The questions we are asked most often by engineers and buyers evaluating graphene thermal interface materials — answered without marketing language. If your question is not here, ask us directly and you will get a straight answer, including when a cheaper material is the right call.
Frequently asked questions
What is a graphene thermal pad?
A solid thermal interface material built from vertically-aligned graphene rather than randomly dispersed flakes. Because the high-conductivity axis of the graphene points through the thickness of the pad, heat crosses the joint efficiently: 180 W/m·K through-plane, versus 5–15 W/m·K for typical random-flake composites.
Is 180 W/m·K in-plane or through-plane?
Through-plane — across the thickness, which is the direction heat travels from a chip into a heatsink. Many graphene and graphite products quote in-plane conductivity, which is useful for spreading heat sideways but not for crossing a gap. See pad vs graphite sheet.
How is thermal resistance measured?
Per ASTM D5470, the standard steady-state method for thin TIMs. When comparing data sheets, always check the pressure and bond line the figure was taken at — see our guide to reading ASTM D5470 data.
Can a pad replace thermal grease?
At 180 W/m·K, yes — including on 700 W+ accelerators. The pad has lower bulk resistance than grease at a typical 0.05 mm bond line, and it does not pump out, dry out or migrate. See pad vs grease.
What thicknesses are available?
0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm are standard. Custom thicknesses from 0.2 to 2.0 mm. Standard sheet is 150 × 150 mm and we die-cut to your footprint including holes and slots.
How do I choose the right thickness?
Specify for the worst-case gap in your assembly, not the nominal one. Flatness, machining tolerance and thermal bow all add to the bond line. Our thickness guide has the resistance-vs-thickness table.
What is the operating temperature range?
Validated continuously at 150 °C for 1,500 hours at 50 psi, with thermal resistance drift and compressibility drift each held to 10% or less. Tell us your peak temperature and duty profile if you need confirmation beyond that.
Does the pad need high mounting pressure?
No. It reaches low thermal resistance at modest pressure, which matters when the mating hardware cannot take high clamp load — ceramic substrates, large panels, thin boards.
Is the material electrically conductive?
Graphene is electrically conductive, so the pad should not be assumed to be an insulator. Where electrical isolation is required, tell us the voltage and clearance and we will advise on the right construction or say plainly if it is not suitable.
What is the difference between the 180 W/m·K pad and the 1200 W/m·K plate?
The pad is compressible and bridges a gap between two surfaces. The plate is rigid and machinable, used as a lightweight structural heat spreader at 1.5–4 g/cm³ with a CTE tunable from 4 to 12 ppm/K.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Samples have no minimum — we cut to your drawing and ship in 7 business days. Custom production runs, including die-cut parts and machined plates, start from 50 pieces.
What are the lead times?
Samples: 7 business days. Production: 3–4 weeks. Standard thicknesses in the 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm range can often ship sooner.
Do you provide RoHS and REACH documentation?
Yes, standard. Flammability ratings, outgassing data and industry-specific approvals depend on construction and thickness — tell us what your application requires.
Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We manufacture. Lenecold is the thermal-materials brand of NGIC, the National Graphene Innovation Center in Ningbo, China. Graphene assembly, pad formation and die-cutting are done in-house.
Do you work with distributors?
Yes, in markets where we do not have direct coverage. Tell us your territory and customer base and we will send distributor terms.
How do I request a sample?
Send your power level, gap range, mounting pressure, target thickness and footprint via the contact page. We will confirm the right grade and ship samples cut to your drawing.