Problem: Heat Spreader Flatness Fails After Anodize — Mask the Thermal Face

Problem: Al6061 heat spreaders meet thickness in-process, then after clear/black anodize the thermal face bows past 0.05 mm and TIM contact dies.

Root cause: whole-part anodize with no masking; powder coat chosen for cosmetics even though film thickness hurts conduction.

Fix: as-machined thermal face + anodize only non-contact sides; put flatness and cutout tolerances on the PDF; sample flatness before ship.

Lead sketch: Standard ≈ 8–10 days with finish; skip powder on contact plates.

Upload STEP + PDF on the quote page — pick finish carefully, then open the electronics industry page for EMI / cover siblings.