All About Heat Sink Extrusions and Extruded Aluminum Heatsinks

Heat sink extrusions provide more natural convection solutions for high-powered systems and components. Complex fin structures are made by forcing raw aluminum through extrusion dies. The process of manufacturing aluminum heatsinks is somewhat like a Play-Doh factory. Pick the desired shape and squeeze Play-Doh through the shape.

The difference is extruded aluminum heatsinks exit the press opening at approximately 1000ᵒ F. In addition to the high temperature, the extrusion press pushes with a force in excess of 1500 tons. The pressure and temperature are controlled to obtain the profile required.

The complex fin profile allows greater heat dissipation by increasing the surface area while eliminating the time and cost associated with the machination of an equivalent shape made from block aluminum. The benefits of heat sink extrusion are:

• Greater efficiency than stamped heatsinks

• Cost less than assemblies that are fully machined

• Availability of many standard sizes and shapes

• Any application is easily customized

• A weight advantage over copper that is significant

• Tool and hardware mounting are eliminated by a clip system

When manufacturing extruded aluminum heatsinks, the press speed needed to maintain a steady extrusion pull-force, the weight, and the profile complexity are taken into consideration. Benefits of the system include:

• Reduced billet to billet dead cycle time

• Improved straightness

• Minimized scrap

• Improved yield throughout the process of manufacturing

The need for customized extruded aluminum heatsinks continues to grow. The growth reduces product cycle time and overall costs. Customized extruded aluminum heatsinks include:

• Shapes that require stretching and bending

• Detailed precision computerized numerical control used to make customized components that meet product application needs

• Aluminum fabrication from simple to complex precision machination

• Finishes such as heat treating, plating, painting, anodizing, or mechanical finishes

• Heat dissipation requirements.

To know more about heat sink extrusions and extruded aluminum heatsinks visit to website.