface tight, and is easier to remove.