Industry News

The difference between aluminum and copper radiators

2024-06-13

Radiators are materials manufactured for the efficient regulation of the thermal temperature of any electronic or mechanical device. They have a base that sits on the surface of the device's chip and has extended "fins". They act as "exchangers" that transfer the heat generated into the coolant or fluid medium. Heatsinks are also common in computer hardware setups, where they help cool your computer's CPU, chipset, GPU, and RAM.


This also enables your system to maximize performance without overheating, which can cause hysteresis, which in turn can cause fatal damage. This is achieved by regulating the temperature with as much air as possible. The most commonly used materials for radiators are aluminum and copper alloys.


Definition of aluminum radiator


Aluminum radiators are widely used due to their strong thermal conductivity, with a measured value of 235 W/mK. They are used for pure heat conduction, hence they are one of the most widely used metals on Earth. They have a low density for mechanical conduction while maintaining good strength in terms of heat transfer and device performance. While its corrosion resistance is impressive, it is not as strong as the copper material. They are also perfect for recycling.


Definition of copper radiator


On the other hand, copper radiators are applicable as they have an effective thermal conductivity of more than 400 W/mK and are therefore resistant to corrosion and antibacterial properties. Even though they are not easy to process, they are still expensive and expensive, depending on their purity. This is why copper alloys are used in industrial lines such as power plants, solar systems, and DAMS.


The main difference between aluminum radiator and copper radiator


First, material difference


Aluminum radiators are mainly made of aluminum, while copper radiators are mainly made of copper. Aluminum radiators have light weight and low cost, but copper radiators have high strength and good corrosion resistance.


Two, the difference in heat dissipation performance


Copper radiator has good heat transfer performance and more prominent heat dissipation effect. But the aluminum radiator is not only light, but also very good heat dissipation effect. Under normal circumstances, the heat dissipation effect of aluminum radiator can be roughly comparable to copper radiator, so in most cases, the use of aluminum radiator is also completely no problem.


Third, price difference


In contrast, the price of aluminum radiators is cheaper, while the price of copper radiators is relatively high. Aluminum radiators are not only low cost, but also relatively good heat dissipation performance and corrosion resistance, which is one of the reasons why aluminum radiators are widely used.


Four, the service life difference


Copper radiator has good corrosion resistance and relatively long life, but too much use of copper radiator will also lead to a decline in heat dissipation effect. The corrosion resistance of aluminum radiator is not as good as that of copper radiator, and the service life is relatively short, but the heating and cooling speed is faster, which is more convenient and practical.


In general, aluminum and copper radiators have their own advantages and disadvantages, with aluminum radiators suitable for users with requirements on weight, cost and practicality, while copper radiators are suitable for users with requirements on heat transfer performance and corrosion resistance.


Despite their striking similarities, the differences between aluminum and copper radiators are significant. In order of application or use, it is important to outline your proposals while understanding what you want from an electronic device or computer. These profiles include your system IP class, product size, system cost, high-capacity cooling modules, insulation requirements, and components.


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