5G and Thermal Management Applications
As the global race to expand 5G infrastructure accelerates, thermal management applications within these antennas is one of the most critical and often underestimated components. The power load on 5G systems is increasing rapidly, creating a growing demand for high-performance heat sinks. For foundries, this trend presents a technical challenge and a golden opportunity, particularly when combined with the rising importance of sustainability in procurement.
5G and the Growing Thermal Load
Telecom OEMs are rapidly launching new product lines, with every major player planning rollouts by 2026. These applications, ranging from base stations to antenna enclosures, generate significant thermal output due to miniaturization and increasing data throughput. 5G has ten times the data rate of 4G. Efficient heat dissipation is no longer optional; it’s essential.
Die-cast heat sinks and enclosures must meet strict thermal conductivity requirements, often well above what traditional alloys can deliver. Standard alloys like 226, A380, or ADC12, with thermal conductivities around 120 W/m·K, are reaching their limits. In contrast, Rheocasting allows the use of low-silicon alloys (e.g., AlSi2Fe), pushing conductivity up to 180–190 W/m·K. This increase translates directly into performance gains, such as extended signal range. In a 5G network, even a 20% improvement in antenna range can mean significant infrastructure savings over a whole country.
The Regional Shift in Sourcing
One of the most notable shifts in the telecom sector is rethinking supply chains. Historically, up to 90% of these parts were sourced from Asia. Geopolitical instability and rising transportation costs are prompting OEMs to localize production in Europe and North America. This shift opens a unique window for regional foundries, especially those with idle 1600 to 2800-ton HPDC machines.
Telecom projects operate on a drastically faster timeline than traditional automotive programs. What might take three years to develop in automotive is expected in telecom within three months. Foundries that can react quickly, offer thermal expertise, and meet sustainability standards can position themselves as key suppliers in a booming industry.
Sustainability as a Purchasing Requirement
Thermal performance is only one side of the equation. Sustainability is a defining purchasing criterion, especially in the telecom and medical sectors. These industries are under intense pressure from investors and regulatory bodies to align with carbon reduction goals such as the Paris Agreement and Science-Based Targets (SBTi). Companies like Ericsson have publicly committed to achieving zero product emissions by 2035.
This commitment directly influences material choices. Telecom customers are not only asking for recycled materials; they’re willing to pay a premium for them. Alloys like Rheocool offer verified CO₂ footprints as low as 0.36 kg CO₂/kg Al. These numbers matter, and they’re making their way into procurement specifications.
While automotive remains more cost-focused for now, that is quickly changing. RFQs increasingly demand CO₂ footprint documentation, post-consumer scrap usage, and future sustainability roadmaps. Foundries that fail to adapt risk being excluded before they’re even considered.
Casting the Future of 5G
Foundries that offer thermal management expertise, sustainable materials, and fast execution can carve out a strong position in this evolving ecosystem. In short, the future of 5G is being cast in aluminium. The foundries that understand both will thrive.
Share:
Casting Insights⚒️
Learn about new topics around the foundry industry each Tuesday.
Subscribe to the newsletter with your E-Mail and become part of the community.
