What are Thermal Interface Materials?

Thermal Interface Materials, otherwise referred to as TIM, are materials designed to aid the flow of heat through an assembly by improving the contact between two mating surfaces and/or filling any air gaps which act as heat traps. There are several options available dependent on the particular situation.

A Thermal Interface Material is a material that sits between two components to increase the thermal bonding between them. Used to remove air gaps to aid heat dissipation, the TIM is inserted between a heat-generating component and a heat sink or the products heat conductive chassis.