Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
(OP)
Hi. Has anyone come across a chemical treatment to dissolve/convert the oxide layer so as to improve electrical conductivity between the heatsink and cooled device ? I found a product some years ago, but can't find it now.





RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
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RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
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Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
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RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
IRstuff brings up a good point about safety. I have seen heat sinks that are electrically hot, but inside an insulated enclosure, with safety interlocks, painted red on the edges, and stenciled with high voltage warnings.
RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
Note, if you clean the oxide and then take a 10 minute coffee break, you must reclean the aluminum. Immediately means NOW. The oxide forms quickly.
Bill
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Jimmy Carter
RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
Sbken, generally the only thing that is done is to machine the contact surface as smooth and flat as possible, and then apply some thermal conductive compound, just to prevent seizing / galling of the aluminum if you are threading in a post type device, or to allow air gaps to be squeezed out when clamping. If you have the direct contact type where the heat sinks are in contact with the current carrying component, I recommend using Penetrox Pena134. If using an isolated base device, aka "brick" where the heat sinks are not live, then use Techspray 1978 thermal only compound.
"You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals" -- Booker T. Washington
RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
Is Iridite or Chemfilm usable for this application? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromate_conversion_c... Its conductivity is not sufficient good enough, usually, for EMI bonding, but someone makes use of it...
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RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
I will see if I can track down the products suggested.
Thanks for your input.
Shane
RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors
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RE: Aluminium heatsinks as conductors