Importance & Advantages

Copper is a high-performance material frequently used for the production of heat sinks and liquid cooling plates in power electronics due to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. With a thermal conductivity of approximately 400 W/mK, which is twice that of aluminum, copper enables highly efficient heat dissipation, particularly advantageous in applications with high power density and limited space. This outstanding thermal conductivity ensures that the temperature of electronic components is kept low, significantly improving their performance and lifespan.

Although copper is heavier than aluminum, it is preferred in many areas due to its superior heat dissipation and electrical conductivity, particularly in high-performance applications such as inverters, power transistors, and telecommunications technology. Another advantage of copper is its high electrical conductivity, making it ideal for applications where minimal electrical losses and high current-carrying capacity are required. Copper is often used for heat sinks that also serve as electrical conductors, as well as for liquid cooling plates where simultaneous cooling and power supply are realized. Copper also has high mechanical strength, allowing for thin-walled and complex heat sink structures that are robust and durable. These properties make copper the first choice for high-performance applications where maximum efficiency and reliability are required.

Material Alloy & Application

Unlike aluminum, copper is more susceptible to corrosion, especially in humid or aggressive environments. Therefore, special surface coatings or protective layers are often applied to extend its lifespan and resistance. Despite being more expensive than aluminum, copper offers excellent value for critical applications due to its superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Copper is often used in the form of high-purity alloys such as C10100 (thermal conductivity approx. 391 W/mK) or C11000 (thermal conductivity approx. 385 W/mK), which offer excellent conductivity and processability. These alloys are particularly suitable for heat sinks that must withstand high thermal and mechanical stresses. For applications requiring increased strength or special properties such as improved corrosion resistance, alloys such as CuCrZr (thermal conductivity approx. 330 W/mK) are used, known for their excellent combination of conductivity, strength, and resistance. Copper also provides unique opportunities in the manufacturing of liquid cooling plates, where it is often used as a base for complex microchannel structures. These structures allow for highly efficient heat transfer through the cooling liquid and are ideal for applications where high heat dissipation is required in a small space. Due to its malleability, copper can also be used in various manufacturing processes such as extrusion, deep drawing, or precision casting, enabling the realization of demanding heat sink designs.

Overall, copper's excellent thermal and electrical properties make it an ideal solution for high-performance applications in power electronics, where maximum efficiency and reliability are paramount. The combination of outstanding thermal conductivity, high current-carrying capacity, and mechanical strength makes copper an indispensable material for developing powerful and durable cooling solutions that meet the most demanding requirements in modern power electronics.