A heat exchanger of the plate-fin type has fins of one metal brazed to a
plate made of a different metal for use in oil coolers, condensers,
evaporators, and the like. The distortion-prone titanium fins of
conventional heat exchangers may be replaced with another metal, such as
a stainless steel or a nickel based alloy to provide a structure that is
resistant to crushing at the brazing temperature. Fluid or air flow
resistance (pressure drop) through the heat exchanger may also be
improved if the selected fin metal forms better fin shapes and has fewer
burrs than conventional titanium fins. The replacement material may also
improve the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger if the
selected fin metal has higher thermal conductivity than titanium.