What materials are suitable for cold-forged heat sinks?

Cold-forged heat sinks are effective heat dissipation devices, and the choice of material is crucial to their performance. Below, we've compiled a list of three cold-forged heat sink materials from Jianlong Hydraulic Technology for your reference when choosing one!

1. Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy is a commonly used material for cold-forged heat sinks. For example, 6061 aluminum alloy contains elements such as magnesium and silicon. This alloy has excellent thermal conductivity, typically ranging from 167 to 201 W/(m・K). Furthermore, aluminum alloy has a relatively low density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³, making the heat sink lightweight while maintaining excellent heat dissipation performance, making it easier to install and use in weight-sensitive equipment.

2. Copper Alloy

Copper, for example, has a thermal conductivity of 385 to 401 W/(m・K), making it an excellent thermal conductor. It is used in applications where heat dissipation is critical, such as heat sinks for high-power electronic devices. However, copper has a relatively high density of approximately 8.96 g/cm³, which can result in a heavier heat sink. For overall performance, copper alloys such as brass (copper-zinc alloy) are also used. These alloys maintain a certain level of thermal conductivity while improving other properties through alloying.

3. Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium alloys have a lower density, approximately 1.74-1.85 g/cm³. While their thermal conductivity (typically 70-156 W/(m・K)) is lower than that of copper and aluminum, magnesium alloys are an attractive material for applications where weight is a concern and heat dissipation requirements are less stringent, such as portable electronic devices.

Heat sinks may be exposed to various media in their operating environment, such as moisture and chemicals. The material must possess a certain degree of corrosion resistance to ensure the heat sink's service life. For example, aluminum alloys can be treated with surface treatments such as anodizing to enhance their corrosion resistance, ensuring stable operation under varying environmental conditions. For more advice, consultation or purchase of high-quality hydraulic presses for cold forging radiators, please contact us (or scan the WhatsApp QR code below). Jianlong Hydraulic Technology will provide you with personalized, customized professional solutions and serve you wholeheartedly.