DEKRA ISO 9001

Heatpipe heatsink with heat pipe technology

Transport heat quickly and maintenance-free from the hotspot to the cooling system

Heatpipe heat sinks are an innovative solution in the field of electronics cooling that utilise the so-called enthalpy of vaporisation for heat transfer in a heat pipe. The highly thermally conductive copper heat pipes used are characterised by their ability to transfer heat quickly and efficiently over long distances. The special feature of the heat pipe technology is the functional principle inside the heat pipe, which is based on the phase transition from liquid to gas or water vapour (heat absorption) - and back from the gaseous to the liquid aggregate state (heat release).

Advantages of heat pipe technology in heat sink production

  • Very good heat conduction
  • Ideal for heat dissipation in confined installation situations
  • Can be combined with various other production technologies
  • Heat dissipation over longer distances possible
  • Freedom of design thanks to customised number and shape of heat pipes
  • Largely position-independent installation of the heat pipe sink
  • Robust and low-maintenance
  • Various surface finishes possible
    (nickel plating, painting, powder coating, etc.)
Heat pipes are usually connected to the aluminium heat sink by soldering or gluing into prepared holes. The assembly process depends on the specific application and the heat transfer requirements. For efficient heat transfer, good thermal contact must be established between the heat pipe and the heat sink.

Heatpipes in combination with various cooling technologies

Heatpipe heat sinks are particularly effective as they can transfer heat quickly and efficiently. In combination with various cooling fin manufacturing processes, they can significantly increase cooling performance as they maximise heat dissipation and at the same time enable a compact design.

Heatpipe+ cooling fins

Heatpipe mit Kuehllamellen   Luefter
The faster heat spread provided by heat pipes efficiently distributes heat across the stacked or brazed fins of the heatsink, allowing for even heat distribution. The large surface area in a small space enables improved heat distribution. Mobile and compact applications benefit from the weight saving, and the optimum utilisation of installation space allows these cooling systems to be integrated into tight spaces.

Heatpipe with cooling fins+ fan

Heatpipe   Kuehllamellen
The combination of heatpipes with fans promotes rapid heat dissipation, enabling higher cooling capacities. Even in environments with little or no convection, the fan ensures reliable temperature regulation. In addition, the fin density can be increased, which increases the surface area for heat exchange and further improves the cooling capacity. EKL offers a wide range of its own fan models as well as fans from well-known brands such as ebm-papst, SANYO DENKI, ADDA, JAMICON, STK and Everflow.

Heatpipe+ various heat sinks

Heatpipe   diverse Kuehlkoerper
Heatpipes offer rapid heat spreading to heat sinks of various designs, such as extruded heat sinks, skived fin heat sinks or bonded fin heat sinks. They effectively transport heat to more distant parts of the heat sink, which promotes even heat distribution and prevents the formation of hotspots. In combination with fans, heatpipes achieve an even more effective cooling performance, especially for components with high power dissipation.

Heatpipe+ vapour chamber

Heatpipe   Vapour Chamber
The rapid heat spread of the vapour chamber enables efficient heat absorption and distribution. Compared to a solid copper plate, this solution is lighter, which is particularly advantageous in mobile devices. Even heat distribution ensures that hotspots are avoided. The lower temperature gradient leads to more stable performance under different operating conditions.
danny weimer o
Let's talk about your cooling task!

Danny Weimer
Sales Department
+49 (0)7561 9837-28
d.weimer@ekl-ag.de

Make an appointment Enquiries by e-mail

Endless circulation of aggregate states in the heat pipe for maximum cooling capacity

Inside the hermetically sealed copper heat pipe is a liquid (usually water) that vaporises when heated (at the hotspot) and migrates in gaseous form to the cooler area in the pipe section (at the cooling element). There, the vapour condenses back into liquid and is transported back through the fine capillary structure inside the heat pipe. This process enables very effective heat transport from hot to cool areas. In electronic systems, heat is transported away from the hotspot of a component to a distant cooling element. Heat pipe cooling utilises only the physics of aggregate states and capillary forces for heat transport, so that no mechanical parts are required.

Low thermal resistance thanks to wet vapour area

Heat Pipe Mechanism wikipedia mini
In a heat pipe, the vapour and liquid phases of the working medium are located together in a closed volume (in this case the copper heat pipe), which creates a wet vapour area. This results in minimal temperature differences along the head sink pipe, allowing it to transport heat over long distances with almost no losses.

Heat pipe applications with little space and high power loss

Heatpipe heat sinks are often used in high-performance electronics, such as for high-end processors (CPU), high-end graphics cards (GPU), high-performance LED modules and electronic components in drive and control technology. Heatpipe cooling is particularly useful in demanding applications that require fast and reliable heat dissipation from the hotspot to a remote heat sink. In addition, their passive cooling function, which does not require an external energy source for heat transport, and their compact design make them suitable for many modern electronics applications.

Added value and extras

Our full service goes beyond the mere development, series production and logistics of your heat sinks. Do you need special holes or milling on your heat sinks? Do you want your heat sink to not only dissipate a lot of heat, but also look stylish? Would you like a product ready-to-plug-in with all accessories?
Welcome to EKL!

CNC machining

CNC Bearbeitung
For prototype construction, small series and customised reworking of heat sinks, we have modern 3- and 5-axis CNC milling machinesat our company headquarters. Complex machined and high-precision radiators are our speciality. Working areas of the machines:
Hermle C 400 (5-axis) 850 x 700 x 500 mm | Mikron VCE1000pro (3-axis) 1000 x 560 x 600 mm | Kondia B1050 (3-axis): 1000 x 500 x 600 mm

Surface finishing

Oberflaechenveredelung V3
Our range includes various surface finishes to create a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. Nickel plating increases wear resistance and lustre. Chromating and passivation, especially with Surtec 650, provide additional protection against corrosion. Powder coating is another option for a robust and durable coloured surface. Painting and cathodic dip coating round off our wide range of surface colours and textures.

Attachments & accessories

Anbauteile V4
Depending on the application, screws, springs or push pins ensure the secure and stable attachment of the heat sinks. Backplates provide additional stability and improved heat dissipation. Heat-conducting pastes and pads are naturally part of our range to enable optimum heat transfer between the heat sink and the heat source.

Secure packaging for transport

Transportsichere Verpackung V3
With a focus on optimum protection during transport, we develop packaging that not only fits perfectly but is also robust. Another important aspect of the range is the use of recyclable materials that contribute to sustainability and environmental friendliness.

Heat pipe cooling technology in typical areas of application

Heatpipe heat sinks are an innovative solution in the field of electronics cooling that utilises the phase transition of liquids to transport heat quickly and effectively from hot to cooler areas. Heatpipes conduct heat better than many other materials and require no moving parts. Their compact design makes them ideal for use in applications with limited installation space and for components that generate a lot of heat.
  • Why EKL?
    Why EKL?
  • Thanks to our many years of experience in the field of thermodynamics and the use of state-of-the-art development tools such as simulation software and thermography, EKL AG is able to deliver optimised solutions quickly and flexibly. At the same time, we always keep an eye on the cost optimisation of your heat sink.
  • embedded web
    29 years of experience
    EKL AG, based in Leutkirch im Allgäu | Germany, develops, designs and manufactures cooling solutions for the electronics industry. EKL offers a wide range of innovative manufacturing technologies to provide customised cooling solutions.
    29 years of experience
  • EKL engineering germany
    Engineering in Germany
    Our development team in Germany covers a wide range of technical areas, with comprehensive expertise and many years of experience. Equipped with state-of-the-art simulation software, in-house prototype construction and precise measuring and testing technology, they set standards in electronic cooling every day.
    Engineering in Germany
  • cnc bearbeitung web edit 2024 10 24 14 45 22
    Full Service Heat Sink
    With us, you have a partner at your side who takes care of the cooling of your electronics as a full service: from targeted development and rapid prototyping to cost-conscious series production and the provision of flexible logistics services.
    Full Service Heat Sink
  • EKL kosteneffiziente Entwicklung
    Cost-efficient development
    EKL focuses on expertise, continuity and stability. We maintain reliable partnerships with our suppliers worldwide. We produce for you at the highest level of quality at competitive prices. Development and quality assurance are carried out by specialised personnel in Germany.
    Cost-efficient development
  • EKL Logistik Markteinfuehrung
    Fast market launch
    EKL customers value our ability to react quickly and develop their required cooling solution with determination. We deliver near-series prototypes within a few weeks and series products in the shortest possible time. We actively support you in shortening your time-to-market.
    Fast market launch
  • EKL Qualitaetssicherung
    Maximum quality
    The EKL test laboratories are equipped with the latest high-speed thermal measuring equipment, 3D measuring machines, workstations for assembly tests and testing of various application scenarios. We deliver according to our own and customer-specific test plans up to 100% testing of defined characteristics.
    Maximum quality
  • +49 (0)7561 9837-0
    +49 (0)7561 9837-0

The EKL project stages for your cooling solutionChoose your entry point!

Our offer is as flexible as your needs. Are you still early in the development phase and want an idea generator for the best cooling solution? Do you have a ready-made device that gets too hot? Or are you simply looking for an alternative or additional supplier for a heat sink already used in series production? In EKL you will always find a flexible, agile and responsible partner for the cooling of your electronic components and complete systems, whatever the project phase. We look forward to your enquiry!
01 Beratung Konzeption
Counselling
Concept
In personal contact and open dialogue with you, our engineers create the creative space and framework to design the best cooling solution for your requirements from the wealth of options available.
Simulation Aluminium web
Development
Feasibility / simulation
We test the idea for your heat sink virtually in the thermal simulation. Realistic computer simulations allow variations in manufacturing processes, system structures and other parameters.
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Performance optimisation
Even a well-functioning heat sink can still be optimised. We determine the "how" and "how much" by simulating different materials or cooling technologies, for example, as well as simulating various environmental parameters.
Simulation 2 web
Cost optimisation
An expensive heat sink can often be made significantly cheaper by using an alternative manufacturing process. Whether with the same or application-specific performance: we support your product development in reducing costs.
05 Prototypenbau
Production drawing
Prototype construction
Prototypes from our design department enable early testing and targeted solutions to problems in your device. We create your functional and design prototypes with our in-house CNC production.
06 Serienfertigung
Series production
small to large
By manufacturing in-house and in Asia, we can offer all types of heat sinks from small to large series at competitive unit prices. We impress our long-standing customers with our consistently high quality.
07 Bemusterung
Sampling
Incoming goods inspection
We make no compromises when it comes to quality: Development takes place in Germany and all series products are analysed by our German test laboratory according to test plans using state-of-the-art methods.
08 Veredelung
Surface finishing
Anodising, powder coating, painting etc. protect your heat sinks from corrosion and environmental influences. But colour is not just chic, because dark-coloured heat sinks also emit more radiant heat.
baugruppenmontage web
Assemblies
Pre-assembly
We actively relieve your production with pre-assembled assemblies. This reduces your workload per device and guarantees the highest quality, because as cooling professionals we ensure that the heat sink is optimally attached.
pruefprotokolle web
Quality assurance
Test plans
We test according to our own and customer-specific test plans using the latest rapid thermal measuring equipment, 3D measuring machines, assembly tests and testing of various application scenarios.
verpackung web
Packaging design
Packaging production
EKL develops and produces customised packaging to optimally protect your sensitive heat sinks or assemblies in the sometimes harsh transport and storage environments.
lager logistik
Warehouse
& Logistics
With large storage capacities, we offer production-related stocking and consignment warehouses, just-in-time deliveries, customised delivery schedules and flexible shipping options for your individual requirements.

Direct comparison of heatpipe manufacturing processes

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frank sichler
Let's talk about your cooling task!

Frank Sichler
Sales Manager
+49 (0)7561 9837-47
f.sichler@ekl-ag.de

Make an appointment Enquiries by e-mail