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This section provides an overview for heat spreaders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 heat spreader manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked heat spreader companies as of December, 2024: 1.T-Global Technology Co.,Ltd., 2.NeoGraf, 3.Applied Diamond Inc.
Table of Contents
Heat spreaders are components used to remove heat from computers and other electronic devices.
Components under high loads generate a large amount of heat during operation. If this heat is not dissipated, the internal temperature of the equipment can rise and cause malfunction.
Heat Spreaders are flat, metallic (e.g., aluminum) components that are attached to these heavily loaded components. Heat spreaders absorb the heat generated by the heavily loaded components and conduct and distribute the heat over a large area. As a result, the heat is distributed evenly, preventing the internal temperature of the equipment from rising.
Applications include computer CPUs and GPUs, memory (storage devices), hard disk drives, and printers.
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, a component in a computer system that is mainly responsible for arithmetic and control processing. GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit, a component in a computer system that is responsible for image processing and 3D graphics arithmetic processing.
Automotive electronic devices include engine control units (ECUs) and brake system controllers.
An ECU (Engine Control Unit) is a control device that controls the engine of an automobile or aircraft. ECUs optimize engine efficiency by controlling engine speed, fuel injection volume, ignition timing, etc., to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Avionics equipment and communication devices are examples.
Avionics equipment is a general term for electronic equipment required for aircraft operation and navigation. Heat spreaders also play an important role in aircraft avionics equipment. For example, heat spreaders are used for CPUs and GPUs, which are high-load parts of electronic equipment such as the displays used in aircraft instrument panels.
Heat spreaders are also used in aircraft communication devices. For example, Heat Spreaders are used on the chips in the high-load parts of interface cards used in aircraft navigation and communication equipment to distribute heat evenly and maintain normal operation.
An interface card is a type of computer expansion card that provides an interface (a means or method for different systems or components to communicate or operate with each other) between a computer and peripheral devices. It mainly includes network cards, sound cards, graphics cards, and so on.
Compressors are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, and other cooling devices; CPUs, GPUs, memory, and power supplies for smartphones, tablets, and other devices.
Semiconductor devices, LEDs, electrolytic capacitors, etc
Semiconductor device is a general term for electronic devices manufactured from semiconductor materials used to control electrical signals. There are many types of semiconductor devices, including transistors, diodes, integrated circuits (ICs), and optical devices. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, a type of semiconductor device that emits light when electricity is passed through it. An electrolytic capacitor is an electrical component that stores electricity and consists of an electrolyte between two metal plates (electrodes).
Examples include laser devices (laser surgery devices, laser treatment devices, laser diagnostic devices) and ultrasound generators (ultrasound diagnostic imaging devices, ultrasound treatment devices).
There are several types of heat spreaders as follows
Metal heat spreaders are made of metals such as aluminum and copper and have high thermal conductivity and durability. Metal heat spreaders are generally used in small electronic devices such as computers.
Ceramic heat spreaders are made of ceramics and can withstand high temperatures. They are mainly used in industrial equipment, automobiles, aircraft, and power plants that are used in high-temperature environments.
Polymer heat spreaders are made of thermoplastic resin and can be manufactured at low cost. Polymer heat spreaders are mainly used in small electronic devices, but due to their low thermal conductivity, they are used for relatively low-load components.
Silicon carbide heat spreaders are made of silicon carbide, which has high thermal conductivity and is used in industrial equipment and aircraft used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Silicon carbide is a compound composed of carbon and silicon, represented by the chemical formula SiC. The compound is characterized by high heat resistance, corrosion resistance, hardness, chemical stability, and semiconductor performance.
Graphite heat spreaders are heat-conductive materials made of graphite, which has high thermal conductivity and are mainly used for cooling electronic and semiconductor devices.
Graphite has a higher thermal conductivity than aluminum and is lighter, making it ideal for cooling electronic devices. Graphite also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which enables stable performance in high-temperature environments.
Graphite heat spreaders have a dense, uniform microstructure and excellent thermal conductivity. This allows heat to be dispersed evenly even in high-temperature environments, preventing heat transfer to surrounding equipment and components. Graphite heat spreaders are also very thin, allowing for flexibility in component design and layout.
Graphite is an allotrope of carbon with a crystalline structure consisting of very thin, planar layers of carbon. Graphite, like diamond, is an allotrope of carbon, but unlike diamond, graphite is very soft.
Heat spreaders are installed around high-temperature components to prevent overheating of the components by dispersing heat over a wide area and thereby preventing heat concentration. They are available in various shapes and sizes.
Heat spreaders are highly durable and can be used for a long period. Especially high-quality ones are less prone to thermal deformation and deterioration, thus maintaining stable performance. Not only metallic materials such as aluminum and copper but also non-metallic materials such as ceramics are used, designed to match the characteristics and performance of the equipment and environmental conditions.
Heat spreaders are used in small electronic devices as well as in large industrial equipment, automobiles, aircraft, power plants, and other equipment. These devices are exposed to higher temperatures and pressures and require greater durability.
Heat spreaders are becoming increasingly important due to the evolution of heat treatment technology as semiconductor devices become more densely integrated. The heat generated by semiconductor devices operating at high speeds is extremely localized and can reach temperatures high enough to destroy the devices themselves. Therefore, the proper design and placement of heat spreaders can prevent semiconductor devices from overheating and achieve high-speed, high-performance operation. Heat spreaders also improve the reliability and extend the life of semiconductor devices.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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NeoGraf, founded in 2017 and located in Lakewood, Ohio, is a manufacturer of carbon and graphite products. The company’s broad range of products includes thermal interfaces, heat spreaders, and graphite flakes. These products have diverse applications in industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, energy, and industrial manufacturing. The company’s products are primarily used for efficient thermal management, lightweight materials, and high-temperature resistance, which results in improved performance in systems and applications.
Star SU, LLC was established in 1927 and is based in Chicago as a manufacturer of cutting tools and supplier of tool services. The company offers gear-cutting machine tools that have patent designs exclusive to them. Their selection of machines for this purpose includes Vertical Hobbing, Chamfer/Deburring, and Scudding Machines. The cutting tool category includes Gundrills, Carbide drills and Reamers, and PCD tools and the tool management services provided by the company cover all procedures required for tool resharpening and reconditioning. The industries served by Star SU LLC. include automotive, mining, oil & gas, aerospace, and many.
Applied Diamond Inc, founded in 1992 and located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a supplier of cutting tools and diamond membranes. The company’s broad range of products includes diamond detectors, diamond optics, diamond plates, diamond heat spreaders, and diamond beam position monitors. These products are used for radiation detection and measurement, high-power laser systems, wear-resistant surfaces, efficiently dissipating heat, and precisely monitoring and controlling particle beam positions. The company’s products cater to industries such as scientific research and instruments, semiconductor manufacturing, high-power lasers, radiation detection, and aerospace.
Bykski.US, founded in 2001 and located in Boise, Idaho, is a supplier of water cooling products. The company offers a range of products that include water blocks, fuilds or tubing, fittings, pumps, rads, and fans. These products serve the general purpose of improving the thermal performance, overclocking capabilities, and aesthetics of custom-built PCs. The company’s offerings are used by PC enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals seeking efficient cooling solutions for the company’s computer systems.
SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., established in 1946 and headquartered in Nagano, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductor packages used in everyday electronic products. The company produces semiconductor packages adapted for the miniaturization, acceleration, and performance enhancement of semiconductors. It provides cutting-edge packaging technologies for electronic products that incorporate advanced semiconductors, IoT and AI as well as auto markets such as autonomous driving and electrical vehicles. Most of its products are customized based on the close collaboration with customers. The company has acquired various environmental and quality management system certifications from ISO, IATF and JIS.
A.L.M.T. Corp., founded in Japan in 1939, is a manufacturer of heat spreaders, tungsten/molybdenum powder and machined products. The company's product portfolio includes diamond cutting tools, CBN cutting, grinding tools, metallic materials that are used for electrodes in various electronics and heat-resistant parts for high temperature furnaces and drawing dies. The company serves industries such as oil and gas, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, construction, and power generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
T-Global Technology Co., Ltd. is a supplier of thermal management products established in 2003 and based in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Its product portfolio includes thermal pads, tape, putty, and grease. It also supplies vapor chambers, heat sinks, thermoelectric cooling chips, and heat pipes. The company is in compliance with RoHS and REACH regulations and has obtained ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, and IATF16949 certifications. Its products are utilized for electronics, automotive, manufacturing, energy, and power industries in China, the USA, and the UK. It has partnered with several companies, including Tesla, Siemens, Panasonic, Bosch, and Asus.
mjbots Robotic Systems, founded in 2019 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a supplier of components and assemblies. The company offers a broad range of products, including servos and controllers, robot accessories, and connectors. These products find general use in applications including robotics development, industrial automation, research and education, and custom robotics projects. The company’s offerings are used for precise motion control, increased productivity, and educational opportunities in the field of robotics and automation.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | T-Global Technology Co.,Ltd. |
19.7%
|
| 2 | NeoGraf |
17.9%
|
| 3 | Applied Diamond Inc |
15.7%
|
| 4 | Bykski.US |
11.8%
|
| 5 | SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. |
9.2%
|
| 6 | A.L.M.T. Corp. |
9.2%
|
| 7 | Star SU LLC |
8.7%
|
| 8 | mjbots Robotic Systems |
7.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the heat spreader page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 57.1% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 14.3% |
