Which aluminum is used for the heat sink?

Heat transfer is a process whereby heat is transferred from one object to another. This can be done via conduction, convection, or radiation. Heat transfer is essential to many industrial processes, as it allows for the efficient dispersal of heat generated by devices. This helps to keep the devices operating at optimal temperatures.

Dissipating heat is crucial in many devices, such as computers, semiconductors, and optoelectronics. Without the ability to regulate heat, these parts and components would be damaged. A heat sink is a standard solution to dissipate heat and protect these delicate pieces.

Designing an effective heat sink maximizes the surface area in contact with the cooling medium. It may be achieved by increasing air velocity, using more efficient materials, and optimizing the design of protrusions. Again, surface treatment is also essential in determining your heat sink's effectiveness.

Some materials can be used for heat transfer, but copper and aluminum are by far two of the best. Both metals have very high thermal conductivity, making them excellent choices for applications where heat needs to be effectively transferred.

Additionally, copper has many other desirable properties, like being thermally efficient. However, aluminum is also a great choice because it is versatile, lightweight, and relatively low-cost.

What are the Different types of aluminum used for heat sinks?

There are three main types of aluminum used for heat sinks: 6060 (low stress), 6061, and 6063. 6060 aluminum is the least expensive and weakest of the three, but it is also the most malleable, making it ideal for applications where a custom shape is needed.

6061 aluminum is stronger and more heat-resistant than 6060, making it the preferred choice for most general-purpose heat sink applications. 6063 aluminum is the strongest of the three and has the best heat conductivity, making it the ideal choice for high-performance heat sinks.

What do these aluminum profiles mean to you? 6060 (low stress), 6061, and 6063.

6061

6061 aluminum profiles are used in applications where lightweight and high strength are required. 6061 aluminum is the most widely used and commercially produced aluminum alloy globally. Its properties include strength, rigidity, impact resistance, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

6061 aluminum is usually formed by rolling flat sheets into round shapes using a cold extrusion process. This process can produce several different profiles depending on the material used and the desired shape.

6061 aluminum profiles are commonly used in the aerospace industry and are used as part of aircraft structural members. These include wing leading edges, tail surfaces, fuselage skins (including bulkheads), landing gear struts, etc.

6060 and 6063

6063 has a slightly higher magnesium content than 6061 and 6060. This is important because the higher magnesium content makes it more corrosion-resistant. It is also more stable at high temperatures, which allows for more precise heat treatment.

The alloy has a lower density, resulting in less weight than other alloys, so it can be more efficient in applications such as airplanes or cars where space is limited.

The most common use of 6063 aluminum is in aircraft applications. It's used in parts like wings, fuselage panels, and landing gear spars because of its strength and lightweight. Another advantage of this alloy is that it can be easily machined without too much distortion or warping of the metal.

Why is pure aluminum not used as a heat sink?

The main reason pure aluminum is not used as a heat sink is that it is too soft. Aluminum alloys are much better suited for this purpose because they are more complex and durable.

Pure aluminum is not hard enough to withstand the high temperatures and pressures that are often necessary to dissipate heat effectively. In addition, aluminum alloys are better able to conduct heat away from sensitive components, making them ideal for heat sinks.

How to read aluminum identification numbers?

Aluminum alloys are categorized using a four-digit system. The first digit corresponds to the primary alloying element. For example, an alloy with a 1XXX designation is the purest aluminum, while an alloy with a 6XXX designation contains significant magnesium levels and silicon.

Wrought aluminum alloys are classified according to a four-digit numbering system. This system includes a digit that indicates whether a special modification has been made to one of its alloying elements. These modifications are registered with the International Alloy Designation System and need specified documentation.

Conclusion 

6060 aluminum is usually the best choice when designing a heat sink due to its excellent strength/ weight ratio. But sometimes, you may consider 6061 or 6063 aluminum based on your design requirement. 6061 aluminum is more resistant to corrosion and oxidation than 6060, but it has some limitations, such as lower mechanical properties.

6063 aluminum has better tensile strength and hardness than the other two aluminum alloys but has lower elongation and impact strength.