All electric motors, from the compact servomotors in robots to the giant motors pumping fluids around chemical plants, generate substantial heat during operation. Managing that heat is critical for the reliability, performance and longevity of the motor.

Thermally conductive adhesives are one tool for doing just that. These adhesives are known for their thermal stability and electrical insulation properties. The thermally conductive fillers contained in these adhesives transfer heat efficiently. These adhesives do more than just bond two parts; they fill microscopic air gaps between the components, enabling heat to transfer efficiently from one part to the other.

ThreeBond International Inc. is a global manufacturer of adhesive and sealants. Based in West Chester, OH, the company has been in business for more than 60 years. The company’s products include anaerobic adhesives, thread-lockers, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, silicones and UV-cure adhesives. The company also supplies handheld and automated dispensing equipment.

Thermally conductive adhesives are among the company’s fastest-growing product segments.

ThreeBond 1225B is a one-part room temperature curing silicone adhesive for electric and electronic components. The adhesive excels in thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. This “de-alcohol type” adhesive dries quickly and does not adversely affect metals or plastics. It can be used for heat dissipation and insulation of switching power supplies, power ICs and computer CPUs, illumination inverters, and various electronic components.

This paste adhesive has a viscosity of 18 pascal-seconds and will become tack-free in 5 minutes. Its thermal conductivity is 1.59 watts per meter-Kelvin.

ThreeBond 1225C is a one-part, moisture-curing adhesive containing silicone polymer and a thermally conductive filler. Before curing, it is liquid and adheres well to parts. After application, it cures with moisture in the air. The cured material shows high heat dissipation performance and provides excellent heat resistance for a long time. It has been formulated to contain less low-molecular siloxane, which can cause contact failure. It can be used for heat dissipation with automotive electrical components and various electronic parts.

This liquid adhesive has a viscosity of 70 pascal-seconds and will become tack-free in 10 minutes. Its thermal conductivity is 2.5 watts per meter-Kelvin.

ThreeBond 2270J is a one-component, heat-curable epoxy with high thermal conductivity. Unlike two-component resins, it does not require mixing. It has a low linear expansion coefficient and cure shrinkage and is suitable for bonding and potting where durability is required. It has excellent low-temperature curability and durability. It can be used for bonding and potting of electronic components requiring heat dissipation.

It has a viscosity of 150 pascal-seconds and will become tack-free in 10 minutes. Its thermal conductivity is 4.2 watts per meter-Kelvin. It fully cures in 40 minutes at a temperature of 100 C.

For more information on adhesives, click https://threebond.com or visit the company’s booth at The ASSEMBLY Show South, which will be held April 16-17, 2025, at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.

Besides adhesives and dispensing equipment, you’ll find some 150 suppliers of automation, fastening tools, robotics, parts feeders, presses, test and inspection devices, and other assembly technologies. The show is being held in conjunction with The Quality Show South and Adhesives in Action. For more information, visit www.assemblyshowsouth.com.