Heat Sink Manufacturing
Heat Sink Manufacturing
Team-Metal produces custom designed heat sinks for a variety of applications within life sciences, medical technologies, electronics and other high-tech fields.
Heat Sinks’ Thermal Management Power
Heat sinks play a critical role in thermal management of different electronic and mechanical systems by dissipating heat away from sensitive heat-generating components and preventing their overheating.
A heat sink commonly comprises:
- The base: typically a flat block made of a highly thermally conductive material;
- Fins or pins: i.e. protrusions from the heat sink base which facilitate heat transfer to the surrounding fluid by maximising the surface area and increasing the flow of air or other cooling media over the heat sink’s surface.
In this way heat sinks help the device to operate at a safe temperature, thereby improving its performance and extending its life. The specific configuration and application of a device will determine the design and capabilities of a heat sink used in it.
Heat Sink Machining
At Team-Metal, we use advanced CNC machining techniques to manufacture heat sinks of the highest levels of precision and quality. With latest generation precision CNC cutting, drilling, and milling equipment, we serve clients with heat sink solutions of complex geometries and intricate designs essential for efficient heat dissipation in diverse applications.
In addition to machining, we apply various surface treatments to enhance the performance and durability of our heat sinks. Anodizing enhances corrosion resistance and provides electrical insulation, ideal for electronic applications. Electroplating adds a layer of conductive material, such as nickel, improving thermal conductivity and protecting against oxidation. Powder coating offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, while thermal grease application improves thermal contact between the heat sink and the heat source, boosting heat transfer.
Heat Sink Materials of Construction
Heat sinks are commonly manufactured from metals which show superior thermal conductivity, such as aluminum and copper.
- Aluminum shows similarly high thermal conductivity is still high and has the added benefits of lower cost and lower density, making it suitable for applications where reducing weight is important.
- Copper stands out due to its exceptionally high thermal conductivity, which results in rapid heat transfer through copper heat sinks.
Heat Sink Applications
At Team-Metal we manufacture custom designed heat sinks engineered to meet the specific thermal management needs across various industries, including but not limited to:
Life Sciences
- Amplifier Heat Sinks in PCR Systems: These are essential for maintaining the precise temperature control required for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes in genetic and molecular biology research.
- Laboratory Equipment: Heat sinks ensure safe operating temperature ranges in sensitive instruments like spectrometers and centrifuges.
Medical Technology
- Imaging Equipment: Complex medical devices including MRI, CT, and ultrasound machines incorporate heat sinks to manage the heat generated during imaging processes.
- Diagnostic Devices: Heat sinks support stable operation of devices such as blood analyzers and patient monitors, which are critical in medical diagnostics and care.
- Laser Machines: Heat sinks are crucial to manage heat in laser systems used for surgeries, dermatological treatments, and ophthalmological procedures.
Electronics
- Computer Systems: Critical in cooling CPUs, GPUs, and other high-performance computing components to prevent thermal throttling and maintain system stability.
- Consumer Electronics: Essential for cooling devices such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles to enhance performance and prevent overheating.