Thermal paste between a diode module an heatsink?

Blarg King · Jun 12, 2014

Just a quick question while I await parts for my first build.

I'm building a nice little 638 nm red for myself using one of Mrcrouse's 501B kits and one of DTR's diode modules, and I was just wondering if it would be a good idea or not to put a bit of thermal paste between the module and the 501B's heatsink.

Thanks!

COMMANDR · Jun 12, 2014

Some say yes and some say no don't do it. I have had great success using Artic Silver Paste as my TIM ( thermal interface material) between the diode's copper module and the primary heatsink.
I have to believe that the better the heat transfer between the diode module and the host heatsink would be what you going for. TIM is used to sink CPUs, GPU and Ram chips by the computer people.
Without it the chips would go into thermal runaway and self destruct. I say use it, alot of pointer builders here use thermal compound in the builds. Thats my $.02 worth.

Pi R Squared · Jun 12, 2014

If the 638nm is very powerful (class 4+), otherwise I wouldn't bother with it, but yes it will help some. Mrcrouse heat sinks are usually very precision machined, I have a couple that almost didn't need a set screw. I personally haven't bothered with the thermal paste but in a powerful laser use it if you have some.

Alan

Blarg King · Jun 12, 2014

Oh I know all about how thermal paste works (I build computers

). Its just a 120 mW, but I think I'll do it anyways just to get the best performance possible. I have a huge tube of Arctic MX-4 laying around, might as well use it.

COMMANDR · Jun 12, 2014

Blarg King said:
Oh I know all about how thermal paste works (I build computers ). Its just a 120 mW, but I think I'll do it anyways just to get the best performance possible. I have a huge tube of Arctic MX-4 laying around, might as well use it.

There you go, no sweet use a thin and layer when assenbling and I think you wiil be happy with the results. :>)

KrowBar · Jun 12, 2014

"Paste" sounds to me like an adhesive and makes me think thermal epoxy (I know people use all sorts of names for thermal compound). I doubt that is what you are referring to here. Just wanted to make sure you understand the difference and don't accidentally glue your module into the heatsink if that's not what you were intending. I do use thermal grease/compound between the heatsink and module. Even with a press fit, if both parts aren't perfectly round, you will benefit from the compound filling in gaps and scuffs - all the more important if it's a set screw type. If it is a really a good interference fit, then all the compound will just get pushed out. Keep it a thin layer just like you do when putting the heatsink on a CPU to avoid a mess.

Lotus_Darkrose · Jun 12, 2014

KrowBar said:
"Paste" sounds to me like an adhesive and makes me think thermal epoxy (I know people use all sorts of names for thermal compound). I doubt that is what you are referring to here. Just wanted to make sure you understand the difference and don't accidentally glue your module into the heatsink if that's not what you were intending. I do use thermal grease/compound between the heatsink and module. Even with a press fit, if both parts aren't perfectly round, you will benefit from the compound filling in gaps and scuffs - all the more important if it's a set screw type. If it is a really a good interference fit, then all the compound will just get pushed out. Keep it a thin layer just like you do when putting the heatsink on a CPU to avoid a mess.

If he builds computers, he would have to know the difference between compound/paste and adhesives

Thermal paste = thermal compound. They are the same thing.

icecruncher · Jun 12, 2014

Used to be that almost everyone on here was using it on the early builds. I don't see it mentioned nearly as much anymore.

I don't know if it's the better quality builds or just more people. I personally try to use it. One of my early phasor diode builds is way over spec but still running. One of the things I would attribute it to, is the arctic thermal.

123splat · Jun 12, 2014

The fear on Heatsink dope (thermal paste, TIM, Silicon paste) is getting it on the diode window, or in an open can). If you are sloppy, you will effectively ruin your diode. If you are carefull, why not use every bit of insurance that you can?

Shakenawake · Jun 12, 2014

I did. it will make removing the module in the future a bit tougher, but I think it is worth it, more so for higher powered builds

Thermal paste between a diode module an heatsink?

Blarg King

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COMMANDR

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Pi R Squared

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Blarg King

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COMMANDR

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KrowBar

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Lotus_Darkrose

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icecruncher

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123splat

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Shakenawake

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