Kingka Tech Industrial Limited
Tube Liquid Cold Plate

Custom Tube Liquid Cold Plate Manufacturer

Simple and reliable design with embedded tubes for efficient cooling.

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What Is a Tube Liquid Cold Plate?

A tube liquid cold plate is a liquid cooling component that uses embedded metal tubing, typically copper, within a machined aluminum or copper base to remove heat from electronic and industrial equipment. Coolant circulates through the tubing, absorbs heat conducted from the mounted components, and transfers it to an external cooling system. Tube-based cold plates are commonly customized for power electronics, energy storage, industrial equipment, and other applications requiring flexible coolant routing.


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How Does a Tube Liquid Cold Plate Work?

A tube liquid cold plate removes heat from electronic components by transferring thermal energy through a metal base into embedded coolant-carrying tubes. As liquid flows through the tubing, it absorbs heat and carries it away to an external cooling system. This cooling method helps maintain stable operating temperatures in power electronics, industrial equipment, and other heat-generating applications.

STEP 01

Heat Transfer from Components

Heat generated by power modules, electronic devices, or industrial components is transferred into the cold plate through its contact surface. A properly designed mounting interface helps reduce thermal contact resistance.

STEP 02

Heat Conduction Through the Base

The aluminum or copper base conducts heat toward the embedded metal tubing. Tube placement, base thickness, and thermal contact quality influence how effectively heat reaches the coolant channels.

STEP 03

Coolant Absorbs Heat

Water or a compatible water-glycol mixture circulates through the embedded tubes. Heat transfers through the tube walls into the flowing coolant. Flow rate, tube diameter, and coolant properties affect cooling performance.

STEP 04

Heat Removal and Recirculation

The heated coolant exits the cold plate and flows to an external heat exchanger or cooling unit, where the absorbed heat is rejected. The cooled liquid then returns to the cold plate through the circulation loop.

Engineering Consideration: The thermal performance of a tube liquid cold plate depends on heat load, tube layout, coolant flow rate, pressure drop, base material, and contact resistance. These factors should be evaluated together when designing a custom cold plate cooling solution.

Key Features & Advantages of Tube Liquid Cold Plates

Tube liquid cold plates provide a practical and customizable thermal management solution for industrial and electronic cooling applications. By integrating metal tubing into a thermally conductive base, these liquid cooling plates combine flexible coolant routing, reliable heat transfer, and adaptable mechanical designs.

Efficient Heat Transfer

Embedded copper tubing and thermally conductive metal bases provide an effective heat transfer path from mounted components to circulating coolant. Thermal performance can be optimized through tube layout, base design, and coolant flow conditions.

Flexible Cooling Channel Design

Tube routing can be customized to match different heat source locations and mounting requirements. Serpentine and other engineered tube paths help distribute cooling across the required areas, subject to bending and spacing limitations.

Cost-Effective Manufacturing

Embedded tube construction can offer a practical manufacturing option for applications that do not require complex internal microchannels. Production cost depends on plate dimensions, tube geometry, materials, and order volume.

Reduced Coolant Contact with Aluminum

When continuous copper tubing is used inside an aluminum base, the coolant primarily contacts the tube interior rather than the aluminum plate. This can help manage material compatibility, although system-level corrosion protection remains important.

Custom Mechanical Integration

Plate dimensions, mounting holes, tube diameter, inlet and outlet positions, and surface finishing can be adapted to customer drawings. This flexibility supports integration into different industrial cooling assemblies.

Suitable for Industrial Applications

Tube liquid cold plates can be used in power electronics, energy storage equipment, industrial automation, telecommunications, and other systems requiring controlled liquid-based heat removal.

Tube Cold Plate Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing a tube liquid cold plate involves precision machining, tube forming, assembly, and quality inspection. KINGKA produces custom embedded tube cold plates based on customer drawings and application requirements, with attention to tube positioning, thermal contact, dimensional accuracy, and coolant integrity.

01

Design & Engineering Review

Customer drawings and thermal requirements are  reviewed to determine plate dimensions, base  material, tube diameter, coolant routing, and  mounting configurations. Tube bending limits  and manufacturing feasibility are considered  during the design stage.

02

CNC Groove Machining

Precision grooves are machined into the aluminum  or copper base using CNC equipment.  Groove dimensions and tube placement are  controlled to support accurate assembly and  effective thermal contact between the tube  and the base.

03

Tube Bending & Forming

Copper or other specified metal tubing is formed  according to the designed cooling path.  Bending radius, tube alignment, and deformation  are controlled to help maintain coolant flow  and reduce the risk of tube damage.

04

Tube Embedding & Fixing

The formed tubing is positioned and pressed  into the machined grooves. Suitable fixing  methods and thermal interface materials may  be applied according to the design to improve  tube retention and thermal contact.

05

Surface Machining & Finishing

The assembled cold plate undergoes additional  machining or surface finishing as required.  Contact surface flatness, mounting features,  and dimensional accuracy are checked against  the approved engineering drawings.

06

Inspection & Performance Testing

Completed cold plates are inspected for  dimensional accuracy, tube integrity, and  assembly quality. Pressure testing, leak  testing, and flow verification can be  performed according to agreed project  requirements and acceptance criteria.

Custom Tube Liquid Cold Plate Manufacturing

KINGKA supports customized tube liquid cold plate manufacturing for industrial thermal management projects. Customers can provide 2D or 3D drawings, heat load requirements, coolant specifications, and mechanical constraints for engineering evaluation, prototyping, and production planning.

Tube vs. FSW vs. Brazed Cold Plates

Choosing the right liquid cold plate manufacturing process is essential for achieving reliable thermal management. Tube liquid cold plates, friction stir welded (FSW) cold plates, and brazed cold plates offer different advantages in channel design, thermal performance, manufacturing complexity, and cost. The comparison below helps engineers select a suitable liquid cooling plate based on their application requirements.

ComparisonTube Cold PlateFSW Cold PlateBrazed Cold Plate
Channel StructureEmbedded tubingMachined channelsBonded internal channels
Design FlexibilityFlexible tube routingCustom channel geometryComplex internal geometry
Thermal PerformanceDepends on tube contact and layoutSuitable for large-area coolingSuitable for compact, high-density designs
Manufacturing CostOften economical for simpler designsDepends on machining and weldingDepends on brazing complexity
Typical ApplicationsIndustrial electronics, power modulesEV, ESS, power electronicsServers, high-density electronics

Application Areas of Tube Liquid Cold Plate

High Performance Computing
High Performance Computing
High performance computing clusters and data centers are the core of computationally intensive applications, requiring the processing of large amounts of data and the execution of complex computing tasks. These operations generate a large amount of heat, and if not effectively dissipated, it may lead to equipment performance degradation or malfunction. The Tube Liquid Cold Plate, through its efficient liquid cooling technology, can effectively absorb and disperse this heat, ensuring stable operation of the equipment under high loads.
New Energy
New Energy
With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the heat dissipation problem of key components such as batteries, motors, and electronic control systems has become an important factor restricting their performance and safety. Tube Liquid Cold Plate has broad application prospects in the field of thermal management of new energy vehicles. It can efficiently absorb and disperse the heat generated by these components, ensuring that new energy vehicles can maintain stable performance and safety under high temperature or high load conditions.
Industrial Equipment
Industrial Equipment
In the industrial field, many devices require long-term continuous operation and the working environment may be harsh. Tube Liquid Cold Plate can adapt to various complex industrial environments and provide reliable heat dissipation support for industrial equipment. Whether it is mechanical equipment, automation equipment, or other equipment on the production line, Tube Liquid Cold Plate can effectively reduce equipment temperature, improve equipment stability and service life.
Electronics Cooling
Electronics Cooling
Electronics cooling is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of electronic devices, such as high-end personal computers, gaming devices, servers, and workstations, due to the increasing power consumption of key components such as processors and graphics cards. Tube Liquid Cold Plate, as an efficient heat dissipation solution, can provide better heat dissipation than traditional air cooling, ensuring that these devices maintain stable performance and temperature under high-intensity use.

How to Order Custom Tube Liquid Cold Plate

Get Instant Quote
Get Instant Quote
Upload your design to our quoting platform, and get automated, instant quotes with free design analysis for your prototypes and production parts.
Start Production
Start Production
After your order, we start the production process. In addition, our digital platform provides you with real-time updates on the production stage.
Order Tracking
Order Tracking
Get on-demand production status updates on orders, including access to part photos and inspection data prior to delivery.
Receive customized parts
Receive customized parts
Once the parts have passed quality inspection, they are well packed for shipping.Rest assured with our 30-day warranty.

Tube Liquid Cold Plate Products & Manufacturing Cases

Tube Liquid Cold Plate Specifications & Customization Options

While we offer 100% customization, the following “Standard Configurations” help customers select the most cost-effective options quickly.

Spec ParameterStandard Option AStandard Option BCustom Capability
Tube Diameter (OD)φ 6.0 mmφ 8.0 mmφ 9.52mm (3/8") / 12.7mm
Tube MaterialCopper (TP1 / C1100)Stainless Steel (304/316)Cu-Ni Alloys
Base Material

Aluminum 6061-T6

Min Bending Radius

Aluminum 6063-T6

R = 15mm

Copper C1100

R = 20mm

Max Plate Size600 x 400 mm800 x 500 mmUp to 1200mm
Cooling Power~500W – 1000W~1000W – 3000W> 5kW (Multi-tube)
Surface FinishFly-Cut (Ra 1.6)Nickel PlatedAnodized (Alum only)

(Note: Standard models reduce lead time by utilizing stocked copper coil sizes.)

Custom Tube Cold Plate Solutions

KINGKA provides custom tube liquid cold plate manufacturing solutions for industrial thermal management applications. From embedded copper tube routing to CNC-machined base plates, our manufacturing capabilities support customer-specific cooling requirements, mechanical configurations, and OEM projects. Each liquid cooling plate can be designed according to the required heat load, coolant conditions, installation space, and engineering drawings.

Base & Tube Material Selection

Choose aluminum or copper base plates with compatible metal tubing, including copper tube configurations. Material selection is evaluated based on thermal conductivity, weight, corrosion compatibility, and application requirements.

Custom Plate Dimensions

Cold plate length, width, thickness, and mounting features can be customized according to equipment dimensions and available installation space. CNC machining supports customer-specific mechanical designs.

Copper Tube Routing & Bending

Embedded copper tube paths can be designed around heat source locations, including serpentine and other customized routing patterns. Tube diameter, spacing, and bending radius are considered to balance thermal performance and coolant flow.

Coolant Inlet & Outlet Design

Inlet and outlet positions, connection orientations, and compatible fittings can be configured to match the customer's liquid cooling system. Connection design considers coolant compatibility, flow requirements, and installation constraints.

Surface Finishing & Protection

Surface machining, protective finishes, and other specified treatments can be evaluated based on environmental conditions, thermal contact requirements, and material compatibility. Contact surfaces can be finished according to approved drawings.

Prototype & Volume Production

KINGKA supports custom cold plate development from engineering evaluation and prototype manufacturing to production planning. Manufacturing methods and inspection requirements are reviewed according to project specifications and order quantities.

What Do We Need for Your Custom Cold Plate?

To evaluate your custom water cooling plate project, please share the available technical information. Our team can review your requirements and discuss a suitable manufacturing solution.

2D / 3D Drawings Heat Load (W) Plate Dimensions Coolant Type Flow Rate Operating Pressure Inlet / Outlet Requirements Order Quantity

Why Choose KINGKA for Tube Liquid Cold Plates?

KINGKA specializes in custom thermal management components, including tube liquid cold plates, FSW cold plates, brazed cold plates, and precision-machined heat dissipation solutions. We combine engineering evaluation, CNC machining, tube assembly, and quality inspection to support OEM liquid cooling projects across a range of industrial applications.

01

Custom Manufacturing Capabilities

KINGKA manufactures tube liquid cold plates based on customer drawings and technical requirements. Customization options include base dimensions, embedded tube layouts, mounting configurations, and coolant connection designs.

02

Engineering & Design Support

Our team reviews heat loads, cooling requirements, material options, and mechanical constraints to support manufacturable cold plate designs. Engineering evaluation helps identify suitable tube routing and base configurations for each project.

03

Precision CNC Machining

CNC machining supports accurate groove production, mounting features, and contact surface preparation. Dimensional requirements are reviewed against approved drawings to support consistent assembly and integration with customer equipment.

04

Quality Control & Inspection

Quality inspection can include dimensional verification, surface inspection, pressure testing, and leak testing according to project requirements. Inspection criteria are established based on approved specifications and application conditions.

05

Multiple Cold Plate Technologies

In addition to embedded tube cold plates, KINGKA offers friction stir welded (FSW) and brazed liquid cold plate solutions. This manufacturing portfolio supports different channel structures, thermal requirements, and production needs.

06

Prototype to Production Support

KINGKA supports product development from prototype evaluation to production planning. Custom manufacturing and inspection requirements can be coordinated according to drawings, technical specifications, and project quantities.

Your Custom Liquid Cold Plate Manufacturing Partner

Whether you need an embedded copper tube cold plate, a custom water cooling plate, or a specialized liquid cooling solution, KINGKA can evaluate your technical requirements and discuss manufacturing options for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tube Liquid Cold Plates

Find answers to common questions about tube liquid cold plates, including cooling performance, materials, manufacturing methods, customization, and industrial applications.

1. What is a tube liquid cold plate?

A tube liquid cold plate is a liquid cooling component that uses metal tubing embedded in an aluminum or copper base to remove heat from electronic and industrial equipment. Coolant flows through the tubing, absorbs heat conducted from the base, and transfers it to an external cooling system. Tube cold plates are commonly customized for power electronics, energy storage, and industrial thermal management.

2. How does a tube liquid cold plate work?

A tube liquid cold plate works by transferring heat from mounted components through a metal base into embedded coolant-carrying tubes. Water or a compatible coolant circulates through the tubes, absorbs thermal energy, and carries it to an external heat exchanger. Cooling performance depends on tube layout, material conductivity, coolant flow rate, and thermal contact resistance.

3. What is the difference between a liquid cold plate and a water cooling plate?

A liquid cold plate is a general term for a cooling plate that uses circulating liquid to remove heat. A water cooling plate typically refers to a liquid cold plate designed to operate with water or a water-based coolant. Both terms are often used interchangeably in industrial cooling, although liquid cold plates may also use other compatible cooling fluids.

4. Is copper or aluminum better for a liquid cold plate?

Copper offers higher thermal conductivity, while aluminum provides lower weight and is often more economical. A copper cold plate may be preferred for applications requiring high heat transfer performance, whereas aluminum is commonly used for larger or weight-sensitive designs. Tube cold plates can combine an aluminum base with embedded copper tubing to balance thermal performance, weight, and manufacturing cost.

5. What is the difference between tube, FSW, and brazed cold plates?

Tube cold plates use embedded metal tubing to create coolant flow paths. FSW cold plates use machined channels sealed by friction stir welding, while brazed cold plates join metal components to form internal cooling channels. Tube designs are suitable for flexible routing, FSW designs support custom machined flow paths, and brazed designs can accommodate complex internal structures. Selection depends on heat load, pressure requirements, design complexity, and production cost.

6. What coolant can be used in a tube liquid cold plate?

Tube liquid cold plates commonly use water or compatible water-glycol mixtures. The appropriate coolant depends on tube material, fittings, operating temperature, corrosion protection, and system requirements. Coolant compatibility should be verified before operation to reduce the risk of corrosion, blockage, or material degradation.

7. What factors affect liquid cold plate cooling performance?

The main factors include heat load, base material, tube diameter, coolant flow rate, tube routing, pressure drop, and thermal contact resistance. Heat source distribution and coolant inlet temperature also influence the operating temperature of the equipment. A custom liquid cooling plate should be evaluated under its intended operating conditions rather than by cooling capacity alone.

8. Can tube liquid cold plates be customized?

Yes. KINGKA provides custom tube liquid cold plates based on customer drawings and application requirements. Customization options include plate dimensions, base materials, copper tube routing, mounting holes, inlet and outlet configurations, and surface finishing. Manufacturing feasibility depends on the specified geometry, materials, and performance requirements.

9. How are tube liquid cold plates manufactured?

Tube liquid cold plates are typically manufactured through CNC groove machining, metal tube bending, tube embedding, mechanical fixing or bonding, and final surface machining. The completed assembly is inspected for dimensional accuracy and tube integrity. Pressure testing, leak testing, and flow verification may be performed according to project requirements.

10. Are tube liquid cold plates suitable for high-power electronics?

Yes. Tube liquid cold plates can be used for high-power electronic equipment when the cooling design meets the required heat load and temperature limits. Their suitability depends on heat flux, coolant flow rate, tube arrangement, and available cooling surface area. Applications with highly concentrated heat sources may require alternative channel structures or additional thermal optimization.

11. How do you prevent leakage in a tube cold plate?

Leakage risk can be reduced through appropriate tube material selection, controlled bending, suitable fittings, and careful assembly. Continuous tube routing can reduce the number of internal fluid joints, but inlet and outlet connections still require proper sealing. Pressure and leak testing should be performed according to the agreed operating conditions and acceptance criteria.

12. What information is needed to request a custom tube cold plate quotation?

To request a custom tube liquid cold plate quotation from KINGKA, customers should provide available 2D or 3D drawings, plate dimensions, heat load, coolant type, flow rate, operating pressure, inlet and outlet requirements, and estimated order quantity. These details help the engineering team evaluate manufacturing feasibility, material options, and project requirements.

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Kingka Tech Industrial Limited

We specialize in Heat Sink、Liquid Cold Plate、precision CNC machining and our products are widely used in telecommunication industry, aerospace, automotive, industrial control, power electronics, medical instruments, security electronics, LED lighting and multimedia consumption.

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Address:

Da Long New Village, Xie Gang Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China 523598


Email:

kenny@kingkametal.com


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+86 13559777964

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