Knowledge Of Anodized Aluminum Heat Sink

Custom heat sink plays an important role in electronic and mechanical equipment. They act as passive heat exchangers, transferring heat from the thermal component to the fluid medium (usually air).

There are different types of custom heat sinks. Some are made of copper and some are made of aluminum. However, the more common custom heat sink is made by an aluminum extrusion process. Those extruded aluminum heatsinks are usually anodized.

Why do we need anodizing treatment? What are the benefits of anodizing? Let us first talk about the working principle of anodizing, and then talk about the benefits it provides.

What is anodizing process?

Anodization is an electrochemical process. Unlike paint or powder coating, there is no coating on the aluminum surface. On the contrary, anodic oxidation thickens the oxide layer naturally formed on the metal surface, thereby protecting the metal from corrosion.

How does the anodizing process work?

Extruded aluminum heatsink is placed in the electrolyzer. Low-voltage, high-ampere direct current passes through them. The oxide layer thickens and forms a porous surface. Thickening the oxide layer has its advantages.

What are the advantages of anodized aluminum heat sink?

Anodizing Extruded aluminum heatsink has many general benefits. Some of the main advantages of anodized radiators are:

Improve corrosion resistance

Improve wear resistance

Increase electrical isolation

Improve surface emissivity

Will the color affect the performance of anodized aluminum heat sink?

Another benefit of anodized aluminum heat sink is the ability to add colored dyes. The porous oxide layer can be filled with dyes, which can lock in and resist fading. Anodized heat sink can be dyed into blue, green, black and other colors. However, it is important to note that the effects of color are visual effects and heat transfer will not be affected.

Should you choose anodized heat sink for your project?

Anodizing improves the corrosion resistance, wear resistance and electrical insulation of the custom heat sink. Increase surface emissivity. The increase in emissivity produces a more significant difference in small passive radiators. Another reason for anodic oxidation is to use colored dyes to improve the appearance of the radiator. This is useful for marketing purposes. The cost of anodizing should be weighed against the benefits it provides. Remember not to paint or powder spray the radiator.