| abstract |
A heatsink for conducting heat away from an electric module in thermal contact with the heatsink includes at least a first heatsink member joined to at least a second heatsink member by a weld joint to define a heatsink having an internal plenum. By replacing conventional adhesive and fastening means used for sealing heatsink members together with a welded joint, a more durable and reliable sealed plenum is obtained. In a preferred aspect, the weld joint is created using a friction stir welding technique. |