Custom skived fin HEX: High-efficiency thermal solutions you’ve never heard of

Unique technology with unique attributes

Designed and made by only a few companies in the world, skived fin heat exchangers provide top notch performance thanks to the material used as well as their fabrication process.
SKF exchangers are made by skiving fins directly into an aluminium frame profile, preventing most material loss as opposed to machining and avoiding any soldering which could decrease the heat transfer coefficient and create fragility areas. This fabrication method offers the following benefits:

• Excellent pressure resistance, above 60 bars, thanks to a multi-channel geometric profile
• Excellent vibration and shock resistance
• Very high exterior surface/interior profiled air section compared with classic finned tubes

The aluminium used also plays a big part in their high efficiency, offering high thermal conductivity as well as the following advantages:

• Lightness
• Flexibility (easy to shape by folding or bending)
• Increased corrosion resistance with various coatings

Altogether, these strengths also offer a light, compact and durable product, thanks to its malleability and heat transfer coefficient, which makes it easy to integrate into many machines.

Versatility meets efficiency

Despite remaining relatively unknown, the skived fin technology is already playing a critical role in multiple industries where heat must be managed under pressure, vibration, and tight space constraints.

In air compressors, particularly oil-free or high-performance units, these exchangers are used to efficiently dissipate heat from the compression process. The skived fin structure allows for a high surface area within a compact volume.

In industrial refrigeration, HVAC, and heat pump systems, where rapid, efficient, and reliable heat extraction is essential, skived fin exchangers enhance the system’s COP (Coefficient of Performance), directly reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable temperatures under varying loads.

In heavy-duty applications, such as in off-road trucks, the railway industry, construction equipment, and specialized vehicles from manufacturers like MAN, these devices are often integrated into charge air cooling (CAC), oil cooling systems or intercoolers to handle extreme thermal loads, ensuring optimal engine performance and extended service life. The high vibration resistance of these exchangers is also a key advantage for that sector.

Taking advantage of aluminium’s shaping capabilities and high-precision manufacturing, customized skived fin exchangers meet the exact requirements of various thermal management needs. Whether in stationary industrial units or mobile heavy machinery, they provide a reliable and durable solution for maximizing heat transfer and minimizing operational risk.

Tailored to your needs

You may have noticed the repeated emphasis on “custom” skived fin exchangers throughout this article, and for good reason. While OEM solutions are available, they often come with limitations. In contrast, custom-designed exchangers are tailored to your specific process requirements, unlocking the full performance potential of this unique technology.

Whether used in industrial machinery, military vehicles, or commercial and medical refrigeration, custom skived fin exchangers consistently deliver superior results. Now that you’re familiar with their advantages, you may agree that it’s time to consider a bespoke solution for your application.