Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Brass heat sinks

Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
301
Points
18
I'm going to be machining some heat sinks and was going to use aluminum.
It appears copper is preferable to Aluminum.
How does brass compare to copper?
I can get tons of brass pieces to use and it is easier to machine than copper.
Would it be better than aluminum?
 





Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
3,816
Points
63
Brass is less than half as good, thermal conductivity-wise, as aluminum. Go with aluminum if you are not going to use copper.
 

Blord

0
Joined
Dec 24, 2007
Messages
5,356
Points
0
You want the best thermal conductivity for the heatsinks.
Brass is MUCH worse than aluminium.

Aluminum 247 W/m-K
Aluminum (6061) 171 W/m-K
Aluminum (6063) 193 W/m-K
Aluminum (7075-T6) 130 W/m-K
Brass (70Cu-30Zn) 115 W/m-K
Copper 398 W/m-K
Silver 428 W/m-K
 
Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
301
Points
18
Brass sounded like it might be good since its mostly copper.
Guess I will stay with aluminum for now.
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Messages
1,056
Points
0
I have made several lasers in brass hosts. A couple of reds, a 500mW IR and a 1W IR, as well as brass hosts for green modules. The lasers all work well. I only used brass because I wanted the look of it. Most of my hosts are made from aluminum. The brass host will be quite heavy also. Make it a little bigger to allow for the less efficient heat transfer. Brass does polish up beautifully.
 




Top