Compare Heatsink Materials
*The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications for quality control.
Aluminum 1050
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
1050 is a commercially pure aluminum with 99.5% aluminum content, boasting a high thermal conductivity of 229 W/mK, better than 5052’s 138 W/mK. It’s excellent for heat-sensitive applications like heat sinks and radiators. Easy to work with in both hot and cold conditions, 1050 is ideal for applications that don’t bear heavy loads. While it offers good corrosion resistance, it is less effective against seawater compared to 5052.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
9.4 kpsi
30%
34 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .315 in. (0.5mm to 8.00mm)
Aluminum 5052
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
5052 alloy contains 2.5% magnesium and 0.25% chromium, enhancing its strength and corrosion resistance. It outperforms 1050 in mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for structural parts exposed to high stress like marine and vehicle components. Although its thermal conductivity is lower than 1050’s, it still supports moderate heat dissipation needs. 5052 also excels in forming complex shapes and offers superior seawater corrosion resistance, ideal for marine environments.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
33 kpsi
12%
60 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .315 in. (0.5mm to 8.00mm)
Aluminum 6061
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
6061 is notable for good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, with thermal conductivity of 150-200 W/mK. It excels in industrial applications due to its machinability and cost-effectiveness. Compared to 6063, it’s better for load-bearing parts but less suited for complex extrusions. It’s cheaper and easier to machine than 7075, making it ideal for broader applications.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
42 kpsi
8%
95 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Aluminum 6063
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
6063 is ideal for applications needing good surface finishes, such as architectural frames. Similar in thermal conductivity to 6061 but easier to extrude, it’s preferred for decorative purposes. It lacks the load-bearing capacity of 6061 and the strength of 7075 but is more cost-effective for non-structural applications.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
35 kpsi
10%
73 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Aluminum 7075
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
7075 offers exceptional strength and fatigue resistance, used primarily in aerospace and military. Its thermal conductivity is adequate at 130-150 W/mK. Superior in strength to 6061 and 6063, it’s suited for extreme conditions but is more expensive and harder to machine, making it less ideal for cost-sensitive applications.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
83 kpsi
11%
150 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Copper C110
Cost Effectiveness
Corrosion Resistance
Thermal Conductivity
Formability
C1100, or Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch (ETP) copper, features about 99.9% copper with high thermal conductivity of 386 W/mK, ideal for high conductivity needs in electrical and heat exchange applications. It’s more ductile and workable compared to C17200.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
41 kpsi
14%
40 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in . (597mm x 989mm)
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .196 in. (0.5mm to 5.00mm)
Copper C172
Cost Effectiveness
Corrosion Resistance
Thermal Conductivity
Formability
C17200, containing about 1.8-2% beryllium, offers good thermal conductivity (105-120 W/mK) and excellent strength, suitable for aerospace and precision instruments. It’s selected for its strength over C1100, which excels in conductivity and ductility.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
90 kpsi
10%
200 HRB
Max. Part Size:
23.50 in. x 38.94 in. (597mm x 989mm).
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .196in. (0.5mm to 5.0mm)