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Hard Anodize -Thermal/Dielectric Properties
I'm planning on using a hard anodize on an aluminum part used as a heatsink, but also require it to be an isolator (dielectric). Does hard anodize meet this requirement and does it affect the thermal conductivity of the aluminum at all?
Thanks,
Fidel Aragon- Santa Clara, California
Hello Fidel,
Hard Anodize (type III) is used often for this application, offering extremely good dielectric properties. Type II anodize also offers good insulation At a lower expense. Have some samples produced by your local anodizer and compare.
Bill Grayson- Santa Cruz, California, USA
An anodized finish is definitely a good electrical insulator and heatsinks are often anodized. I wasn't able to conveniently find the thermal conductivity of the coating, but some of the best frying pans are hard anodized aluminum, so it's not bad.
![Ted Mooney, finishing.com](../portraits/ted_mooney_beach.jpg)
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
January 4, 2010
A GREEN technology alternative is to make use of a thermally conductive dielectric ink to coat the aluminum.
Simply print about .001" and thermally cure the ink.
The technology is new but is proving to be very exiting!
- mississauga, Ontario, Canada
January 4, 2010
Hi, Mike. Thanks for advising us of this alternative. But what do you see as un-green about anodized aluminum? Laptop computer manufacturers are switching to anodized aluminum cases as a green technology so they can stop using organic compounds like plastic.
Regards,
![Ted Mooney, finishing.com](../portraits/ted_mooney_beach.jpg)
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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