Cold plate heat sink with liquid cooling
Thin plates, big effect: increased efficiency thanks to heat sinks with liquid flow
Significantly better thermal resistance can be achieved with liquid cooled cold plates compared to classic air cooling. Copper or aluminium alloys are used as the plate material due to their good thermal conductivity. To further reduce the thermal resistance, the plates are made as thin as possible and have many channels for the cooling liquid. The liquids used are water, glycol or oil, which flow through recessed pipes or specially designed channels within the heat sinks.
Advantages of heat sinks with liquid flow
- Better heat dissipation compared to air heat sinks
- Suitable for applications with limited space as well as when very large cooling surfaces are required
- Easy integration into existing, liquid-based cooling circuits
- Efficient transfer of heat to remote locations
- Use of materials with high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminium alloys
- Low thermal resistance due to thin base plates and many fluid channels
One of the various manufacturing methods for aluminium cold plates uses embedded copper tubes, which offer high thermal conductivity and more even temperature distribution on the surface of the cold plate. This leads to improved cooling performance, which is important in high power density applications such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). The use of embedded tubes can reduce the likelihood of leakage and thus increase the reliability of the cooling system.
Other manufacturing processes include gundrilling, friction stir welding and vacuum brazing.
Other manufacturing processes include gundrilling, friction stir welding and vacuum brazing.
Increased performance of liquid heat sinks through a combination of different techniques
Liquid heat sinks are ideal for combining with other cooling technologies due to their ability to efficiently dissipate heat via a cooling liquid. They enable precise temperature control and can quickly absorb and dissipate heat from electronic components. By combining them with cooling fins from different manufacturing processes and external cooling circuits, the overall cooling performance can be further improved.
Cold plate heat sink+ gundrilling
The production of liquid heat sinks using the gundrill process is particularly suitable for prototypes and small series. The elimination of tooling costs enables cost-efficient production. The simple design of the geometries with straight cooling channels ensures optimised coolant flow.
Cold plate heat sink+ copper/stainless steel tube
Pressing copper or stainless steel tubes into the cooling plate creates a solder-free connection, which simplifies assembly and increases the reliability of the heat sinks. The excellent thermal conductivity of copper ensures rapid heat dissipation. Alternatively, stainless steel tubes are corrosion-resistant and offer a long service life.
Cold plate heat sink+ friction stir welding
Liquid heat sinks manufactured using friction stir welding enable narrower channels and more efficient coolant routing directly under the heat transfer surfaces. This leads to improved heat transfer and faster heat dissipation. These heat sinks are also very pressure-resistant and robust, which makes them particularly suitable for high-performance applications.
Cold plate heat sink+ vacuum brazing
Extremely complex cooling channels can be realised by vacuum brazing, which enables precise control of the cooling liquid. In addition, the surface area of the cooling channels can be significantly increased using special inserts, which improves heat dissipation. The targeted cooling of hotspots ensures efficient temperature control of critical components. The integration of connection elements is also possible, which simplifies the connection to external cooling circuits. These heat sinks are also very pressure-resistant, which emphasises their reliability and durability.
Let's talk about your cooling task!
Lynne Albring
Sales Department
+49 (0)7561 9837-50
l.albring@ekl-ag.de
Make an appointment Enquiries by e-mail
Lynne Albring
Sales Department
+49 (0)7561 9837-50
l.albring@ekl-ag.de
Make an appointment Enquiries by e-mail
Liquid cooled cold plate with integrated channels
Brazed cold plates offer a robust solution for demanding applications by enabling complex structures and integrated cooling fins through a special brazing process which, however, limits the maximum size of the heat sinks. Cold plates by cold forging use high-purity copper or aluminium to achieve efficient heat dissipation. This makes them the ideal cooling solution for regulating the temperature of IGBT components. Liquid heat sinks produced by friction welding (liquid cooled cold plate by FSW) offer the advantage that no separate tubes are required and the cooling channels can be drawn narrower. This allows flexible moulding despite certain restrictions. Finally, the extrusion process enables the mass production of aluminium liquid heat sinks (aluminium cold plate). They offer stable internal cooling channels and represent a cost-efficient solution for series production.
Vacuum brazing for even stronger connections
A further improvement in the quality of heat transfer from copper or aluminium components can be achieved by vacuum brazing. It takes place under reduced pressure and at high temperatures, which minimises oxidation of the workpieces and the solder.
Added value and extras
Our full service goes beyond the mere development, series production and logistics of your heat sinks. Do you need special bores 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!
Welcome to EKL!
CNC machining
For prototypes, 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
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
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
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
With a focus on perfect 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.
EKL: Your cold plate heat sink manufacturer for electronic systems
In modern electronic systems, efficient cooling systems are crucial to ensure the performance and reliability of high-performance components. At the same time, cost reduction remains a decisive factor in the competitiveness of your device. The different manufacturing processes demonstrate the diversity and adaptability of liquid coolers. Based on over 30 years of specialisation and experience in heat sink construction, EKL will be happy to offer you the right performance and cost-optimised alternative to suit your specific requirements.
- 30 years of experience
- Engineering in Germany
- Full Service Heat Sink
- Cost-efficient development
- Fast market launch
- Maximum quality
The EKL project stages for your cooling solutionChoose your point of entry!
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!
Counselling
Concept
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.
Development
Feasibility / simulation
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.
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.
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.
Production drawing
Prototype construction
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.
Series production
small to large
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.
Sampling
Incoming goods inspection
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.
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.
Assemblies
Pre-assembly
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.
Quality assurance
Test plans
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.
Packaging design
Packaging production
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.
Warehouse
& Logistics
& 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 liquid cooler manufacturing processes
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| Extruded heat sinks | Cold forged heat sinks | Soldered heat sinks | Bonded cooling fins | Pressed cooling fins | Friction stir welding | Heatpipes | Vapour Chamber | Crimped heat sinks | Skived Fins | Die casting | Laserwelding | Vacuum brazing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | |||||||||||||
| Heat dissipation over long distances | |||||||||||||
| Design freedom and flexibility in shape and size | |||||||||||||
| Low tool costs / initial investment | |||||||||||||
| Favourable unit prices | |||||||||||||
| Low set-up costs | |||||||||||||
| Economic efficiency for small series | |||||||||||||
| Economic efficiency for large series | |||||||||||||
| Can be combined with other technologies | |||||||||||||
| Surface finishing / resistance | |||||||||||||
| Heat transfer | |||||||||||||
| Standard products | |||||||||||||
| Material density | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | |||||||
| Space-saving, large surface area in a small space | |||||||||||||
| Weight-saving | |||||||||||||
| Position dependence / gravity dependence | |||||||||||||
| Machinability | |||||||||||||
| Mechanical stability | |||||||||||||
| Low wear and tear | |||||||||||||
| Homogeneity (material, no additional materials) | |||||||||||||
| Suitability for large coolers | |||||||||||||
| Suitability for small coolers |
• less suitable | ••••• excellently suited | n.a.: not applicable
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
Frank Sichler
Sales Manager
+49 (0)7561 9837-47
f.sichler@ekl-ag.de
Make an appointment Enquiries by e-mail