A heat transfer system between a heat source and a heat sink, wherein the heat transfer contact surfaces comprise a metal which forms numerous voids when placed adjacent one another. A thermal pad comprising a polymer filled with ceramic particles is placed between these heat transfer surfaces to intimately contact each of the metal surfaces without void formation, thereby increasing thermal conductivity. The heat source and heat sink are joined by relative sliding motion. This sliding motion might damage the thermal pad. Thus, a hot swap structure is provided for controlling the movement of the thermal pad into contact with the heat source as the sliding motion is completed.