Research collaboration raises the temperature to develop 3D printed heat spreaders

The University of Wolverhampton and materials technology company, Diamond Hard Surfaces, have teamed up on a collaborative research project to develop advanced 3D printed heat spreaders.  

Similar to heat sink geometries heat spreaders are commonly utilised thermal management components that dissipate heat away from critical components such as electronics and CPU’s. However, traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques limit geometrical freedom available to fabricate heat spreaders. The partnership aims to leverage the latest advancements in additive manufacturing to create heat spreaders with enhanced thermal management capabilities, which are crucial for various high-performance applications. 

Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd, are an award-winning company based at Caswell Science and Technology Park, Towcester and have teamed up with the University’s additive manufacturing (AM) research spinout, Additive Analytics, to develop enhanced performance embedded electronic heat spreaders. 

The project focuses on using 3D printing technologies to produce heat spreaders with complex geometries and superior material properties, which can significantly improve heat dissipation compared to traditional manufacturing methods. By utilising Diamond Hard Surface’s expertise in durable coatings and the University’s research capabilities, the collaboration seeks to push the boundaries of thermal management solutions. 

This innovative approach allows for the creation of heat spreaders with optimised surface area-to-volume ratios, leading to more efficient heat exchange. These developments are particularly beneficial for applications in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries, where managing heat effectively is critical for performance and reliability. 

The collaborative research will combine Diamond Hard Surfaces patented process and industry specific knowledge with Additive Analytics proprietary data driven material development and laser processing approach to manufacture next generation heat spreader devices, enabling a step change in embedded electronic performance for Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Chemical Processing and Motorsport. 

Chris H Walker, CEO at Diamond Hard Surfaces, said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with the University of Wolverhampton and Additive Analytics; two of the leading players worldwide in the field of additive manufacturing using copper-based materials. We are hoping this will lead to a number of new and innovative products and services which will benefit both our existing and new customers for thermal management devices.”  

Professor Arun Arjunan, director of the ECMS and Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "This partnership represents a significant step forward in the field of additive manufacturing and thermal management. By combining our expertise in advanced materials and 3D printing technologies, we aim to develop innovative solutions that meet the growing demand for efficient thermal management systems across various industries."  

For more information contact:  

Diamond Hard Surfaces  

Diamond Hard Surfaces | Materials Technology Company and Solution Provider 

chris@diamondhardsurfaces.com 

University of Wolverhampton  

AMFM Research Group - University of Wolverhampton 

j.robinson12@wlv.ac.uk 

Additive Analytics  

Additive Analytics | Metal Additive Manufacturing 

contact@additiveanalytics.co.uk 

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