Most thermal pads, also known as thermally conductive gap filler pads, thermal gap pads, or thermal gap filler pads, have many different layer materials or carrier substrate options to choose from. It can be confusing which layer is supposed to stay on the product and which layer gets peeled off and removed before application. In fact, it’s one of our customer’s most asked about questions and can cause a lot of confusion on the manufacturing floor.

So, which layer should you peel off and which should stay on the thermal gap pad? Read on to find out.

Parker Chomerics, like many thermal gap pad vendors, offers several different gap pad layer options that must be peeled away before the gap pad is installed into the application. 

Think of a thermal gap pad as a sandwich of layers -- there is always a blue poly backing that keeps the gap pad together, but there are five additional carrier substrate options which provide the following benefits:

The woven fiberglass carrier option provides reinforcement and a clean break / low tack interface surface, allowing for re-use of the thermal pad if necessary or for prototyping.

As you can see from the diagram, you peel off the liner to expose the woven glass carrier which does not get removed from the thermal gap pad.

Example: THERM-A-GAP HCS10G.

The aluminum foil with PSA carrier’s primary function is to allow a pressure sensitive adhesive on the thermal gap pad to affix the thermal pad in place.

As you can see from the diagram, you peel off the liner to expose the aluminum foil carrier which does not get removed from the thermal gap pad.

Example: THERM-A-GAP A579.

The polyethylenenapthalate (PEN) film carrier permits the thermal gap pad to see a shearing motion and offers a clear, cost-effective dielectric film with fair thermal performance.

As you can see from the image at right, there is no clear film to peel off that exposes the PEN film carrier, which does not get removed from the gap pad.

Example: THERM-A-GAP 579PN.

The thermally enhanced polyimide carrier permits the thermal gap pad to see a shearing motion and offers an excellent dielectric film with enhanced thermal performance. 

As you can see from the image at right, there is no clear film to peel off, the polyimide carrier does not get removed from the gap pad.

Example: THERM-A-GAP 579KT.

The no carrier or “un-reinforced” option allows the thermal gap pad to have high tack surfaces on both sides, allowing for the pad to be highly conformable, but it does make cutting and handling of the product more difficult.

Once the liner is peeled back, there is no additional carrier on the thermal gap pad, the pad is now exposed.

Example: THERM-A-GAP 579.

Lastly, the base carrier liner, shown in blue, is persistent on the bottom of all thermal gap pad options, and must be peeled and removed prior to installation of the thermal gap pad.

This blue carrier is necessary, as it keeps the gap pad intact and more easily to handle prior to installation. We recommend keeping this blue poly carrier layer on just until the gap pad is placed for the final time.

This blog was contributed by Jarrod Cohen, marketing communications manager, Parker Chomerics Division.

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As a packaging OEM, it's likely you're under intense pressure to provide the best level of service to your end customers as possible, from entire processing lines to the smallest of critical parts. At the same time, keeping tabs on the range of critical parts and components specified for your builds can be a complex, time-consuming proposition, especially when it comes time to reorder.

One tool designed to simplify these processes and reduce paperwork for OEMs is digital asset tracking, such as with the Parker Tracking System (PTS).

This web-based asset tracking and management system combine part serialization with tagging and a range of part-specific information so that OEMs can track, organize, and manage their use of critical parts. As a cloud-based tracking solution, users have online access to needed documents like parts lists, manuals, diagrams, certifications and more. The result is easier tracking and management of critical parts, reduced lead time and complexity in ordering, and enhanced service, safety, and compliance features.

It's both a program and a technology that we pioneered just over a decade ago out of a long-term focus on providing superior service, convenience and value to supply chain partners and customers. Initially used to track and manage specifically engineered hose assemblies, PTS has expanded over the years to cover products across many of our divisions. Today, some 25 million assets in 62 countries and thousands of locations are being tracked and managed using PTS. Subscribers include distributors, OEMs, and end-users in the automotive, healthcare, oil and gas, food and beverage, and other market segments.

Packaging OEMs using PTS stand to gain greater convenience and better oversight because the system takes over much of the tedious parts-related paperwork that OEMs used to handle themselves, to keep customer-specific part and assembly data organized.

"A lot of the machines that get sold and shipped to customers still come with traditional parts manuals or books. Rarely are people receiving this critical data digitally, which makes maintaining it that much more challenging."
William Sayavich, technology manager, Global Services

PTS automates the process with the creation of unique PTS identification numbers, records, and corresponding tags for each specific asset, kit, component or sub-assembly made by Parker or a Parker business partner.

Each PTS tag contains four critical pieces of information: a unique 8-digit PTS ID number and machine-readable bar code assigned to the asset; the asset's assembly date; a customizable part number or bar code corresponding to the OEM; and reordering information. Labels can typically be personalized for the OEM with logos and other contact information.

PTS also can serialize kits or combinations of part numbers associated with specific builds using "master"-level PTS tags to manage the collection of specified parts assigned to one customer or one machine.

By scanning the PTS bar code via phone or handheld device, or manually entering the ID number into the PTS application using a web-connected computer, OEMs then have access to this information, including the detailed bill of material, certifications, and the specifications used to create the part or assembly.

PTS asset records are available 24/7, and some of the data can be accessed via mobile phone using the PTS Mobile app. And unlike printed parts manuals and books, PTS information also can be gated for specific users, allowing administrators to assign access to specific team members who require it.

Much of the ongoing value of PTS is to the customer, who will find it easier to reorder genuine replacement parts without having to hunt for part numbers. Because the tag offers a bar code, the OEM can simply scan the tag to understand exactly what needs to be replaced.

Having easy access to exact components and assembly details is critical for OEMs and their customers seeking fast service or replacements for complex builds, as well as a greater understanding of the scope of critical components.

The biggest value of PTS for both OEMs and customers is its use on assemblies or kits containing multiple specific parts selected to make up that component for a certain application.

The labels are valuable because they identify the manufacture date and supplier of each component and give the end-user a simple, reliable, and accurate way to reorder the exact same part when it’s necessary. This means that even when the OEM turns a build over to an end-user, that customer still has full knowledge of the tracked parts within that machine, should they need to be replaced or serviced. 

Download our report, Tracking and Optimizing Inventory Control: Two Purchasing Tactics for Packaging OEMs and learn how implementing key strategies will streamline the ways OEMs look at their inventories--saving time, effort, and money in the process.

Article contributed William Sayavich, technology manager for Parker Global Services.

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I have had many discussions with customers as to the value of using an ASTM elastomer compound description on their prints to define a specific application or elastomer requirement versus listing an approved Parker compound number.

Specifying a compound using the ASTM callout is a good start - it clearly defines what you want, it sets a minimum bench mark and it is easy for competitive vendors to understand what you are asking for. The ASTM standards also set specific test parameters which make it easier to do an "apples to apples" comparison between two compounds. However, over time here is what my customers have learned:

1) The ASTM standards are very general; so when my customer defined a specific FKM they needed using an ASTM callout, they received a compliant material that just barely met the ASTM specifications but did not meet their actual operating requirements. The supplier provided my customer with their lowest cost material. The quality of the material was poor and inconsistent, but it met the ASTM criteria they requested. This customer saw a 15% increase in assemblies requiring rework plus the number of warranty claims rose due to seal failures. The twenty cents per seal my customer saved for their $48.00 application was offset by the cost of increased product failures which also resulted in unhappy customers.

2) The ASTM standard does not specifically list what actual chemicals the seal has to be compatible with as well as the operating conditions. ASTM tests compatibility based on Standardized Testing Fluids which are Oils, Fuels and Service Liquids. ASTM uses standard oils which are defined by IRM 901 and 903. Again, the ASTM standards are excellent for comparing compounds, but most people do not have their seals operating in the ASTM reference oils and many sealing applications are exposed to multiple fluids.

3) Most of the engineers or purchasing people who reviewed or utilized an older drawing had no idea why the original engineer chose the compound or why they used the ASTM callout  specified. I typically find that most companies do not know exactly what the ASTM standard  is calling out.

So what is the best way to define and specify an elastomer? Most companies go through a technical process to specify, test and confirm that an elastomer is the correct choice for their application. All of the elastomers that were tested and approved for the application should be clearly listed on the drawing. In addition, the drawing should clearly state that  the approved materials listed were tested to confirm their suitability for the application. All substitutes or new elastomers must be tested and approved by engineering prior to use.

If you have questions regarding the suitability of an elastomer for your application,consult and work with your Parker Applications Engineer. We offer a plethora of compounds to suit your application needs. Ask our applications engineers and chemists for guidance; their vast seal design experience spans multiple industries and applications to solve your sealing challenges. 

  Fred Fisher, technical sales engineer, Parker Hannifin Engineered Materials Group

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It is very important to have specific information to select the proper Power Take-Off (PTO) to match the transmission on a vehicle. A PTO is not transferable from one vehicle application to another especially with different transmissions. PTOs are available in many sizes and provide various capabilities that are tailored to fit the specific context of the application. 

The following ranges of categorized sizes of PTO Series are as follows:

• Medium duty – mechanical and hot shift – 442, 489, 272, 282
• Heavy duty – mechanical and hot shift – 660, 680, 280
• Extra heavy duty – 870, 890, 823
• Forward and reverse operation units – 340, 352 & 863 
• Rear mounts –524, 541 

It is recommended to begin analyzing a PTO application using pre-determined necessary technical information about the work output and installation requirements. Go through the following steps to specify a PTO.

1. Determine the transmission information being used (i.e. automatic or manual, make, model, side of installation). Parker Chelsea has an application guide that will help organize the necessary information needed. There are identification tags on the transmission itself that provide the make and model of the transmission which is required for the application worksheet.
2. Determine what type of equipment is being driven by the PTO (i.e. hydraulic pump, winch, blower). 
3. Find the input horsepower (HP) required of the driven equipment. The power requirements of the driven equipment should be provided by the manufacturer of the driven equipment.
4. Find the desired operating speed of driven equipment. This will be determined by the driven equipment operating parameters.
5. Establish the approximate engine speed desired during operation or PTO ratio (if known). PTO speed is stated as a percentage of engine speed. An example being, required pump speed of 1000 RPM and having an engine operating speed of 1500 RPM. The percentage of PTO to engine speed would be calculated to approximately two-thirds, or approximately 67 percent (e.g. 1000/1500 = 66.67, or 67%). 
6. Define the direction of the Driven Equipment Shaft Rotation with there being two choices, engine and opposite-engine. The PTO requirements will be determined by the driven equipment. It is important to note the PTO output shaft rotation listed on the application page is in relation to the vehicle crankshaft rotation as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. (See Figure 1).
7.  Clarify the type of connection between the PTO and driven equipment with there being a remote and direct connection. 
8. Define the duty cycle as intermittent or continuous. Intermittent duty cycles are defined as PTO operations that last for less than five minutes in any fifteen-minute period. Conversely, continuous duty cycles are defined as PTO operations for more than five minutes out of every 15.  If an intermittent PTO is used for continuous operation, the required torque must be divided by .70 to get the torque requirement for the driven equipment. The PTO will need to de-rated if it was not designed for continuous duty.
9. Determine if there are reverse gear requirements (yes/no).
10. Determine the type and size of the PTO output required (i.e. driveshaft – size of output required, direct mount pump – mounting flange and shaft type/size).

Figure 1

Here are useful formulas to help Specify a PTO:

• Pump Output Horsepower: HP = (GPM x PSI) / 1,714
• Pump Input Horsepower: HP = (GPM x PSI) / (1,714 x E)
• Pump Input Torque (Lbs. Ft.): T = CID x PSI / 75.63
• Gallons Per Minute: GPM = (CID / 231) x (RPM)
• Cubic Inches Displacement: CID = (GPM x 231) / RPM
• Horsepower: HP = (T x RPM) / 5,252
• Flow in GPM using PTO: GPM = (Engine RPM x PTO%) x (CID / 231) x E
• CCM Conversion: CCM = CID x 16.39
• CID Conversion: CID = CCM x .06102
• PTO Ratio Calculator = Pump RPM / Engine RPM

Figure 2 (Remote on top, Direct on bottom)

While not all information is always available, here is an information guideline that can get you started with the right information to help you select the right PTO for your application.

It is important to remember when the appropriate PTO has been selected through the concluded gathered information, review the application guide and make sure that all the necessary information has been included. When searching for a PTO in a catalog, please remember to read the footnotes as there may be additional information to consider for specifying a PTO. This can include transmissions not being able to withstand torque capacity of the PTO and the application or some other unique feature of the unit may be mentioned through the footnotes. 

To further investigate what different PTOs are being offered, including the new 210 series PTO for the 2020 Ford Super Duty 10R140 Transmission, be sure to check out www.parker.com/chelsea to learn more.

This article was contributed by Michael Mabrouk, marketing leadership associate, Chelsea Products Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.  

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