What materials are commonly used in liquid cold plates?

Liquid cold plates are typically made from materials with high thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength to effectively dissipate heat while withstanding the rigors of various applications. Common materials used in liquid cold plates include:

Copper: Copper is one of the most popular materials for liquid cold plates due to its excellent thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat transfer. Copper cold plates are often used in high-performance applications where superior thermal management is required, such as in aerospace, defense, high-power electronics, and medical devices.

Aluminum: Aluminum is another widely used material for liquid cold plates, offering good thermal conductivity and lightweight properties. Aluminum cold plates are more cost-effective compared to copper and are suitable for applications where weight reduction is important, such as automotive, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is often used in liquid cold plates for its corrosion resistance and mechanical durability. While not as thermally conductive as copper or aluminum, stainless steel cold plates are suitable for applications requiring resistance to harsh environments, such as marine, industrial, and chemical processing.
Brass: Brass is occasionally used in liquid cold plates, offering a balance between thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and cost. Brass cold plates are commonly used in applications where moderate thermal performance is acceptable, such as HVAC systems, water-cooled engines, and industrial machinery.
Graphite: Graphite cold plates are utilized in applications requiring high-temperature resistance and chemical inertness. Graphite's unique properties make it suitable for extreme operating conditions, including semiconductor manufacturing, chemical processing, and aerospace applications.
Various Polymers: Some liquid cold plates utilize polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for their lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing. Polymer cold plates are commonly used in low-power electronics, medical devices, and certain automotive applications.
The choice of material for a liquid cold plate depends on factors such as thermal performance requirements, environmental conditions, cost considerations, and specific application needs. Design engineers often evaluate these factors to select the most suitable material that provides optimal thermal management and reliability for the intended application.