What Is Heat Sink In Computer

Machining Factory: Electronic heat sink
Material: Aluminum alloy
Origin: Zhongshan, China
Production: CNC machining
Size: Customized
Surface Treatment: Anodized
Color: Custom
Inspected:100% Inspected before shipment
Shipping:15-25Work days
Quantity(pieces):1-100000

Electronic heat sink

Materials6063 aluminum, brass
Surface treatmentAnodizing, brushing, etc
ToleranceAnodizing, brushing, laser engraving, polishing, powder coating, etc
Testing equipmentCMM; tool microscope;multi-joint arm; automatic height gauge; manual height gauge; dial gauge; marble platform; roughness measurement
ProcessingExtrusion and CNC machining
File formatsSolid works, CAD
Service projectTo provide production design, production and technical service, mold development, processing, etc
Quality assurance SGS, CE

Modern electronics pack an incredible amount of complexity into a very small space which creates a lot of heat. If left unchecked could reduce the lifespan or even destroy the processor.

In this blog post we tell you how an electronic heat sink works. Grab a pen and paper and take note of the importance of this device for any device, even industrial.

Understanding Heat Transfer In Aluminum Heatsinks
It’s crucial to grasp the fundamental principles of heat transfer. Heat naturally flows from higher temperatures to lower temperatures, driven by temperature differences. For a heatsink, heat moves from the heat source and conducts through the component into the heatsink base and fins. From there, heat dissipates through convection and radiation.

Types Of Electronic Heat Sinks Exist
There are different types of electronic heat sinks, and all of them are widely used in the industry for cooling fluids in a wide variety of industrial processes.
The main electronic heat sink systems that we can find in the industry are the following:
Active or passive heatsink
Active heatsinks usually have a built-in mechanism that allows them to move air, such as a fan, which makes them more efficient, however, they usually have a higher price. Additionally, they are typically more compact than passive heat sinks, so they don’t take up as much space.
On the other hand, passive heat sinks conventionally dissipate heat energy and do not have a built-in system that helps them move air, as is the case with active heatsinks.

In this case, the heatsink makes use of radiation to expel heat outside.
Knowing which of both categories a device uses is important to know how a heat sink works since there are slight differences between both mechanisms.

Material Selection And Thermal Conductivity For Electronic Heat Sinks
Generally, heat sinks are constructed from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. This choice optimizes heat conduction. Additionally, maximizing the surface area enhances convection and radiation to the environment.

Aluminum heatsinks come in various shapes and sizes, including plate fans, pin fins, heat spreaders, and active heatsink designs.

In addition to the design, as mentioned above factors, the material of the radiator plays a very important role in the heat dissipation process. The most popular materials for heat sinks are aluminum and copper. The noticeable difference between these metals lies in the thermal conductivity itself, which is 200W/m2 for aluminum and approx—370W/m2 for copper.

This property results, among others, from because copper has over three times the density of aluminum and amounts to 8940 kg/m.

Factors Influencing Aluminum Heat Sinks Design
Several factors influence the thermal design of heatsinks, starting with component-level considerations:
1. Component Power Dissipation: The amount of heat generated by the component impacts the heatsink’s effectiveness in heat removal.
2. Maximum Junction Temperature: Components have specified temperature limits that must not be exceeded.
3. Thermal Interface Material (TIM): The choice of TIM and the IC package style affect temperature rise from the die to the heatsink base.
At the system level, the following factors play a role:
1. Available Space: The available physical space on the board influences aluminum heat sinks dimensions.
2. Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the fluid passing over the heatsink affects its performance.
3. Elevation: At higher elevations, air is less effective at heat removal.
4. Forced Convection vs. Natural Convection: The efficiency of heat transfer depends on whether forced convection (e.g., from a fan) or natural convection (buoyancy-driven flow) is at play.

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Designing For Natural Convection
When dealing with natural convection, consider:
1. Heat sink Orientation: Ensure that the heatsink’s orientation aligns with gravity for optimal performance.
2. Radiation Heat Transfer: Heat transfer in natural convection via radiation becomes more significant than in forced convection. Consider higher emissivity for improved performance.
How do you choose a CNC aluminum heat sink for a computer?
What is the underlying principle of a heat sink, and what is the main selection criterion? The purpose of the heat sink is to maintain the temperature at a level below the specified maximum operating temperature of the electronic device it is going to cool.
Beyond performance, several other criteria impact the selection of a heat sink:
1. Cost: The cost of the heat sink can vary significantly, and it should align with the budget and requirements.
2. Space: Available space on the board influences the dimensions of the heat sink.
3. Power: Depending on power requirements, heat sinks can be installed with or without fans.

Heat Sink Configurations
Natural Convection vs. Forced Convection
Heat sinks are sometimes installed without fans, relying on natural convection for heat removal. In other cases, fans are used to enhance heat sink effectiveness. Forced convection significantly improves heat dissipation, but it comes at an increased cost.
Optimizing Natural Convection
To maximize the effectiveness of heat sinks using natural convection, it’s crucial to ensure that the fins are oriented correctly. Fins should be installed so that they act as vertical air channels, allowing cool air to enter from the bottom and rise, expelling hot air from the top. Incorrect orientation can impede airflow.

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Width vs. Height Consideration
When selecting a heat sink, prioritize width over height whenever possible. Increasing the width of the heat sink by a factor of two doubles its heat dissipation capability, whereas doubling the length of the fins results in only a 1.4-fold increase in heat dissipation capability.

Considering Radiation Heat Transfer
Radiation is a significant factor, especially in pure natural convection heat sinks. We can say that it counts for up to 25 percent of total heat dissipation. To enhance radiation, heat sink surfaces should be painted or anodized. Furthermore, it’s essential to avoid situations where other components on the circuit board surround critical or high-heat components, as this can hinder radiation heat transfer.

Conclusion
In summary, the purpose of heat sinks is to maintain electronic device temperatures within safe operating limits. Similarly, the design of aluminum heat sink encompasses particular shapes and sizes. In addition, excellent material properties expand its application and performance.

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