Aluminum heat sinks are characterized by their lightweight, high strength, and excellent thermal conductivity, making them highly versatile for both industrial and residential applications.The common manufacturing processes for aluminum profile heat sinks include extrusion, cutting, CNC machining (milling slots and holes), drilling, and tapping;Surface treatment techniques for aluminum profile heat sinks include oxidation, electrophoresis, painting, and sandblasting, among others. (Surface treatment enhances the aesthetic appeal of the aluminum profile heat sinks and also boosts their corrosion and wear resistance.).
The following provides a detailed overview of these processes and technologies:
I. Processing Technology
1.1 Profile Extrusion:
Process Description: The aluminum ingot is heated to approximately 520-540°C and then extruded through a die with grooves under high pressure to shape the radiator initially. Extrusion technology is straightforward to implement and equipment costs are relatively low, which is why it is widely used in the market.
Material Selection: The commonly used material for aluminum extrusion is AA6063, chosen for its excellent thermal conductivity (about 160-180 W/m·K) and workability.
1.2 Cutting:
Process Description: Cut the extruded aluminum profiles to the required size and shape as per design specifications. Cutting methods include flame cutting and laser cutting, among which laser cutting offers high precision and good cut quality but is more expensive.
1.3 CNC Machining (Milling Grooves, Holes):
Process Description: Utilize CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines for precise machining, such as milling grooves and holes, to meet the complex requirements of radiator design.
1.4 Drilling:
Process Description: Drill holes in aluminum profiles to accommodate radiator fins or other components. Drilling can be done with a drill press or laser, with the latter offering high accuracy and good cut quality.
1.5 Tapping:
Process Description: Create threaded holes in aluminum profiles for mounting screws or other fasteners.
II. Surface treatment technology
2.1 Oxidation:
Process description: Anodizing creates a dense, porous, and highly adsorptive layer of alumina film on aluminum profiles, significantly enhancing their corrosion and wear resistance.
Subsequent processing: Sealing treatment closes the pores of the porous oxide film generated after anodizing, further enhancing its resistance to pollution, corrosion, and wear.
2.2 Electrophoresis:
Process description: Electrophoretic coating is a specialized method for forming a coating film. Aluminum profiles are placed in an electrophoretic coating as anodes or cathodes. Under the influence of an electric field, coating particles migrate directionally to the surface of the aluminum profiles, resulting in a uniform coating film. Electrophoretic coating offers advantages such as uniform coating, strong adhesion, and excellent corrosion resistance.
2.3 Spray coating:
Process description: Spray coating involves applying paint to the surface of aluminum profiles using equipment such as spray guns, forming a protective layer. Spraying provides aluminum profiles with rich colors and textures, while enhancing their corrosion and wear resistance.
2.4 Sandblasting:
Process description: Sandblasting involves using compressed air to spray abrasive particles such as sand onto the surface of aluminum profiles. This removes surface dirt and oxide layers through impact and abrasion, creating a roughness that enhances subsequent coating adhesion. The surface of sandblasted aluminum profiles is smooth and the texture is improved.
In summary, aluminum profile radiator manufacturers employ a combination of processing technologies such as profile extrusion, cutting, CNC machining, drilling, tapping, and surface treatment techniques including oxidation, electrophoresis, spray coating, and sandblasting to ensure that product quality and performance meet market demands.
