Mostly, aluminum or copper is used to build heat sinks. The most commonly used material for heat sinks is aluminum. As aluminum is a lightweight material, less expensive, and easy to manufacture, it is the best choice for most heat sinks. Today, we’ll examine why aluminum is such a great material for heat sinks and which aspects of it are most helpful in this regard.
Although copper has more thermal conductivity than aluminum, its disadvantages are its high weight and cost. Due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, copper is utilized in various heating applications. Copper works slightly slower than aluminum.
When high thermal conductivity is required, copper is usually utilized above other materials as the heat sink. If you also have a query like what are heat sinks made of and why? Then the given article is for you.
Pros of Aluminum Material
Aluminum is one of the highly demanded and popular materials used in heat sinks. There are several benefits of using aluminum
Good Thermal Conductivity
Although aluminum’s thermal conductivity is less than copper’s at 200 W/mK, it is still enough for many applications, especially when cost and weight are factors. Due to this reason, it is highly demanded by different industries.
Lightweight
Due to its lesser weight than copper, aluminum is easier to manufacture and deal with. This is important for applications where weight is an issue, such as mobile devices or aerospace. Using this material also results in low cost of manufacture.
Corrosion Resistance
In most situations, aluminum’s surface naturally develops a thin oxide coating that offers good corrosion resistance. To increase the surface’s resistance to corrosion and abrasion, further techniques like anodizing or other coatings can be applied.
Thermal Expansion
Due to its comparably low coefficient of thermal expansion, aluminum will experience less expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes than other materials. In some situations where dimensional stability is required, this can be advantageous.
Ductility
Due to its ductility, aluminum may be easily shaped and molded without breaking or cracking. This makes it ideal for complicated heat sink designs that require thin walls or complex forms.
Uses of Aluminum Material
The above-mentioned benefits of the aluminum extrusion heat sink have made it clear that why people demand them. It has been utilized in several platforms because it contains so many features. Aluminum is a useful material with a large number of applications in several different sectors. Here are some common uses for aluminum are:
Construction
As aluminum is a lightweight, less costly, and strong material, it is used in construction sectors on a large scale. Doors, windows, roofs, and structural designs all are made of it.
Medical
Due to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, aluminum is useful in medical applications. It is used for medical supplies including wheelchairs, instruments for surgery, and implants.
Electrical
Due to its excellent electrical conductivity, aluminum is used in electrical applications. It is utilized for bus bars, conductors, and electrical wiring. Aluminum is a desirable option for electrical applications since it is an excellent conductor of electricity and lighter than copper.
Consumer goods
Several consumer products, including furniture, kitchenware, and appliances, are made from aluminum. Aluminum is a common material for consumer goods due to its lightweight and resistance to corrosion, which can assist reduce weight and increase longevity.
Aerospace
The aircraft industry makes substantial use of aluminum because of its strength and lightweight. It is utilized for portions of aircraft engines, wings, and fuselages. Aluminum is used in aircraft applications to help with weight reduction, which can enhance fuel efficiency and cut emissions.
Final Wording
Although, aluminum and copper both are preferred as heat sink materials. But considering the industrial level demand, the aluminum extrusion heat sink is more favorable. It has lots of notable features along with amazing services. In addition to benefits, some of the applications of an aluminum extrusion heat sink are also mentioned above.
