Pro/Forums - View Single Post - Well I guess I can show you my new block :)

N8 · 01-24-2003, 10:44 AM

I vapor plate (vacuum deposition) metals all the time. Aluminum, copper, silver, gold, nickel, chromium, etc. The thickness is typically less than 1 micron. Copper and gold do not stick very well (as in they are easily rubbed off of most vapor plated surfaces.) I have been tempted to coat a heatsink base with copper, gold, or silver and use this thin coating as the TIM, since it is a soft, flexible coating. The only problem is that I have been worried about it flaking off over time and then shorting out something. There are ways to prevent this, but it is a lack of time issue. The other thing is that you HAVE to have both surfaces absolutely flat (since the TIM would be 1 micron thick or less), AND mate together flat during the clamping process (no tilting or twisting.)

One of these days......maybe when we get a sputter deposition machine. I would be able to get better, and thicker layers.

BTW, silver does tarnish over time.

01-24-2003, 10:44 AM	#59
N8 Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 91	I vapor plate (vacuum deposition) metals all the time. Aluminum, copper, silver, gold, nickel, chromium, etc. The thickness is typically less than 1 micron. Copper and gold do not stick very well (as in they are easily rubbed off of most vapor plated surfaces.) I have been tempted to coat a heatsink base with copper, gold, or silver and use this thin coating as the TIM, since it is a soft, flexible coating. The only problem is that I have been worried about it flaking off over time and then shorting out something. There are ways to prevent this, but it is a lack of time issue. The other thing is that you HAVE to have both surfaces absolutely flat (since the TIM would be 1 micron thick or less), AND mate together flat during the clamping process (no tilting or twisting.) One of these days......maybe when we get a sputter deposition machine. I would be able to get better, and thicker layers. BTW, silver does tarnish over time.