Guide
Copper Heat Sink Finishes: Nickel Plating, Anti-Oxidation or As-Machined
Our skived copper heat sinks are machined from oxygen-free copper (C1100 / TU1) in our own factory in Dongguan, China, and finished on site. We offer three finishes. This guide explains how to choose one and what to specify on your drawing.
The three finishes at a glance
| Finish | What it is | Consider it when |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel plating | A nickel layer over the copper surface | You want a uniform appearance and a protected surface |
| Anti-oxidation treatment | A treatment that slows tarnishing of bare copper | You want the copper look with added protection during storage and handling |
| As-machined | Bare copper straight from machining and skiving | The part will be assembled soon, or the surface will be treated later in your own process |
Why bare copper needs a decision
Bare copper naturally darkens over time when exposed to air and handling. That does not change the part's geometry, but it changes how the part looks. Choose a finish based on how long parts will be stored, how they will be handled and what your assembly needs.
What to put on your drawing
- Finish type
- Areas to be left unfinished or masked, if any (for example a contact surface)
- Any appearance requirement
- Packaging needs for storage or transport
If you are not sure, tell us the application and assembly process and we will suggest a finish in our DFM feedback.
What we check before packing
Dimensions, fin geometry, base flatness and finish are checked against your drawing before packing. A material certificate for the oxygen-free copper is included, and a RoHS test report is available on request.
Order Facts
| Skived copper heat sinks (core product) | |
|---|---|
| Material | Oxygen-free copper C1100 / TU1, material certificate included |
| Finish | Nickel plating, anti-oxidation or as-machined |
| Minimum order | 1,000 pcs per design · best pricing at 5,000+ |
| Samples | 7–12 days |
| Production | 25–40 days after sample approval, depending on quantity |
We reply within 12 hours.
Related Guides
Skived vs Bonded-Fin vs Heat-PipeCopper Heat Sink Quote Checklist
FAQ
Which finishes do you offer?
Nickel plating, anti-oxidation treatment or an as-machined finish, chosen for your application.
Can part of the heat sink be left unfinished?
Mark the areas on your drawing and we confirm it in our DFM feedback and on the sample.
Do you provide material certificates?
Yes. A material certificate for the oxygen-free copper is included, and a RoHS test report is available on request.