What critical role does the thermal conductivity of copper screws play in securing heat sinks?
Publish Time: 2025-10-13
In modern electronic devices, power systems, and high-power machinery, heat management is crucial for ensuring stable operation. Whether it's a CPU, LED module, power transistor, or inverter module, the heat buildup caused by high-density integration can easily lead to component overheating, performance degradation, or even burnout if not promptly dissipated. The connection between the heat sink and the heat-generating component is crucial in this process. As a key hardware component in the fixing structure, copper screws, with their excellent thermal conductivity, act as a "heat transfer bridge" in the heat dissipation system. They not only achieve mechanical fastening but also significantly improve overall heat dissipation efficiency.1. Copper's High Thermal Conductivity: Its Natural Advantage in Heat TransferCopper has one of the best thermal conductivity properties of all common metals, meaning heat transfer through it is extremely fast and thermal resistance is minimal. When a copper screw is used to secure a heat sink to a heat source, it creates a low-resistance heat flow path, transferring some heat directly from the device's base to the heat sink's base or housing, thereby assisting in the main heat dissipation channel. In multi-point fastening configurations, multiple copper screws working in parallel form a "distributed heat conduction network," effectively reducing local hot spots and improving overall thermal management efficiency.2. Compensating for contact surface thermal resistance and improving interfacial heat transfer efficiencyIn a heat dissipation system, even with precision machining, microscopic irregularities between the heat-generating component and the heat sink can still create air gaps at the contact surface. Air is a poor thermal conductor, resulting in significant contact thermal resistance. While thermal grease or thermal pads are commonly used to fill these gaps, these materials can age, crack, or experience uneven stress over time. Because copper screws are soft and ductile, they undergo slight plastic deformation during tightening, allowing them to better conform to the threaded hole and pad, increasing the thermal contact area at the connection and thus reducing thermal resistance in the bolted area. This dual function of "mechanical fastening + thermal conduction" allows heat to be transferred more smoothly through the screw path, preventing heat accumulation at the connection points.3. Suitable for high-density, compact heat dissipation designsIn compact electronic devices, heat dissipation space is extremely limited, making it impossible to rely on large fans or complex air ducts. In this situation, the thermal conductivity of the structural components themselves becomes particularly important. Copper screws, due to their small size and rapid thermal conductivity, can transfer heat from core components to the metal casing or PCB ground plane without the need for additional heat sinks, achieving passive heat dissipation. For example, in some high-power LED lamps, copper screws not only secure the LED substrate but also act as "thermal rivets" to transfer heat to the aluminum lamp body, improving overall heat dissipation and extending the life of the light source.4. Reduce thermal stress and improve system reliabilityIn equipment that experiences frequent starts and stops or variable loads, thermal stress generated by different materials due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients can cause ordinary screws to loosen, lose contact, or even break. While copper screws are less strong than steel screws, their excellent ductility and uniform thermal conductivity effectively alleviate stress concentration caused by local temperature differences. Heat dissipates rapidly through copper screws, preventing sudden temperature rises near the fastening points and reducing the risk of loose connections due to thermal expansion and contraction, thereby improving the long-term stability and reliability of the cooling system.5. Irreplaceable in Special ScenariosIn applications where both thermal and electrical conductivity are critical, such as high-power RF modules, laser packaging, and medical imaging equipment, copper screws are not only fasteners but also key components for integrated electrical and thermal connections. They simultaneously perform the functions of electrical grounding and heat dissipation, simplifying structural design and improving system integration. Furthermore, their non-magnetic nature and low outgassing rate make them an ideal choice for vacuum or high-cleanliness environments.Although small, copper screws play a crucial role in securing heat sink components. They not only provide mechanical support but also serve as an "invisible heat dissipation channel" in thermal management systems. Their high thermal conductivity, excellent contact adaptability, and stability effectively improve heat dissipation efficiency, reduce equipment operating temperatures, and extend component life.
