Do hard coat anodized aluminum heat sinks require non conductive grease or pad between chip and heatsink

[wg_ski]

Something that’s thicker than the normal stuff you find on a heatsink might cost more than a normal anodized heatsink.

 

[NareshBrd]

For a one off DIY part?
Come on...

Just assume it is conductive, build accordingly.
You forget the effects of scratches and moisture on anodized surfaces.

 

[astouffer]

What conductive grease? Heatsink "grease" is not electrically conductive. It is a great electrical insulator as indicated on the attached data sheet at 5 x 10-14th ohms per cm, and a great thermal conductor at the same time.

Some of it is very conductive. Made that mistake once.

If I were going to rely on anodizing for insulation I would use some scotch brite on the parts to make sure there are no sharp edges. Aren't there some manufacturers known for only relying on the anodize?

 

[rayma]

Aren't there some manufacturers known for only relying on the anodize?

Can't imagine that could be the case, unless the heat sink itself is fully isolated from ground,
which would require it to be inside the case and not touch accessible from the outside.