Can a Warped Heatsink be Straightened for PCB Mounting?

In summary, the person is seeking advice on a warped heatsink that may cause issues when mounting a PCB. They are wondering if any experienced engineers have a solution to straighten it out, as buying a new one is not an option due to mass fabrication limitations. They thought about machining it, but it would be too costly.
  • #1
Seth.T
25
2
Hi,

I need advise on a heatsink warpage(see attached), the heatsink is deflected in the middle about 2mm off, i need to mount pcb on it and might cause cracking over time, I was wondering if any experienced engineers have a good approach to straighten it?



Thanks
Seth
 

Attachments

  • 1000series_thumb.gif
    1000series_thumb.gif
    1 KB · Views: 516
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Seth.T said:
Hi,

I need advise on a heatsink warpage(see attached), the heatsink is deflected in the middle about 2mm off, i need to mount pcb on it and might cause cracking over time, I was wondering if any experienced engineers have a good approach to straighten it?



Thanks
Seth

Welcome to the PF. Can you just buy a new one? How did it get warped?
 
  • #3
Hi Berkeman,
I am buying from OEM , due to certain mass fabrication process limitation(improper cooling or uneven heating from them), a little warping is inevitable. Is there anyway i can add a secondary operation to straighten it out? i thought of machining it to be flat however the fins would be extremely difficult and not worth the cost.
 

1. What is mechanical heatsink warpage?

Mechanical heatsink warpage is the bending or distortion of a heatsink due to mechanical stress or thermal expansion. This can occur during the manufacturing process or when the heatsink is installed on a component.

2. What causes mechanical heatsink warpage?

Mechanical heatsink warpage can be caused by a number of factors, including uneven application of thermal paste, inadequate mounting pressure, uneven distribution of heat on the heatsink, and poor design or manufacturing of the heatsink itself.

3. How does mechanical heatsink warpage affect performance?

If a heatsink is warped, it may not make proper contact with the component it is meant to cool. This can result in decreased heat dissipation and potentially lead to overheating and damage to the component. It can also affect the overall efficiency of the cooling system.

4. Can mechanical heatsink warpage be prevented?

Yes, mechanical heatsink warpage can be prevented by using proper installation techniques, such as applying thermal paste evenly and with the correct amount of pressure, and ensuring that the heatsink is designed and manufactured to prevent warping. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the heatsink can also help prevent warpage.

5. How can mechanical heatsink warpage be corrected?

If a heatsink is already warped, it may be possible to correct it by carefully bending it back into shape. However, this should only be done by a trained professional to avoid causing further damage. In some cases, replacing the heatsink may be necessary.

Similar threads

Calculation to determine PCB thickness
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
Exploring the Cam Mechanism: Questions & Answers
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
807
I Understanding a practical cooling situation
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Engineering a Desk-Mounted Flight Stick for Flight Simulation
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
17
Views
2K
Understanding the mechanical advantage of a Pneumatic linkage system
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
236
Pistons have cracked and put a hole in the block
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
20
Views
2K
Is a Larger DC Motor Needed for Low Wind Speed Power Generation?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
34
Views
2K
My weird geneva mechanism doesn't work. Looking for suggestions
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
946
Building a motorcycle, need classical mechanics help
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
976
What kind of pump can do this?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
22
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top