Steel as heatsink

[Tw15t3r]

Ok, I just found out this shop that does steel machining in my area, and I was wondering if mild steel is ok as a heatsink for LDs.

I know ideally, it should be copper or aluminium, but does anybody have experience with mild steel, steel, or iron?

I was intending to make a one-piece steel laser host.

 

[ndrew2505]

Thermal conductivity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[wesdaman14]

Steel will hold in the heat longer then it will disperse it. Bad idea.

 

[lasersbee]

Better than no Heat Sink at all... but not recommended....
(plus it rusts)....

Jerry

 

[Tw15t3r]

Ok. Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll get aluminium then. Copper seems hard to come by unless they are in the form of pipes...

 

[BrewCityMusic]

speedymetals.com - any size order, grat prices, fast shipping AND they'll do custom cuts for you ...

 

[Tw15t3r]

Wow... ok. I didn't know such a site existed. But I don't see them doing custom cuts. They sure have alot of raw sizes though.

 

[millirad]

Yes, they do custom cuts. Good Luck. Seems like at your location you could almost get it done in China as well, but I realize that is easier said than done.