heat sink help

[GreenLaser]

hey guys
dont know if its jsut me but both the search buttons arnt working whenever i type something in like "laser diode driver" it sais error 44 unknown?
well anyway i have kno idea what a heat sink is and with my first buid of a red laser coming up i dont wanna screw iT up. info and a picture would be nice
cheers

 

[daguin]

Start by reading the info art the link below (in my sig) for "new here."

Peace,
dave

 

[Greenmechanic]

Here's some examples of heat-sinks I have made. The module itself is not enough to keep the diode cool, so you need more mass to dissipate the heat.

 

[GreenLaser]

i found these heat sink bloks) i get em for free ) i will cu one into a cube then drill a hole for the diode housing?
will hat work

 

[Greenmechanic]

i found these heat sink bloks) i get em for free ) i will cu one into a cube then drill a hole for the diode housing?
will hat work

Yes, it will work. Anything that tightly contacts the module to draw away heat.
You will need a 12mm drill bit for the hole.(and have to use a set screw) Fractional sizes will not allow the module to fit. IE: 7/16" is too small, 1/2" is too big, 19/64" is real close, but you will need to enlarge the hole another .010"-.015" with a rat-tail file or a Dremel tool. The tighter the module fits into the hole,(if not using a set screw) the better it will transfer heat.
Good Luck!!

 

[GreenLaser]

awesome i will do this thanks.so even 10mw red laser shoud have one?

 

[Greenmechanic]

awesome i will do this thanks.so even 10mw red laser shoud have one?

A 10mW generally will not require a heat-sink.(unless it is a DPSS = green)
Anything above that will benefit from one although.
When you get above 50mW it becomes a must-have, unless you keep the duty cycles very short.