Thermal Management Solutions
for LED Assembly
High performance
cooling – for a
new generation of
high-intensity LEDs
Heat
Less
More
Light
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An emerging need for thermal management
Today’s high intensity LEDs are opening up new opportunities for cost savings and reduced
power consumption; however, they also generate more heat than conventional LEDs. It’s
important to remember that the higher the temperature at which LEDs operate, the less
efficient they become – making improved thermal management essential for optimal
performance. That’s where 3M can help.
3M™ Thermal Interface Materials provide efficient thermal transfer for long-term reliability and
performance optimization in applications using high brightness LEDs. 3M Thermal Interface
Materials have a proven track record of durability and high thermal performance in a variety
of environmental conditions to meet the demanding needs of applications today and in the
future. 3M provides a full selection of products to meet customers' process and performance
requirements, including thermally conductive pads, adhesives, and greases.
Advanced designs drive need for
more efficient cooling
• High speed/multi-function components ➡
More heat generated
• Smaller enclosures ➡ No room for heat
to dissipate
The evolution of LED technology
3M™ Thermal Management Solutions for LED Assembly
Cooling Off an LED
LED
Heat-spreading layer, mechanical
support, power supply routing surface
or heat sink
Thermal
Interface
Tape
Base
Durability of interface: Especially in external
applications of LEDs, durability of the thermal
interface is important to support efficiency in
different environmental conditions. 3M products
have shown excellent durability through
accelerated aging tests.
1960s
Initial development
19 70 – 19 90 :
LEDs used as
indicator lights
199 0s
LED technology
used as direct light
2000s
Higher-power LEDs
commercialized, creating
the need for thermal management
3M™ Thermal Interface Materials
Product 3M ID # Description Features
3M™ Thermally
Conductive
Interface Pads
5570 (1.3 W/m-K)
5589H (Softer)
5590H (Higher thermal
conductivity)
Acrylic pads, 0.5 mm
and thicker.
Note: 5589H is not
available for 0.5 mm.
High thermal conductivity
Excellent gap filling
Die cut to size and shape
No Silicone oil breeding/contamination
5515-20
5515-25
(S version is also available)
Silicone pad, thin
and higher K
Higher thermal conductivity (3 W/m-K)
Thin thickness (0.2 mm - 0.25 mm)
S version: One side is laminated with thin
film for better handling and converting
3M™ Thermally
Conductive
Interface Tapes
8904-02
8904-025
8904-05
Acrylic adhesive
tapes with thin
PET carrier
Higher thermal conductivity (1.5 W/m-K)
Reworkable
UL 94 V-0
3M™ Thermally
Conductive
Interface Tapes
8805 8810
8815 8820
Acrylic double-sided
tapes, 0.5 mm and
thinner
High adhesion
Die cut to size and shape
Excellent wet-out
3M™ Thermally
Conductive Epoxy
Adhesives
TC-2810
TC-2707 Epoxy adhesives
Ultra-thin bond line
Higher thermal conductivity than tape
Higher shear, peel strength than tape
Cooling off an LED
Note: For applications using a thermal pad, the 3M Acrylic Thermal pads are slightly tacky on one side for generally acceptable
assembly adhesion in many applications. If higher adhesion is desired, 3M suggests the testing of the 3M™ Acrylic
Adhesive Transfer Tape 9461.
The tack adhesion strength of the 3M Thermal Pads is sufficient for holding the product in place for assembly and use,
etc. in many applications. The end use design of the LED Structure/Thermal Pad/Heat Sink does require an added
mechanical means of assembly to ensure long term mechanical integrity and thermal performance.
3M also offers a line of silicone based thermal pads ranging in thermal conductivity from 1.0 W/m-K to 4.9 W/m-K.
Please contact 3M for additional product information and inquire about 3M™ Thermally Conductive Interface Pads
5591(S),5592(S),5595(S),5516(S) and 5519(S).
Some products may not be available in your country or region.
Please contact your local 3M representative for product support.
