Heat sinks play a very important role in keeping electronic devices cool. One of the most efficient types of heat sinks is the skived heat sink . In this blog, we will take you through the process of skived heat sink manufacturing, explain what makes these heat sinks unique, and show you why they are an excellent choice for managing heat in various applications.

What is a Skived Heat Sink?

A skived heat sink is a type of heat sink made through a process called skiving. Skiving involves shaving off thin layers of metal from a larger piece to create fins, which are thin, flat pieces that stick up from the base. These fins are essential because they increase the surface area, allowing it to dissipate more heat. The more heat a heat sink can release, the better it is at keeping devices cool.

Skived heat sinks are typically made from aluminum or copper, two metals known for their excellent thermal conductivity. Aluminum is lighter and more affordable, while copper conducts heat more efficiently but is heavier and more expensive. Based on the application, you can choose either an aluminum or copper skived heat sink.

Why Choose Skived Heat Sinks?

Skived heat sinks offer several advantages over other types. First, they have a high fin density, which means they can pack more fins into a given area. This increases the heat sink’s ability to dissipate heat, making it more effective at cooling.

Another benefit is that skived heat sinks can be made with very thin fins. These thin fins allow for more fins to be packed into the heat sink, further increasing its cooling capacity. The height of these fins can also reach up to 120mm, making them suitable for a wide range of uses, from small electronic devices to larger industrial machines.

Moreover, skived heat sinks do not require any soldering or bonding between the fins and the base. This means there is no risk of thermal resistance at the joint, which can occur in other types of heat sinks where the fins are attached separately. The result is a more efficient transfer of heat from the electric device to the heat sink and then to the surrounding air.

The Skiving Process:

The manufacturing process of a skived heat sink is both fascinating and precise. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it’s done:

• Material Selection: The process begins with selecting the material, usually a block of aluminum or copper. The choice of material depends on the specific needs of the application, such as the amount of heat that needs to be dissipated and the available space.
• Cutting the Block: The selected metal block is cut to the desired size. This block will become the base of the skived heat sink.
• Skiving the Fins: A unique cutting tool is used to shave off thin layers of metal from the block, creating fins. This is done very carefully to ensure that the fins are evenly spaced and of the correct thickness. The tool moves across the block in a continuous motion, creating fins that stand up from the base.
• Finishing Touches: After the fins are created, the heat sink is inspected for any defects. The edges may be smoothed out, and any rough surfaces may be polished to ensure that the heat sink will perform optimally.
• Customization: Depending on the application, additional features may be added to the heat sink. For example, holes may be drilled for mounting, or the heat sink may be coated to protect it from corrosion.

Skived Fin Heat Sink Benefits

Skived fin heat sinks, a specific type of skived heat sinks, are known for their high performance and versatility. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Increased Heat Dissipation: The high fin density of skived fin heat sinks allows them to dissipate more heat than other types of heat sinks. This makes them ideal for applications where efficient cooling is critical.
2. Flexible Design: Skived fin heat sinks can be tailored to fit a wide range of applications. The fins can be made taller, thinner, or spaced closer together, depending on the cooling requirements.
3. High Compatibility: Skived fin heat sinks can be easily integrated into existing systems and used with other cooling methods, such as heat pipes, to further enhance their performance.
4. Durability: Because skived fin heat sinks are made from a single piece of metal, they are more durable than heat sinks that are assembled from multiple parts. There is no risk of the fins coming loose or the base becoming detached, which can happen with other types of heat sinks.

Applications of Skived Heat Sinks

Skived heat sinks are used in a wide range of industries, from domestic electronics to industrial machinery. Here are some examples:

• Computers and Laptops: Skived heat sinks are often used in computers and laptops to cool the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU). These components make a lot of heat, and a skived heat sink can help keep them cool, ensuring that the computer runs smoothly.
• LED Lighting: LED lights also generate heat, which is dissipated by skived heat sinks, prolonging the lifespan of the lights and improving their performance.
• Telecommunications Equipment: In telecommunications, skived heat sinks cool equipment such as routers and servers, which need to operate continuously and cannot afford to overheat.
• Power Electronics: Skived heat sinks are also used in power electronics, where they help to cool devices such as inverters and power supplies, which are critical for controlling the flow of electricity.

Pioneer Thermal’s Expertise in Skived Heat Sinks

If you are looking for a custom heat sink manufacturer, then Pioneer Thermal is the right choice. Pioneer Thermal covers all aspects of the heat sink manufacturing process, from material selection to the final finishing touches. With industry-leading equipment and a mature production line in-house, Pioneer Thermal can provide top-quality custom heat sinks while also helping you save on costs.

In addition, Pioneer Thermal’s experts offer manufacturing suggestions when checking your designs, or they can help create a new design tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a skived fin heat sink or a different type of heat sink, Pioneer Thermal has the expertise to deliver the best solution for your application.