Which Aluminum Heat Sink Design Factors Influence Thermal Performance?

Heat sink material - The material used for constructing a heat sink has a major impact on determining its thermal performance. It is commonly known that most aluminum heat sinks are crafted from industry-standard aluminum alloys. Different grades of alloys are shaped into extrusions or made into finished heat sinks by manufacturers. Alloy temper determines the conductivity. 1050A grade alloy offers conductivity of 229W/m.k, but is considered as soft. 6063 alloy has much better strength, great processability and offers lower conductivity, that is why 6063 aluminum heatsinks are used for more applications. Besides, aluminum alloy is a less expensive but adequate option than copper as heat sink material.
 

Heat sink fin efficiency - Aluminum extrusions come in a wide range of fin density variations, which are suitable for different applications. We can extrude heat sinks with flat back up to 650mm that have high density fins. Higher fin density translates to better thermal performance in most cases. It is also important to note that extrusions may also need additional machining along with optimal fin efficiency for ensuring peak thermal performance. Aluminum alloy fins have high thermal conductivity, and can provide greater fin efficiency than other materials. Picking out the right heat sink can be crucial for ensuring fluid and hassle-free equipment operations.

Heat sink spreading resistance - The phenomenon of heat dissipation from a small area to a more expansive area depending on thermal conductivity is referred to as spreading resistance. It happens when there is a problem with dissipating heat through the base of a heat sink. It is recommended that one use aluminum heat sinks that are more effective in preventing spreading resistance. The safe and even transfer of heat out from vital machine components is quite essential to prevent malfunctions and heating issues.

Type of fin arrangement - Aluminum heat sinks have different fin arrangement types, including pin and straight fins. The arrangement type of a fin is a design factor that has a pronounced impact on the thermal performance of heat sinks. A pin fin heat sink usually has square, cylindrical and cylindrical pin arrangements. This type of fin is used more commonly by equipment manufacturers. Many users also have a preference for straight fin heat sinks, including cross cut heat sinks.

The arrangement type impacts the flow of coolant. Hence, it might be important to enhance the configuration of fins to minimize flow resistance and maximize the flow of air. Fin size and shape enhancement can raise the density of heat transfer. Consulting with experts from a reputed aluminum extrusions manufacturing company can help you understand the most suitable fin type arrangement for your applications. It is possible to measure the thermal performance of different fin shapes based on modeling.
 

These are some of the key design factors that have to be considered to ensure optimal thermal performance of extruded aluminum heatsinks. Get in touch with PIONNER THERMAL aluminum heat sink manufacturer to explore suitable options.