Softtherm® Gap Pads: Conduct Heat, Protect Components

Efficient thermal management for demanding electronics with KERAFOL® Softtherm® Gap Pads – your partner: alfatec. 

As electronic components become smaller and more powerful, thermal management becomes increasingly critical. Without effective heat dissipation, overheating and system failure are real risks. 

Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) address this challenge by reliably transferring heat from the source (e.g., chip) to the sink (e.g., heatsink). alfatec offers high-performance, flexible, and cost-effective solutions with KERAFOL® Softtherm® Gap Pads
 

Softtherm Folien

What Are Softtherm® Gap Pads?

Softtherm® Gap Pads are highly thermally conductive and electrically insulating TIMs. Made from flexible elastomers based on silicone or polyurethane, their softness and compressibility allow them to bridge large gaps and component tolerances between heat sources and sinks. They eliminate air gaps that hinder heat flow, ensuring efficient thermal transfer and extending the life of your electronics. 

KERAFOL®, a leading manufacturer in this field, offers a wide range of Softtherm® Gap Pads, distributed by alfatec. 

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Click here to go directly to our selection and data sheets for product series in the Softtherm® Gap Pads section.

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Advantages and Features of Softtherm® Gap Pads
Excellent thermal conductivity: Efficient heat dissipation from critical components
High electrical insulation: Protection against leakage currents and short circuits (depending on type)
Softness and elasticity: Compensates for uneven surfaces and gaps (typically 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm)
Low thermal resistance: Minimizes temperature difference between component and heatsink
Versatile materials: Available in silicone or silicone-free polyurethane for sensitive applications
Easy handling: Good mechanical strength and simple application
Flexible delivery formats: Standard sheets or custom-cut parts
Optional features: Adhesive coatings or dual-layer structures for enhanced dielectric strength
Typical Applications for Softtherm® Gap Pads
Automotive: ECUs, infotainment, power electronics, BMS
Industrial Electronics: Drives, power supplies, controllers
Telecommunications: Base stations, routers, switches
Consumer Electronics: Laptops, gaming consoles, set-top boxes
LED Lighting: Heat dissipation from LED modules
Medical Technology
Power Semiconductors: IGBTs, MOSFETs
Wherever reliable thermal management with variable gap sizes is needed, Softtherm® Gap Pads are the ideal solution.

Technical Variety: The Softtherm® Portfolio at alfatec

alfatec offers a wide selection of KERAFOL® Softtherm® Gap Pads with varying specifications. Selection depends on your requirements for thermal conductivity (W/mK), thermal resistance (K/W), dielectric strength (kV), and mechanical properties (Shore 00 hardness).

Here is an excerpt from the portfolio:

Product Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) Thermal Resistance (K/W @ 1mm) Dielectric Strength (kV) Hardness (Shore 00) Special Features 
Softtherm® 86/600 6.00.414.055 - 75Very high thermal conductivity 
Softtherm® 86/525 5.50.441.2550 - 65High conductivity, excellent compressibility 
Softtherm® 86/450 4.50.545.065 - 75Excellent thermal & dielectric properties 
Softtherm® 3500 3.50.735.045 - 65Soft, excellent thermal & dielectric properties 
Softtherm® 86/325 3.00.826.035 - 50Soft, high thermal conductivity 
Softtherm® 86/320 2.51.05.025 - 38Very soft, good dielectric properties 
Softtherm® 86/235 2.01.26.025 - 45Soft, high thermal conductivity  
Softtherm® 86/238 2.01.26.025 - 45Dual-layer 
Softtherm® 86/225 2.01.26.030 - 45Glass fiber reinforced, good adhesion on both sides 
Softtherm® 86/228 2.01.26.030 - 45Dual-layer 
Softtherm® 86/125 1.51.66.010 - 25Soft, highly compressible 
Softtherm® 86/128 1.51.66.010 - 25Dual-layer, soft, highly compressible 

Note: This is a selection. alfatec will gladly advise you on additional types and customizations. 

Product series list
Wärmeleitfolien

Softtherm films

Click here to see our Softtherm film series.

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Easy Application and Handling

KERAFOL® supplies Softtherm® Gap Pads as standard sheets (e.g., 450 x 250 mm) or custom-cut parts. Pads are protected with cover and carrier films. 

Application is simple: 

  • Remove protective films before installation
  • Peel the pad from the liner
  • Place on the component or heatsink (many types are self-adhesive)
  • For high volumes, automated pick-and-place systems are suitable 

alfatec supports you in selecting the best delivery format for your production process. 

Our partner for Softtherm films

Kerafol

Our partner KERAFOL offers a wide range of thermally conductive films and potting materials, which are used in microelectronics and sensor technology, among other things. The company develops and produces in Germany and, in addition to established standard products, also offers customised solutions, which can optionally be implemented silicone-free and after an automatic punching process.

 

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Your Advantage: alfatec & KERAFOL® Thermal Management Expertise

With alfatec as your distribution partner, you benefit from KERAFOL®’s decades of experience and innovation in ceramic films and thermal management: 

  • Technical consultation for selecting the right Softtherm® Gap Pad 
  • Broad portfolio of materials and specifications 
  • Custom-cut and configured solutions 
  • Reliable delivery and logistics 

Request your personalized quote now

See the quality and performance of our Softtherm films for yourself. Request a no-obligation quote today or download the data sheets.

alfatec – your partner for high-quality electronic components

As your expert partner for electronic components, alfatec supports you in selecting the right Softtherm films for your applications. We offer comprehensive advice and are happy to answer any questions you may have about power modules.

Do you have any questions about our Softtherm films, or would you like a personal consultation? Feel free to contact us.