A heatsink can also be made with a scraper. The fins are much thinner because of the method but the machine costs are much lower. It takes longer though. That doesn't matter much though since class D the dimensions of the average heatsink shrunk dramatically. Yes, that doesn't help the solid state fan one bit, I agree on that completely but since aerodynamics on fans and bearing techniques are also quite advanced, slilence fans are an option that reduces the cost of heatsinks dramatically but is very rarely used by solid state affine DIY guys. Is that still a stigma? That's a thing I don't understand but I don't dare to argue about that either because I've been faced with unrelenting dogmata in the past. I mean, is it at least allowed to think or talk about?
What I found often to be cheaper is to re-purpose CPU coolers of past generation(s). From passive heatsinks to radial coolers (GPUs fans are also an option) to heatpipes there are tons of these coolers on eBay for some bucks. The only downside is, you have to be creative to combine it with an L-shape profile and find a way to mount it in your case and/or cut/saw/route the cooler to appropriate dimensions. Some of the coolers are even that beautiful they deserve to stick out of the case.
Anyway, there are ways to avoid costly cases if you are creative and are willing to modify or add some metal- or wood-work and time on it. I know, in a lot of cases (no matter if it's lack of metal working skills or source of the material/case basis) that's not feasable and I would not judge if someone doesn't want to go that way but it's still a way to get what you want for cheap (or low price). Hence, I've even built a wood case and shielded the boards by cut up, straightened and riveted tin cans in the past. 😀
What I found often to be cheaper is to re-purpose CPU coolers of past generation(s). From passive heatsinks to radial coolers (GPUs fans are also an option) to heatpipes there are tons of these coolers on eBay for some bucks. The only downside is, you have to be creative to combine it with an L-shape profile and find a way to mount it in your case and/or cut/saw/route the cooler to appropriate dimensions. Some of the coolers are even that beautiful they deserve to stick out of the case.
Anyway, there are ways to avoid costly cases if you are creative and are willing to modify or add some metal- or wood-work and time on it. I know, in a lot of cases (no matter if it's lack of metal working skills or source of the material/case basis) that's not feasable and I would not judge if someone doesn't want to go that way but it's still a way to get what you want for cheap (or low price). Hence, I've even built a wood case and shielded the boards by cut up, straightened and riveted tin cans in the past. 😀
I like to use aluminum bud boxes, and cover them with red oak, which can be stained for different finishes.
This guy fit a stereo power amp in an ITX computer chassis. Those aren't super expensive: https://ncforo.com/index.php?threads/new-modulus-86-build-s.25/
Tom
Tom
A useful and inexpensive useful piece is aluminum “U” channel. My local aluminum distributor has a cutoff room. They sell the bits and pieces for scrap prices. Right now about $.45 per pound.
“U” channel is useful for heat sinks and two pieces can make a case.
Sometimes they even have extruded heart sink scraps. A three foot chunk can cost almost five dollars!
Long ago I made a small brass drilling guide for TO3 hole sets.
“U” channel is useful for heat sinks and two pieces can make a case.
Sometimes they even have extruded heart sink scraps. A three foot chunk can cost almost five dollars!
Long ago I made a small brass drilling guide for TO3 hole sets.
True. But when you're at IKEA anyway picking up that baking pan, just pick up one of their wooden cutting boards that is large enough to cover the pan. Then you have a chassis for something like $20-25. That approach is pretty popular with tube amp builders.
Tom
The dies are really expensive, but the companies keep them around after they are made for a job,
so you might be able to find a "standard" extrusion close enough to use, at a larger company.
I'd look for discarded/faulty amplifiers and use the enclosure instead of buying a new one.
I once made that mistake.
I once made that mistake.
Which is a proxy for the price of energy, as your graph illustrates. Look at when that big peak is.
We're all reliant on cheap and abundant energy....
Unless you have access to CNC machines and anodising, anything you can buy is cheaper than getting it made for you.
Take the case we used in :
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/firstwatt-j2.151909/post-5999278
It costs about 160€ + postage +VAT.
2 heatsinks alone weigh 5 kg, so ~100€ for shipment.
The same heatsinks will cost 70€ + tax + postage from Conrad :
https://www.conradheatsinks.com/prices.html
Hifi2000 case costs about 10% more but thinner material.
Easier to punch instead of milling.
https://modushop.biz/site/index.php?route=product/product&path=285&product_id=716
If you find someone to buy it for you at TaoBao, the same thing costs 90€ from the manufacturer.
The dealer in between has to make money and handle export.
Try to get a shop in the EU to make the same from drawings.
You will not have anyone interested in the job.
Patrick
.
Take the case we used in :
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/firstwatt-j2.151909/post-5999278
It costs about 160€ + postage +VAT.
2 heatsinks alone weigh 5 kg, so ~100€ for shipment.
The same heatsinks will cost 70€ + tax + postage from Conrad :
https://www.conradheatsinks.com/prices.html
Hifi2000 case costs about 10% more but thinner material.
Easier to punch instead of milling.
https://modushop.biz/site/index.php?route=product/product&path=285&product_id=716
If you find someone to buy it for you at TaoBao, the same thing costs 90€ from the manufacturer.
The dealer in between has to make money and handle export.
Try to get a shop in the EU to make the same from drawings.
You will not have anyone interested in the job.
Patrick
.
Attachments
Recycle old amplifier cases ?
I am all for it.
Except that I doubt you can get one with similar size heatsinks and 3~4 mm thick panels for less than 150€.
Even more weight due to transformer inside.
So even higher postage.
Patrick
I am all for it.
Except that I doubt you can get one with similar size heatsinks and 3~4 mm thick panels for less than 150€.
Even more weight due to transformer inside.
So even higher postage.
Patrick
Invest in a decent entry level CNC (like the Shapeoko) and make whatever you dream for your projects.
Be warned - second extremely satisfying hobby lurking!
Be warned - second extremely satisfying hobby lurking!
You need to have brushing and anodising means in addition.
And a lot of time and patience.
Patrick
And a lot of time and patience.
Patrick