Extrusion and skiving are two different ways to manufacture heat sinks, and each process has its own advantages.

An extruded heat sink is produced by pushing heated aluminum through a shaped die. This makes extrusion suitable for continuous profiles and efficient volume production.

A skived fin heat sink is produced differently. Thin fins are progressively cut and raised from a solid block of aluminum or copper. Because the fins and base remain part of the same material, the structure does not require a separate thermal joint between the fins and base.

Skiving can also produce relatively thin fins and dense fin structures, making it useful when a conventional extrusion cannot achieve the desired geometry.

However, the best manufacturing method depends on airflow, heat load, dimensions, fin density, material, production volume, and project budget.

Before specifying a cooling component, engineers should compare the limitations and benefits of each production method.

This guide compares extrusion, skived fin, cold forging, die casting, and other heat sink manufacturing processes: https://www.kingkametal.com/blog/125/