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I work in a Calibration Lab, and we recently had a problem measuring surface temperatures to a good accuracy with little measurement uncertainty. We used the standard compound supplied by some of the calibration houses, and we would struggle to get decent readings.

I then instructed my Sr. Tech to get some Arctic Silver to try, so he ordered 2 tubes. He saw me the minute I first walked into work this morning saying it works great, even at temperatures of 300°C, even when it begins to dry up. It gives us enough time to get a decent reading on our surface standard.

So now my questions is: is Arctic Silver still the best thermal compound to use?

It is the best I have ever seen, not even super expensive either. First time I have seen someone use it for something other then PC-related use

Isn't there several different variations of artic silver? Which one to buy ?

umm... Arctic Silver 5...

Yes artic silver. I used it on the Laser at work when i rebuilt the powersupplys. They have HUGE JFETs on them that are attached to water blocks... and when i took them off there was nothing on there. so when i put the new parts in i used the AS on it and now i can run the laser at full output wiht out the power dropping off after 20 seconds.

I swear by Artic Silver, but there are some newer formulations that might work at higher temps if you need it.

Originally posted by FlyingPenguin
I swear by Artic Silver, but there are some newer formulations that might work at higher temps if you need it.

That is what I'm trying to determine - since we are hitting 300°C.

AS 5 cools better, but I still prefer arctic alumina or ceramic because they apply and remove easier.

But for 300°C, found this in a quick google: http://www.rikei.co.jp/product/en/273.html

Originally posted by Gomer
AS 5 cools better, but I still prefer arctic alumina or ceramic because they apply and remove easier.

But for 300°C, found this in a quick google: http://www.rikei.co.jp/product/en/273.html

Thanks for that info. We will try it and find out.

My dad was the Director of the Navy Calibration Labs. I can ask him what they use or if he has any recommendations.

Originally posted by eGoCeNTRoNiX
My dad was the Director of the Navy Calibration Labs. I can ask him what they use or if he has any recommendations.

Yeah go for it.

super glue