# GPU & ASIC Liquid Cold Plates

> GPU and ASIC cold plates must be quoted as thermal assemblies, not generic milled plates. The package contact map, flatness and roughness, channel geometry, joining method, coolant, cleaning standard and leak-test threshold all affect the manufacturing route and inspection plan.

- Market: ai-hardware
- HTML page: https://fabvector.com/solutions/gpu-asic-cold-plates (Portuguese: https://fabvector.com/pt/solutions/gpu-asic-cold-plates)
- Industry hub: https://fabvector.com/industries/ai-hardware
- Quote: https://fabvector.com/quote

## Components and applications

- GPU accelerator cold plates
- ASIC and inference-module cooling lids
- Multi-chip module thermal plates
- Cold-plate development coupons and fixtures

## Recommended manufacturing route

1. Machine contact datums and channel geometry from stable stock.
2. Control burrs and channel cleanliness before closure.
3. Join or assemble the cover to the specified process.
4. Verify flatness, cleanliness and liquid integrity after joining.

## Drawing and RFQ controls

| Control | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Die contact map | Identify every package height, keep-out zone and controlled contact surface. |
| Channel geometry | Define minimum land, depth, corner radius and permissible internal burr. |
| Joining distortion | Apply final flatness after brazing, welding or cover assembly if that is the functional state. |

## Recommended materials

- [copper-c110](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/copper-c110): High conductivity for direct-to-chip heat spreading.
- [aluminum-6063](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/aluminum-6063): Thermally efficient lightweight designs.
- [aluminum-6061](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/aluminum-6061): Development hardware and structural covers.

## Related manufacturing processes

- [cnc-milling](https://fabvector.com/md/services/cnc-milling)
- [micro-machining](https://fabvector.com/md/services/micro-machining)
- [5-axis-machining](https://fabvector.com/md/services/5-axis-machining)
- [prototype-machining](https://fabvector.com/md/services/prototype-machining)

## Compatible finishes

- [electroless-nickel-plating](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/electroless-nickel-plating)
- [nickel-plating](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/nickel-plating)
- [chromate-conversion](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/chromate-conversion)

## Inspection to define before production

- Contact-surface flatness and roughness map
- Channel and seal geometry inspection before closure
- Defined pressure-decay or helium leak-test record after joining

## Standards and documentation scope

- **Customer thermal stack specification**: Contact load, TIM and package limits remain customer-defined.
- **Coolant cleanliness specification**: Particle and residue limits must be agreed before manufacturing.

## Buyer questions, answered

### What files are needed to quote a GPU cold plate?

Send the assembly STEP, controlled part drawings, package contact map, channel and joining definition, coolant, test condition, quantity and inspection outputs.

### Should flatness be checked before or after joining?

The functional requirement normally applies after the final joining and finishing process. The drawing should state the condition explicitly because joining can move the contact surface.

## Related engineering guides

- [CNC machining for AI hardware](https://fabvector.com/blog/cnc-machining-for-ai-hardware)
- [AI server cold plate application case](https://fabvector.com/blog/case-ai-server-cold-plate)