
The Critical Role of Thermal Management in Battery-Powered Electronics
Electronic devices are remaking our world. But they can also be dangerous when they’re not designed and manufactured with the end user in mind.
Why thermal management is critical in personal electronics
Headlines about exploding laptops, hoverboards and smartphones in recent years highlight the importance of effective thermal management. Consumer safety and brand reputation are both at stake.
What’s causing these explosions? Often, it’s a combination of factors — from battery defects or mechanical damage to insufficient thermal and circuit protection. As today’s devices become smaller and more powerful, they generate more heat in compact enclosures, increasing the importance of proper thermal management.
Then there’s the lithium-ion battery. Powerful, fast-charging and long-lasting, they also produce heat in the course of charging and discharging.
Excess heat degrades battery performance and battery life, or, worse, causes thermal runaway where the battery combusts or explodes. Prolonged exposure from high heat also damages components, shortening the life of the device. To mitigate the damage, effective heat management can help.
Custom thermal management solutions by SRP
SRP can source the right heat and thermal management materials to help you overcome the challenges of designing compact, battery-powered electronic devices that end users can feel safe about using. The trust of your brand is at stake. Let us help you identify the best solution.
Thermally Conductive Tapes
Designed for high thermal conductivity to effectively transfer heat away, they come in various adhesive strengths and can be custom die-cut into the exact dimensions to integrate with your product. Streamline your design while enhancing heat and temperature control.
Insulating Tapes
Features insulation properties that prevent heat transfer where it’s not wanted. These foam-backed tapes come in various thicknesses that can be customized with the desired adhesive properties.
Thermal Interface Materials (TIM)
Made of lightweight material, thermal interface materials can be placed directly on the surfaces of delicate electronic components without damaging them. They also conform to rough and irregular surfaces to eliminate pockets and gaps — spaces where heat collects and builds. We custom die-cut thermal interface material to bridge components directly to the heat sink and completely fill the gaps. Heat is dissipated and components operate safely for their expected life span.
Closed-Cell Foam Insulation
Lightweight insulation foams such as BISCO® HT-870 or BISCO® BF-1000 shields sensitive elements from outside heat sources or other heat-generating elements. These can be precision die-cut and laminated to pressure-sensitive tape for precise sealing and gap filling. Because these insulating foams are available in a range of thicknesses and densities, they can meet the needs of just about any electronic design.
Conductive Foam
Lightweight foams are also formulated to provide conductivity for thermal management. Available in various compression strengths and conductivity levels for gap filling and sealing applications.
Read on to learn the benefits of thermal management gaskets
SRP Solutions to Enhance the Protection of Electronic Devices
Protect end users from the dangers of heat buildup in electronic devices with custom die-cut components by SRP. We’re well-equipped to pinpoint the solution for complex and challenging designs. As a Preferred Converter to 3M™ and other top brands, we have access to technical support with specialists in every industry to help you identify the most protective and efficient materials.
Then we custom die-cut your chosen materials to your specifications, using the most accurate and efficient machining method.
Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.