Design cycle
Simple design: For heat sinks with simple structures and no special technical requirements, such as ordinary household small-sized flat heat sinks, the design cycle may be shorter, generally completed in 1-2 weeks. The design content mainly determines basic parameters such as size, shape, and interface position.
Complex design: If the heat sink is used for high-end electronic equipment or special industrial environments, it has requirements such as high heat dissipation efficiency, special shape or size, and integration with complex systems. The design cycle will be extended to 2-3 months or even longer. For large liquid-cooled radiators in data centers, it is necessary to consider matching with the cooling system, fluid mechanics design, etc., and it must go through multiple rounds of simulation and optimization.
Material procurement cycle
● Conventional materials: Common materials such as aluminum and copper, if the market supply is sufficient, the procurement cycle is generally 1-2 weeks. For example, for ordinary household aluminum alloy heat sinks, manufacturers usually have stable suppliers and can purchase quickly.
Special materials: The procurement cycle may be as long as 2-3 months for new heat dissipation materials or materials with special performance requirements. For example, some heat sinks containing special alloys used in aerospace or high-end scientific research equipment require customized production or import from abroad.
Manufacturing cycle
Small and simple heat sinks: such as small computer CPU air cooled heat sinks, the production process is relatively simple. If the order volume is small, the manufacturing cycle is generally 1-2 weeks. Manufacturers can quickly produce through automated production lines, including stamping, welding, assembly and other processes.
Large and complex heat sinks: Large industrial heat sinks or water cooled heat sinks with complex structures usually have a manufacturing cycle of 3-8 weeks. Special radiators for large chemical equipment require complex welding, anti-corrosion treatment and other processes, and strict quality inspections must be carried out during the production process. If there are any problems, rework is required.
Test cycle
● Conventional performance test: Conventional performance tests such as heat dissipation efficiency and pressure loss of radiators generally take 3-5 days. The test method is relatively mature, with standard test equipment and processes.
● Special requirements test: The heat sink has special environmental adaptability or reliability requirements. For example, if it works in high temperature, high humidity, strong electromagnetic interference and other environments, the test cycle will be extended to 1-2 weeks or even longer. Multiple rounds of testing and verification are required to simulate the actual working environment.
In summary, the cycle of a simple custom heat sink is generally 2-4 weeks, and the cycle of a complex custom heat sink may be 2-6 months or even longer.