Technical background
As the global digital transformation process accelerates, the demand for AI, large models, etc. explodes on a large scale. Chip power consumption reaches the 10,000-watt level, rack power density increases exponentially, and computing power scale and power consumption continue to rise. Traditional air cooling technology can no longer meet the soaring heat dissipation demand in terms of physical limits, energy efficiency and reliability. The specific heat capacity of liquid cooling is significantly better than that of air cooling, and it can remove heat more quickly. With its advantages of fast heat transfer path, high heat exchange efficiency, and high cooling energy efficiency, it has become the "optimal solution" and "only solution" for data centers to break through the high-power cooling bottleneck and achieve efficient thermal management. In terms of low-carbon and environmental protection, liquid cooling has excellent energy-saving effects. The PUE of a liquid-cooled data center can be reduced to less than 1.2, saving a lot of electricity bills every year. It has both low energy consumption and high performance, and the economy is significantly improved. At the national policy level, liquid cooling is also regarded as a key direction of low-carbon development. The "Special Action Plan for Green and Low-Carbon Development of Data Centers" clearly states that by the end of 2025, the average power utilization efficiency of national data centers will drop to less than 1.5 (PUE). New construction, renovation and expansion of large and ultra-large The power utilization efficiency of large-scale data centers is reduced to less than 1.25, and the power utilization efficiency of national hub node data center projects must not be higher than 1.2; it is necessary to promote the application of energy-saving technology and equipment, promote efficient refrigeration and heat dissipation technologies such as liquid cooling and evaporative cooling according to local conditions, and improve the utilization of natural cold sources. Communications, Internet, and financial industries are the world's major liquid cooling markets, and the scale of liquid cooling is also further expanding. According to IDC data, China's liquid-cooled server market will reach US$2.37 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 67.0%. Among them, the market share of cold plate solutions has further increased. From 2024 to 2029, China's liquid-cooled server market will have a compound annual growth rate of 46.8%, and the market size will reach US$16.2 billion in 2029. With the multiple blessings of global low-carbon transformation, national policy guidance and the demand for high-density computing power, liquid cooling technology has changed from an "auxiliary option" to a "key must-have option." 2026 may become the explosive year of server liquid cooling components, and liquid cooling will usher in rapid expansion of production capacity and comprehensive scenario applications.
Traditional manufacturing techniques
Traditional liquid-cooled component manufacturing mainly uses connection technologies such as argon arc welding, brazing and friction stir welding. Traditional methods cannot meet the needs of the new generation of radiators in terms of accuracy, weld strength, sealing and reliability, complex geometric shape adaptability, and mass production quality consistency. The laser welding process has become the mainstream connection method for liquid-cooled components due to its advantages that traditional processes cannot match, such as high energy density, small heat-affected zone, and high welding precision.
Advantages of laser welding process for server liquid cooling components
Laser welding is an efficient and precise connection technology, especially suitable for the high-precision needs of modern manufacturing. Its core advantages are high precision, fast speed, small deformation and high quality, and it can easily handle the welding of high melting point materials and complex workpieces.
High welding precision: Laser welding can achieve micron-level welding precision, which is particularly important for tiny components and complex structures in liquid-cooled servers. It can ensure welding quality and avoid leakage or performance degradation caused by inaccurate welding.
High welding speed: Laser welding speed is fast, which can greatly shorten the production cycle and improve production efficiency. Liquid-cooled servers often contain a large number of welding points, and the efficiency of laser welding helps meet mass production needs.
Premium weld quality: Laser welding produces narrow and deep welds with a small heat-affected zone and low deformation, which helps maintain the structural integrity and aesthetics of liquid-cooled servers. At the same time, the excellent weld quality also improves the reliability and durability of the system.
Non-contact welding: Laser welding is a non-contact welding method, which means that there is no physical force acting directly on the parts being welded during the welding process. For precision and sensitive components in liquid-cooled servers, non-contact welding can avoid damage caused by mechanical stress and protect the integrity and performance of the components.
Strong adaptability: Laser welding technology can adapt to the welding needs of a variety of materials and different thicknesses. Whether it is metal or some non-metal materials, high-quality welding can be achieved by adjusting laser parameters. This flexibility gives laser welding significant advantages in diverse designs and material selections for liquid-cooled servers.
Automation and intelligence: Laser welding equipment is easy to integrate with automation systems to achieve automation and intelligent control of the welding process. This not only improves production efficiency, but also reduces human operating errors and improves the consistency of welding quality.
