heat sink definition: 6063-T5 aluminium, tolerance 0.15 mm, surface sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005, lead time 20 working days, MOQ 500 pcs. Capacity 50,000 pcs for VFD and inverter. Drawing review and first-article report included.
heat sink definition
Key Takeaway
Heat sink definition is a copper-alloy CuZn37 thermal component with 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch, delivering 0.35 K/W thermal resistance. It uses sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 and holds ±0.15 mm general tolerance. Production is quoted at 15 working days, with documentation such as material certificates and first-article reports required from 500 pcs.
Key Takeaway
Heat sink definition is a copper-alloy CuZn37 thermal component with 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch, delivering 0.35 K/W thermal resistance. It uses sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 and holds ±0.15 mm general tolerance. Production is quoted at 15 working days, with documentation such as material certificates and first-article reports required from 500 pcs.
There is no shortage of suppliers who can quote heat sink definition. The shortage is in suppliers who can explain why ±0.15 mm was chosen, what sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 does to service life, and how 15 working days is protected when tooling needs repair.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Material | copper-alloy CuZn37 |
| Fin thickness | 0.3 mm |
| Fin pitch | 3.0 mm |
| Thermal resistance | 0.35 K/W |
| Surface finish | sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 |
| General tolerance | ±0.15 mm |
Market and Technical Context
Demand in IGBT power module has shifted from single-source standard parts toward qualified custom parts, which pushes documentation requirements upstream. Material certificates, first-article reports, and PPAP-style records are now requested at 500 pcs rather than at mass production.
Related reading: What Is Spring Coiling and How Does CNC Spring Manufacturing Work?.
The technical bar keeps rising: assemblies that once accepted ±0.15 mm now specify tighter control on critical features, which pushes the decision to tooling design rather than to final inspection.
See also: How Thin Can Extruded Heat Sink Fins Be?.
How We Manufacture It
The route for heat sink definition starts with a process window, not a machine. We fix material condition and tooling geometry first, then confirm that ±0.15 mm is held at production speed rather than on a single slow part.
In production, heat sink definition runs with in-process checks at fixed intervals. Operators log dimensions every 30 to 50 pieces, which catches tool wear before the batch drifts outside ±0.15 mm.
Deburring and edge conditioning are specified on the drawing for heat sink definition. A sharp edge that passes dimensional inspection can still fail assembly, so edge break is a controlled parameter rather than a cosmetic one.
Material and Surface Finish
copper-alloy CuZn37 is the default for heat sink definition because it holds ±0.15 mm predictably and machines without work hardening surprises. Alternatives are quoted when corrosion or conductivity dominates the requirement.
Where heat sink definition sees contact loading, material hardness is specified alongside dimensional tolerance. Hardness without a defined test method is the most common source of incoming-inspection disputes.
Substitution requests are common when copper-alloy CuZn37 goes on allocation. We qualify any substitute against the same ±0.15 mm and sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 criteria before shipping, and provide the certificate with the change.
Tolerance and Inspection
Process capability is tracked per feature. Where Cpk falls below the agreed threshold on heat sink definition, we either adjust the process or reclassify the feature, rather than sorting parts at the end.
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Traceability is kept by heat lot and production date. If a field issue ever appears with heat sink definition, we can identify which batch, which tooling set, and which inspection record applies.
Non-conforming material is quarantined physically, not just in the system. For heat sink definition, that means the batch stays in a marked area until disposition is documented, which prevents the most common shipping error.
Further technical detail: heat sink paste.
Where It Is Used
In assembly, heat sink definition is usually constrained by the mating part rather than by its own specification. Sharing the interface drawing early prevents the common failure where both parts are in tolerance but will not assemble.
Retrofit requests are common: an existing assembly needs heat sink definition in a slightly different size. Because the process window is already known, 15 working days on a retrofit is usually shorter than on a new part.
Recommended reading: Precision Stamped Heatsink Clips.
What to Confirm Before Ordering
Ask for the first-article report before you ask for a price cut on heat sink definition. A supplier who cannot produce dimensional data at 500 pcs will not produce it at 800,000 pcs.
Confirm the reorder path. If heat sink definition is documented with tooling drawings and a first-article report on file, a repeat order years later reproduces the original part instead of approximating it.
FAQ: Your Questions Before Ordering
What is the minimum order quantity for heat sink definition?
General dimensions are held to ±0.15 mm. Critical features are identified on the drawing and held to a tighter band, with the measurement method stated so incoming inspection matches ours.
How long does production take for heat sink definition?
Prototype quantities start well below production minimums. Production runs for heat sink definition start at 500 pcs, which is where the process window is proven and unit cost stabilises.
Do you provide material and inspection certificates?
Yes. Send the drawing in any common format. We review it for manufacturability first and flag any feature where ±0.15 mm would require an extra operation, so you can decide before tooling.
Can you prototype before tooling?
sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 is standard for heat sink definition. Other finishes are quoted with a defined thickness range and verified on a coupon from the same batch rather than assumed from process settings.
How do you handle a design change mid-program?
Yes, and we recommend it. Prototyping heat sink definition without tooling validates fit and function at a fraction of tooling cost, and usually surfaces a design change before steel is cut.
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Capacity for heat sink definition is 800,000 pcs. That number is installed capability, not a sales figure, and it is what determines whether 15 working days holds when your volume increases.
Related reading: Copper vs Aluminum Heat Sinks: Thermal Performance and Cost Comparison for CNC Machining.
See also: Progressive Die Stamping: Definition, Process, Tolerances, and Cost Analysis.
Learn more about BQUQ Sheet Metal Stamping Precision Parts Made in China No MOQ.
Key Specifications and Selection Guide
Spec comparison
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Material | copper-alloy CuZn37 |
| Tolerance | ±0.15 mm |
| Lead time | 15 working days |
| MOQ | 500 pcs for full documentation package |
| Capacity | custom qualified parts for IGBT power module demand |
Selection / comparison
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard single-source part | Low documentation, simple thermal loads | Limited fit for qualified IGBT power module assemblies |
| Custom qualified part | IGBT power module with PPAP-style records | Higher upfront tooling and documentation effort |
| Tighter critical feature control | Assemblies that previously accepted ±0.15 mm | Moves cost to tooling design rather than final inspection |
| Sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 | Service life and surface durability | Adds process step and coating thickness consideration |
| Copper-alloy CuZn37 with 0.3 mm fins | 0.35 K/W thermal resistance in compact pitch | Requires controlled tooling geometry and material condition |
Process / inspection
| Stage | Control | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Material conditioning | Fix material condition before machining | Material certificates |
| Tooling geometry | Confirm ±0.15 mm capability from tooling design | First-article report |
| Fin forming | 0.3 mm fin thickness and 3.0 mm pitch | In-process dimensional check |
| Surface finish | Sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 | Coating record |
| Final inspection | Critical features tighter than ±0.15 mm where specified | PPAP-style records at 500 pcs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heat sink definition in manufacturing terms?
It is a copper-alloy CuZn37 thermal component with 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch, 0.35 K/W thermal resistance, sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005, and ±0.15 mm general tolerance. Production is quoted at 15 working days with documentation from 500 pcs.
Why is ±0.15 mm chosen for this heat sink?
±0.15 mm balances tooling capability with assembly needs for copper-alloy CuZn37 fins at 0.3 mm thickness and 3.0 mm pitch. When assemblies require tighter control on critical features, the decision shifts to tooling design rather than final inspection, protecting the 15-working-day lead time.
Further technical detail: Custom Aluminum Extrusion Heat Sink Profiles.
What does sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 do to service life?
Sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 improves surface durability and service life compared with bare copper-alloy CuZn37. It is applied after fin forming, where 0.3 mm fins and 3.0 mm pitch are already set, and it supports the 0.35 K/W thermal resistance target when coating thickness is controlled.
How is 15 working days protected when tooling needs repair?
The 15-working-day lead time is protected by fixing material condition and tooling geometry first, then confirming ±0.15 mm capability before production. Tooling repair is handled as a planned process window event, with first-article reports and PPAP-style records at 500 pcs keeping documentation upstream.
When do I need material certificates and first-article reports?
Material certificates, first-article reports, and PPAP-style records are now requested at 500 pcs rather than at mass production. This shift comes from IGBT power module demand moving from single-source standard parts to qualified custom parts, which pushes documentation requirements upstream for copper-alloy CuZn37 heat sinks.
Can you hold tighter tolerances than ±0.15 mm on critical features?
Yes, when the assembly specifies tighter control on critical features. The decision moves to tooling design rather than final inspection. We fix material condition and tooling geometry first, then confirm capability for 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch and 0.35 K/W thermal resistance within the 15-working-day route.
What should I confirm before ordering a custom heat sink?
Confirm material copper-alloy CuZn37, fin thickness 0.3 mm, fin pitch 3.0 mm, thermal resistance 0.35 K/W, surface finish sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005, general tolerance ±0.15 mm, documentation at 500 pcs, and the 15-working-day lead time with tooling repair contingency.
Key Specifications and Selection Guide
Spec comparison
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Material | Copper-alloy CuZn37 |
| Tolerance | ±0.15 mm |
| Lead time | 15 working days |
| MOQ | 500 pcs for documentation |
| Capacity | Not specified in article |
Selection / comparison
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard parts | Low-cost, quick delivery | Limited customization, less documentation |
| Custom qualified parts | IGBT power modules, high reliability | Higher documentation, longer lead time |
| CuZn37 with sandblast + epoxy coating | Corrosion resistance, thermal performance | Added process steps, cost |
| ±0.15 mm tolerance | General fit and function | Not for ultra-precision applications |
| 15 working days lead time | Planned production schedules | May extend if tooling repair needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the thermal resistance of this heat sink definition?
The thermal resistance is 0.35 K/W, measured under specified conditions. This value is critical for IGBT power module cooling, ensuring effective heat dissipation. It is achieved with 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch and copper-alloy CuZn37 material.
What material is used and why?
Copper-alloy CuZn37 is used for its good thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. It allows 0.3 mm fin thickness with 3.0 mm pitch, balancing heat transfer and structural integrity. The material also supports sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 for corrosion resistance.
What is the general tolerance and how is it verified?
The general tolerance is ±0.15 mm. It is verified through first-article reports and ongoing inspection. This tolerance ensures fit and function in IGBT power modules. Documentation such as material certificates and first-article reports are required from 500 pcs.
Recommended reading: How Does Heat Sink Base Thickness Affect Heat Spreading Performance?.
What surface finish is applied and what does it do?
Sandblast + epoxy powder coating RAL 9005 is applied. This finish enhances corrosion resistance and durability, extending service life in harsh environments. It also provides a uniform black appearance. The coating is applied after machining and before final inspection.
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What is the production lead time and what protects it?
Production is quoted at 15 working days. This lead time is protected by proactive tooling maintenance and repair protocols. If tooling needs repair, the schedule may be adjusted, but documentation and first-article reports ensure quality is maintained from 500 pcs.
What documentation is required and at what quantity?
Material certificates, first-article reports, and PPAP-style records are required from 500 pcs. This documentation ensures traceability and quality compliance. It is especially important for IGBT power module applications where reliability is critical.
Why choose a custom heat sink over a standard part?
Custom heat sinks like this definition offer tailored thermal performance, such as 0.35 K/W, and precise dimensions like 0.3 mm fins at 3.0 mm pitch. They meet specific IGBT power module requirements. Standard parts may lack the documentation and tolerance needed for qualified applications.
