The Wetumpka, Alabama based company partners with Hydro Aluminum’s Belton, SC plant in the production of a major component in its heat sink; Hydro extrudes a y-shaped, open-end version of the heat sink’s fin. This piece is then rolled closed in order to slide onto the base of the heat sink and brazed.
What is a heat sink?
A heat sink is a term for a component or assembly that transfers heat generated within a solid material to a fluid medium, such as air or a liquid.
Computer systems typically include parts housed in an enclosure and during operation, produce large amounts of heat. To preserve the functional integrity of the system, a predetermined temperature must be maintained. Heat sinks cool these components.
Other examples of heat sinks are the heat exchangers used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and the radiator (also a heat exchanger) in a car.
The extrusion
The component Hydro extrudes for ThermaMasters is produced with a wall thickness as thin as .040 and as thick as .750. The cross sectional dimension is as wide as 12” These parts are extruded from 6063 aluminum alloy. Finishing on the parts is simply cut to length and tumbled. This process gives the part a slightly muted finish, but it is basically mill finish, or as extruded. Specialty finishes can also be achieved from vibratory processes, included ball burnishing for a bright finish.
Why aluminum?
Aluminum offers good thermal properties that quickly and effectively conduct heat. Aluminum extrusions provide the most cost effective solution for cooling the majority of electronic devices, and 6063 is a multi-purpose alloy that is most widely used for heat sinks and architectural hardware because it is extrude-able into complex shapes and lends itself to anodized coating.
The versatility of the aluminum extrusion process allows for a wide variety of geometric configurations. Extrusion die tooling is also relatively inexpensive when compared to many other forms of tooling.
Maximizing the cooling area
The capacity of the cooling extrusion is determined by the area available for conduction. This means designing and developing extrusions for air cooling with as many long and tightly packed flanges as possible.
Incorporating flanges in the design increases the surface area. Dimensions and design are determined by things like the thermal dissipation requirement, available air flow (head wind, fan etc.) as well as the service needs. Certain applications require greater spaces between the flanges for such things as regular cleaning.
ThermaMasters is a manufacturer of vacuum brazed heat sinks, cold plates, chill plates and heat exchangers. Since its start, ThermaMasters’ major objective has been to maintain a turnkey customized solution for conducting heat. This has been made possible through close collaboration with partners, customers, and technical colleges along with the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and cutting edge technology.
For more information, please go to: Http://www.thermamasters.com
