In the context of modern electronic devices increasingly pursuing high performance and compact design, heat dissipation has become one of the key factors restricting their development. As an innovative heat dissipation solution, the skived fin heat sink plays a significant role in the field of high-power electronics cooling with its unique structural design and efficient heat dissipation capabilities.Material Selection for skived fin Heat SinkThe material selection of the skived fin heat sink directly impacts its heat dissipation effectiveness and cost. When extreme heat dissipation performance is required, copper (CU) with its high thermal conductivity coefficient of 380W/m.k becomes the preferred material. However, its high cost limits its widespread application. Therefore, aluminum has emerged as a more economical and practical choice. Commonly used aluminum materials include AL1050 and AL1060, both with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 210W/m.k. Not only do they possess excellent thermal conductivity, but their softness also makes them easy to process, making them particularly suitable for manufacturing skived finheat sinks. In cases where the fin height is relatively low, AL6063 (thermal conductivity coefficient of 201W/m.k) is also a viable option. Although it has a higher hardness, it can still demonstrate good heat dissipation performance in specific scenarios.Process and Characteristics of skived fin Heat SinkThe skived fin heat sink utilizes precise mechanical movements to cut materials into blocks and straight lines from specific angles, repeatedly forming a consistent gap structure. This design not only increases the heat dissipation area but also improves the heat dissipation efficiency by 8-15% compared to traditional pin-fin heat sinks. The core advantages of the skived fin heat sink lie in:Integrity: The skived fin heat sink plate is made from a single piece of profile material with no joints, enabling it to fully utilize the heat dissipation properties of the profile.Efficient Heat Dissipation: The skived fin process creates thinner and denser fins, significantly enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.Flexibility in Size: Compared to aluminum extrusion and other processes, the skived fin process has fewer size limitations, allowing for the production of wider heat sinks suitable for high-power machines.Material Compatibility: The skived fin process is not only suitable for aluminum but also copper products and thin fins, which is difficult to achieve with other integrated heat sinks and processes.Wide Range of ApplicationsDue to its efficient heat dissipation capabilities, the skived fin heat sink is widely used in industries with high power consumption and heat dissipation requirements, such as power, medical, communications, industrial control, and servers. In these fields, the skived fin heat sink not only effectively reduces device temperatures, prolonging component lifespans, but also minimizes fan noise, enhancing user experience.Advantages of Aluminum skived fin Heat SinkAluminum skived fin heat sinks typically employ pure aluminum materials combined with integrated molding technology, improving the stability of heat dissipation performance. Pure aluminum materials possess excellent thermal conductivity and light weight, helping to reduce the overall burden of the equipment. Additionally, the integrated molding design minimizes thermal resistance during heat dissipation, further enhancing efficiency.In conclusion, the skived fin heat sink, as an innovative heat dissipation solution, is gradually becoming the preferred choice for high-power electronics cooling due to its unique process, efficient heat dissipation performance, and wide range of applications. With continuous technological advancements and further cost reductions, the application prospects of the skived fin heat sink will be even broader.

Aluminum heat sinks are critical components used in various products for consumer electronics, equipment, and systems, playing a crucial role in dissipating heat from sensitive components. As electronic devices become more compact and powerful, efficient heat sink design and manufacturing methods are increasingly emphasized. With the continuous global demand for aluminum heat sinks on the rise, manufacturers are constantly seeking methods to improve production process efficiency.This article will discuss two main manufacturing methods for aluminum heat sinks: CNC machining and aluminum extrusion. We will also explore the advantages of each method and compare their relative efficiencies.Overview of CNC Machining and Aluminum Extrusion ProcessesCNC MachiningCNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a process where material is removed from a workpiece using computer-controlled machines to shape it into the desired form. In aluminum heat sink manufacturing, CNC machines cut and shape raw aluminum material through milling or turning operations into the final heat sink design. This process allows for the creation of highly complex and precise heat sink geometries tailored to specific thermal management requirements.Aluminum ExtrusionAluminum extrusion is another widely used method for heat sink manufacturing. In this process, heated aluminum billets are forced through a mold to produce long aluminum profiles with the desired cross-sectional shape. These extruded profiles are then cut into smaller pieces, which may undergo further processing as needed to produce the final heat sink. Extrusion is an efficient and economical method for producing aluminum heat sinks, especially in large-scale production.Advantages of CNC Machining heat sinksCNC machining offers several advantages in aluminum heat sink production:Precision: CNC machining aluminum allows for the creation of high-precision heat sink designs with tight tolerances and complex geometries, ensuring optimal thermal performance for specific applications.Material Versatility: CNC machining can handle various grades of aluminum alloys, each with unique properties and characteristics. This flexibility allows manufacturers to choose the best heat sink material based on factors such as thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and weight.Reduced Lead Times: Compared to some other manufacturing methods, the CNC machining process can produce aluminum heat sinks relatively quickly, helping to shorten lead times and improve overall production efficiency.Customization: CNC machining enables highly customized heat sink designs, allowing manufacturers to produce tailored solutions for customers. This is particularly advantageous for niche applications or specialized industries where off-the-shelf solutions may not meet specific requirements.Advantages of Aluminum Extrusion heat sinksAluminum extrusion also provides several key advantages for heat sink manufacturing:High Production Efficiency: Extrusion is inherently an efficient manufacturing process as it produces continuous aluminum profiles with minimal waste. This can save costs, especially for large-scale production.Design Flexibility: While not as versatile in terms of design complexity as CNC machining, aluminum extrusion still allows for a variety of heat sink shapes and sizes. This is beneficial for manufacturers seeking to balance design flexibility with production efficiency.Stable Quality: Aluminum heat sinks produced through extrusion have consistent quality and uniform material properties. This helps ensure reliable heat dissipation throughout their operational lifespan.Scalability: Aluminum extrusion profiles are highly scalable, making them an ideal choice for manufacturers needing to produce large quantities of heat sinks. The extrusion process can easily scale up or down to meet different production needs without significant impacts on cost or lead times.Comparing Efficiency of CNC Machining and Aluminum Extrusion heat sinksIn terms of manufacturing efficiency, CNC machining and aluminum extrusion each have their pros and cons. CNC machining can produce highly complex and customized heat sinks, but the process may be more time-consuming and costlier, especially for large-scale production. On the other hand, aluminum extrusion is a more cost-effective method for producing large quantities of heat sinks efficiently, although it may not be suitable for complex or specialized designs.Ultimately, the choice between CNC machining and aluminum extrusion for heat sink manufacturing depends on factors such as design complexity, production volume, and material characteristics.Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Sink Manufacturing MethodWhen selecting a method for manufacturing aluminum heat sinks, several factors should be considered:Design Complexity: CNC machining is preferred for heat sinks with complex geometries or strict tolerance requirements due to its higher precision and accuracy compared to extrusion. However, for simpler designs, aluminum extrusion may be a more efficient and cost-effective choice.Production Volume: For large-scale production, aluminum extrusion is typically more efficient and cost-effective. However, for small batches or one-off projects, CNC machining may be more suitable.Material Characteristics: The choice of manufacturing method may be influenced by the specific aluminum alloy used for the heat sink. Depending on factors such as machinability, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, certain alloys may be better suited to one method over another.Lead Times: Generally, CNC machining can produce aluminum heat sinks more quickly, especially for small-scale production or custom designs. However, for large-volume production, extrusion processes may offer shorter overall lead times.Budget: Consider the costs associated with each manufacturing method, including setup costs, material costs, and production time. Although CNC machining may be more expensive for large-scale production, it could be a more cost-effective choice for small batches or highly specialized designs.Customer Case StudiesCase Study 1: Aluminum Extrusion heat sinks for LED LightingIn this case study, a LED lighting system manufacturer needed high-performance aluminum heat sinks for their new product line. The heat sinks required a relatively simple design with a large surface area for efficient heat dissipation. After considering various options, the manufacturer decided to use aluminum extrusion to produce the heat sinks. The extruded aluminum profiles were cut to the required lengths and processed into the final heat sink design. The finished extruded aluminum heat sinks demonstrated excellent thermal performance due to their large surface area and efficient airflow design. The extrusion process enabled cost-effective production, making it an ideal choice for this specific application.Case Study 2: CNC Machining Aluminum heat sinks for Aerospace ApplicationsIn this case study, an aerospace component manufacturer needed highly customized aluminum heat sinks for critical components in their product line. These heat sinks required complex geometries, strict tolerances, and specific thermal management requirements. After evaluating various options, the manufacturer chose to use CNC machining to produce the heat sinks. CNC machining allowed the use of specialized aluminum alloys with excellent thermal performance to create the required high-precision and complex geometries. The finished heat sinks exhibited outstanding thermal performance, meeting stringent requirements for aerospace applications. Although CNC machining costs more than extrusion, the custom design and specialized material properties made it the ideal choice for this specific application.Lorimachining Heat Sink ManufacturingAt Lorimachining, we understand the importance of efficient heat sink design and manufacturing methods, especially with the increasing demand for aluminum heat sinks. We continuously seek to improve production process efficiency and offer innovative solutions to meet customer needs. Our CNC machining capabilities enable us to create highly complex heat sink geometries and customize them according to specific thermal management requirements. We provide highly customized heat sink designs, allowing us to offer tailored solutions to customers. This is particularly beneficial for niche applications or specialized industries where off-the-shelf solutions may not be suitable. We also specialize in aluminum extrusion, which is an efficient and cost-effective method, especially for large-scale production of aluminum heat sinks. Our extrusion process produces aluminum heat sinks with stable quality and consistent material properties, ensuring reliable operation throughout their lifespan. At Lorimachining, we are committed to meeting customer-specific requirements and ensuring they receive the highest quality products and services. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and shorter lead times, achieved through innovative solutions and efficient production processes.ConclusionIn aluminum heat sink manufacturing, two main methods should be considered: CNC machining and aluminum extrusion. Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on factors such as design complexity, production volume, and material characteristics. Ultimately, the goal of any heat sink manufacturing process is to produce high-performance, efficient, and reliable solutions that meet specific application requirements. With continued focus on energy efficiency and rapid technological advancements, the aluminum heat sink industry is poised for continuous growth and innovation. Contact us now to learn more about our aluminum machining services and how we can help meet your aluminum heat sink needs. Our expert team is ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide the best solutions for your specific application.Frequently Asked Questions1. What are aluminum heat sinks?Aluminum heat sinks are components used in electronic devices and systems for dissipating heat from sensitive components. Due to their high thermal conductivity and cost-effectiveness, heat sinks are typically made from aluminum.2. What is CNC machining?CNC machining is a process where material is removed from a workpiece using computer-controlled machines to shape it into the desired form. In aluminum heat sink manufacturing, CNC machines typically use milling or turning operations to cut raw aluminum material and shape it into the final heat sink design.3. What is aluminum extrusion?Aluminum extrusion is a manufacturing process involving forcing heated aluminum billets through molds to produce long aluminum profiles with the desired cross-sectional shape. These extruded profiles are then cut into smaller pieces and may undergo further processing to produce the final heat sink.4. Which is better for aluminum heat sink manufacturing, CNC machining or aluminum extrusion?The choice between CNC machining and aluminum extrusion for manufacturing aluminum heat sinks depends on factors such as design complexity, production volume, and material characteristics. CNC machining is suitable for producing heat sinks with complex geometries or strict tolerance requirements, whereas aluminum extrusion is more suitable for large-scale production and simpler designs.5. What are the trends in the aluminum heat sink industry?Trends in the aluminum heat sink industry include a focus on energy efficiency, integration of advanced technologies, customization, and material innovation. These trends drive innovation in heat sink design and manufacturing processes, as well as the development of new materials.

I. Battery Cooling and Battery Water Cooling PlateIn the application of battery cooling systems, liquid cooling has become the mainstream cooling method. The heat generated by automotive batteries during operation is transferred away through contact with electronic components and the surface of water cooling plates, ultimately carried away by coolant flowing through internal channels of the plates.The design of water cooling plates varies, primarily based on battery type and overall layout. To ensure temperature uniformity in high-energy battery packs, the longer the cooling channels, the more challenging the temperature uniformity control.II. Evolution of Battery Water Cooling Plate TechnologyAs electric vehicles have evolved from conventional engine oils to electric power, water cooling plate technology has also undergone significant changes.First-generation product — Extruded aluminum profile water cooling plateThe material used for water cooling plates is generally 6-series aluminum profiles, and the manufacturing process is complex. For creating a large plate without large molds, two or three plates need to be friction stir welded together, which increases the complexity of the process. Additionally, welding heads are consumables, thus raising costs.Second-generation product — Small stamped plates and serpentine tubesThe performance of water cooling plates directly affects the performance of battery packs and hence the durability of electric vehicles. Due to their weight, which can easily exceed 10 to 20 kilograms, water cooling plates significantly limit battery performance.The market has shifted focus to lighter stamped plates and serpentine tubes, with water cooling plates employing brazing technology entering the mainstream. Brazing is widely used and mature in the automotive industry, applied in front radiators, condensers, and plate heat exchangers. Typically, brazing involves applying brazing material or brazing strips to the welding surface of 3-series aluminum materials and then welding them in a high-temperature (approximately 600°C) vacuum brazing furnace. Mature brazing technology is crucial to the success of products.Third-generation product — Integration and consolidation of liquid cooling platesWhen the energy density of individual units reaches a bottleneck, larger modules are required to accommodate more battery cells in battery packs, sometimes eliminating the module concept altogether and directly inserting boxes onto the battery pack, known as CTP (Cell-to-Pack). Meanwhile, battery water cooling plates are moving towards larger panels, either integrated into boxes or modules, or made as large stamped plates laid flat on the bottom of boxes or covering the tops of batteries.III. Welding and Processing Technology of Battery Water Cooling PlatesStamping and welding of liquid cooling plates are relatively complex processes. Regardless of the water cooling plate processing technology used, welding is a crucial step. Currently, welding and processing technologies for water cooling plates mainly include vacuum brazing and friction stir welding. Vacuum brazing is preferred in the electric vehicle field due to its flexible structural design and higher welding efficiency.With the increasing diversification of liquid cooling plate structures, the demand for welding technology is rising. The development of welding technology is progressing in the following directions:1) Improving welding energy efficiency and reducing welding costs;2) Enhancing the mechanization and automation levels in workshops to improve welding quality stability;3) Continuous development in new industries is driving the advancement of welding technology;4) Research and development of heat sources;5) Energy-saving technologies remain a widely addressed concern.Lori can provide customized battery water cooling plate services for you. Feel free to contact us if needed.

Lightweighting is a trend where aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and other light alloys are gradually replacing steel as the primary materials in industries such as automotive and rail transport. Particularly, aluminum is increasingly being developed and applied in the automotive industry.New materials and structures require new welding technologies. Traditional fusion welding methods encounter a series of issues when applied to new high-strength aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and other light alloy materials, such as alloy element burning and reduced mechanical properties during fusion welding, generation of weld defects and structural reliability damage, residual stress, and deformation in joints. Friction stir welding (FSW), as a new solid-state (non-melting) welding method, meets the welding requirements of these new materials, thus experiencing rapid development and application in the field of lightweight alloy welding.Friction stir welding (FSW) is an advanced solid-phase welding technology that generates heat through high-speed rotation of a stirring tool, causing friction. This friction plasticizes the material in a non-molten state, and under the action of the stirring pin, it undergoes extrusion and forging, ultimately producing a fine forged joint structure. Because the process does not involve a "melting-solidification" cycle, the weld structure in friction stir welding does not exhibit common welding defects such as hot cracks, liquation cracks, or hydrogen pores; weld strength can reach up to 85% of the base material.Extensive application of friction stir welding in the automotive manufacturing sectorCurrently, friction stir welding technology has been widely applied in the automotive manufacturing sector, mainly in the following two aspects:1. Direct use of friction stir welding technology in the manufacturing of automotive parts, such as motors, battery trays, drive housings, electric vehicle chassis components, ECU radiators, etc.;2. Extension of friction stir welding technology for manufacturing automotive parts, such as friction stir spot welding for welding car doors, and retracting friction stir welding for hub manufacturing.Why do new energy vehicle manufacturers favor friction stir welding?When it comes to lightweight manufacturing in automobiles, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is new energy electric vehicles. Indeed, new energy vehicles are the primary users of friction stir welding technology. Why do new energy vehicle manufacturers particularly favor friction stir welding? Today, let's take the core "three-electric" products of friction stir welding as an example:New energy vehicles differ from traditional vehicles primarily in their "three-electric" core technologies: electric motors, batteries, and electronic controls. Thermal management and protection are crucial for these core technologies. Therefore, most manufacturers use water cooling systems that integrate into the protective shells of "three-electric" components, such as water-cooled battery trays, water-cooled motor casings, and water-cooled electronic control box casings. Traditional fusion welding methods struggle to ensure air-tightness and are prone to deformation, whereas friction stir welding excels in welding water-cooled cavities. Here's why:1. Excellent weld seam quality: Friction stir welding is a solid-phase welding process that does not require filler materials. The weld seam matches the base material, without common defects like hot cracks, liquation cracks, or hydrogen pores seen in traditional fusion welding processes. Moreover, the weld seam strength is high, which is uniquely advantageous for sealing high-pressure water-cooled products like these, making friction stir welding a standard for welding new energy "three-electric" products.2. High welding efficiency: Friction stir welding is a simple, automated welding process that does not require filler materials. It is fast and efficient. For large-area, long-travel planar welding tasks like battery trays, friction stir welding offers exceptional efficiency, making it highly favored by new energy manufacturers.3. Environmentally friendly: The entire welding process requires no welding materials and produces no high-intensity smoke or dust. It is environmentally friendly, with straightforward equipment operation, minimal requirements for factory operating environments, and low impact on the health of operators, making it popular among workers.Lori's friction stir welding processing servicesLori provides customers with friction stir welding process machining, product sampling, new product trial production, OEM subcontracting for friction stir welding products, and professional testing services in areas such as new energy vehicle manufacturing, power electronics, rail transport, 5G communication, etc.Lori has established two major workshops: a friction stir welding product processing center and a CNC machining center, equipped with over 10 sets of friction stir welding equipment such as five-axis, large, medium, and small static gantry, and C-type machines. It also possesses numerous high-precision CNC machining equipment including lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and grinding machines, meeting the full range of industrial enterprise demands for friction stir welding product manufacturing and OEM requirements.Currently, we have professional testing capabilities for friction stir welding products, including material composition analysis, mechanical performance analysis, product dimension testing, product performance testing, and specific tests such as air tightness testing, metallographic analysis, weld defect detection, and welding depth testing.To meet customer demands for friction stir welding product processing, we have established project operation centers, production departments, assembly departments, quality inspection departments, and design departments, employing over 30 technical personnel and skilled workers with extensive practical experience in friction stir welding technology services, product structure design, fixture design, stirring head development, professional testing, product after-sales service, etc.Based on our customer-centric service philosophy, Lori provides customers with a "one-stop" friction stir welding product support service, including custom welding fixture design, matching hydraulic station customization, stirring head customization, OEM services, and professional testing, ensuring comprehensive satisfaction and allowing customers to enjoy efficient and worry-free friction stir welding product services.