HI-FLOW®
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q
How is the ASTM D5470 test modified to characterize Phase
Change Thermal Performance?
A
Bergquist uses the Anter Quickline 10 to characterize our ASTM
D5470 test results. The method is modified to condition the phase
change material to 5 C over the stated phase change temperature.
Understanding that time is also a key variable for material displacement
or flow, the over-temperature conditioning is limited to 10 minutes
and then allowed to cool, prior to initiating the actual test at the
given pressure. The 10-minute time period has been demonstrated
to be an acceptable time period for the thermal mass inherent in the
Anter setup. Note: Actual application testing may require more or
less time to condition, depending upon the heat transfer and thermal
mass associated. The performance values are recorded and pub-
lished at 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 psi to give the designer a
broad-based understanding of our products’ performance. Reference
the original ASTM application note here.
Q
What is the minimum pressure required to optimize the thermal
performance of the Hi-Flow material?
A
Upon achieving phase change temperature (i.e. pre-conditioning),
Bergquist has demonstrated that 10 psi provides adequate pressure
to achieve exceptional thermal performance. Bergquist continues to
research lower pressure wet-out characteristics in an effort to minimize
interfacial losses associated with ultra-thin material interfaces.
Q
Will the Hi-Flow replace a mechanical fastener?
A
Mechanical fasteners are required. Bergquist recommends the use of
spring clips to maintain consistent pressure over time.
Q
Can I use screw mount devices with Hi-Flow material?
A
Hi-Flow works best with a clip or spring washer mounted assembly.
The continuous force applied by these devices allows the Hi-Flow
material to flow and reduce the cross sectional gap. Bergquist suggests
that design engineers evaluate whether a screw mount assembly will
have acceptable performance. See TO-220 Technical Note.
Q
Is the adhesive in Hi-Flow 225F-AC repositionable?
A
The adhesive in the current construction does adhere more to the heat
sink aluminum than to the Hi-Flow material. There is the potential
that the adhesive will be removed by the heat sink surface when it is
removed to reposition on the heat sink. Time and/or pressure will
increase the bond to the aluminum increasing the potential for the
adhesive to adhere to the heat sink.
Q
Is there any surface preparation required before applying the adhe-
sive backed Hi-Flow to the heat sink?
A
Standard electronics industry cleaning procedures apply. Remove dirt
or other debris. Best results are attained when the Hi-Flow material
is applied to heat sink at a temperature of 25 +/- 10 C. If the heat
sink has been surface treated (i.e. anodized or chromated), it is typically
ready for assembly. For bare aluminum, mild soap and water wash
cleaning processes are typically used to eliminate machine oils and
debris.
Q
Is the Hi-Flow material re-workable?
A
If the material has not gone through phase change, the material
will readily release from the device surface. For this situation,
the Hi-Flow material will not likely have to be replaced.
If the material has gone through the phase change, the material will
adhere very well to both surfaces. In this case, Bergquist suggests
warming the heat sink to soften the Hi-Flow compound. This allows
for easier removal from the processor. In this case, Bergquist suggests
replacement with a new piece of Hi-Flow material.
Q
What is meant by easy to handle in manufacturing?
A
Our insulated Hi-Flow products are manufactured with inner film
support. This film stiffens the material, allowing parts to be more
readily die-cut as well as easier to handle. This also allows for ease
of manual or automated assembly.
Q
What is meant by tack free? And why is this important?
A
Many of our Hi-Flow materials have no surface task at room temper-
ature. The Softer materials will pick up dirt more readily. Softer
resins are more difficult to clean if any dirt is on the surface. If you
try to rub the dirt away, the dirt is easily pushed into the soft phase
change materials. Our Hi-Flow coatings are typically hard at room
temperature rendering them easier to clean off without embedding dirt.
Q
What does more scratch resistance mean on Hi-Flow 625?
A
Our Hi-Flow 625 does not require a protective film during shipment.
There are two issues with competitors’ materials: 1. Melt point of the
material is low enough that it can go through phase change in shipment
and be very tacky. Bergquist Hi-Flow has a higher phase change
temperature and remains hard to a higher temperature. It can be
shipped much like our SoftFace material. 2. The Hi-Flow material
is harder and is not as easy to scratch or dent in shipping and handling.
Q
Why is our product phase change temperature 65˚ C?
A
The 65˚ C phase change temperature was selected for two reasons.
First, it was a low enough temperature for the phase change to occur
in applications. Second, it would not phase change in transport.
Bergquist studies show that shipping containers can reach 60˚ C in
domestic and international shipments. The higher phase change
temperature eliminates the possibility of a product being ruined in
shipment. We offer a standard line of Hi-Flow 225 series products
with 55˚ C phase change for those customers wanting the lower
phase change temperature.
Q
What applications should I avoid using Hi-Flow?
A
Applications where the device will not reach operation at above
phase change temperature. Applications where the operating temper-
ature exceeds the maximum recommended operating temperature of
the compound.