Thermal Block Lapping

thingiverse

To enhance heat transfer between resistors and a thermal block, the contact area should be maximized by creating flat surfaces on both parts. This technique was learned through PC modding and can be further explored via "heat sink lapping" searches. A picture showcases non-flat resistor bases; post-processed surfaces should appear uniform but not mirrored like the heater block. As my previous resistors failed, I sanded with progressively finer grit sandpaper (150 to 1500) on a flat surface, using soapy water for wet sanding. A thermal interface material could boost transfer further; however, Red Ice 600 series from Timtronics is unavailable to the public. The result: faster heating - room temp to 225 c in about eight minutes, but data on overall improvement is lacking.