VHD Technology
What is VHD Technology?
Shaping the future of Heat Management
VHD Technology represents cutting-edge innovation – a near-term, advanced technology which produces commercial very high density (VHD) blocks with industry-leading material properties, some of which have never been achieved before in commercial mass market production.
GCM is the only company globally with the rights to produce VHD Blocks.
Next-Generation Innovation
Combining high density, high thermal diffusivity, a high degree of anisotropy and high thermal conductivity enables VHD Blocks to deliver rapid heat movement and efficient dissipation, making it an excellent heat management technology. VHD Blocks can provide system-level impact and reduce overheating risks in AI processors, data centre servers, semiconductors, and advanced electronics.
VHD’s Properties
Efficient and Customisable Production
VHD Blocks are highly customisable, and their rapid, moderate-temperature production process enables more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing compared with competing materials. This method enhances energy efficiency and supports more sustainable production practices. Smaller-format blocks can also be engineered to meet the rigorous requirements of thermal management and advanced technology applications, including data centres, AI processing, supercomputing, telecommunications, semiconductors, aerospace, and defence.
Exceptional Properties
VHD exhibits exceptional thermal performance, and like-for-like testing returns a thermal conductivity of 422 W/m·K and a thermal diffusivity of 286 mm²/s, far surpassing copper (328 W/m·K / 98 mm²/s) and aluminium (142 W/m·K / 63 mm²/s) and its low bulk density makes the material significantly lighter than conventional metals.
Applications in Rapid Growth Markets
High-Performance Electronics
VHD Technology material offers superior heat transfer properties and precise heat dispersion, making it ideal for modern thermal management needs in high-performance computing, AI, data centres and battery management systems.
Thermal Energy Storage
Large VHD Blocks optimised for high-energy retention can be used to provide consistent energy availability, revolutionising energy storage for a renewable future.
Nuclear
VHD Blocks have the potential to advance thermal management innovations for the nuclear industry in enhancing reactor efficiency, improving safety through superior heat dissipation, and enabling the development of next-generation high-temperature reactors.
Defence and Aerospace
VHD superior properties and advanced manufacturing enable the production of high-performance components critical to the defence and aerospace sectors, enhancing precision engineering, durability, and reliability in mission-critical systems.
Rapid Pathway to Commercialisation
VHD Technology is the future of and heat management technology – with applications in rapidly growing, critical technology areas and properties exceeding industry benchmarks, GCM is set to disrupt the market. VHD Technology is set to not only replace existing materials technologies, but significantly outperform them – offering a lighter, more efficient and cost-effective alternative.
GCM acquired VHD Technology in October 2024 and has already made rapid progress, targeting initial product commercialisation of VHD Blocks by the end of 2025.
