Aluminum profile heat sinks – also known as die-cast or extruded heat sinks, depending on the manufacturing process – are the classic method for cooling of power electronics. Their fins provide a large cooling surface for effective heat dissipation by means of natural convection. Profile heat sinks therefore ensure the stable operation of electronic components and a long service life.
Applications range from cooling of semiconductors in small mobile end devices to cooling of high-power IGBTs in railway technology. There are different methods for mounting them on the electronic component to be cooled: Small profile heat sinks are mounted using clips or soldering pins. Large die-cast heat sinks generally have integrated threads for screwing them in.