The video offers an in-depth factory tour of Watercool in Germany, showcasing the precise manufacturing processes behind their flagship Mora 600 radiator, from advanced metal fabrication and CNC machining to meticulous assembly and packaging. It also highlights the company’s engineering efforts using CFD simulations to optimize cooling performance, all underscored by a collaborative spirit between industry competitors Thermal Grizzly and Watercool.
The video is part of a “Made in Germany” series that brings together two competitors in the water cooling industry—Thermal Grizzly and Watercool—both located within two hours of each other in Germany. The hosts visit Watercool’s factory, where they explore the manufacturing process of one of their flagship products, the Mora 600 radiator. The video opens with a lighthearted exchange between the founders of the two companies, highlighting their mutual respect and shared passion for water cooling technology despite being competitors.
The tour begins in the milling and sheet metal fabrication areas, showcasing advanced German machinery used to punch, laser cut, and bend sheet metal parts with high precision. The hosts observe the process of transforming raw steel sheets into radiator covers and other components, including the use of vacuum suction arms and fiber lasers for cutting. They also learn about the importance of nitrogen gas during laser cutting to prevent oxidation and the safety measures involved in grinding metal parts to remove sharp edges efficiently.
Next, the video delves into the CNC machining area, where a skilled operator manages eight different machines that produce GPU blocks, CPU blocks, and cooling plates. The hosts discuss the materials used, such as copper, which is the most expensive per area, and the benefits of using oil-water coolant mixtures for machining to achieve better surface quality. They also see custom fixtures designed and manufactured in-house to hold parts securely during the machining process and learn about the dust extraction system that ensures a safe working environment.
Moving on to the assembly and packaging sections, the video highlights the meticulous process of assembling radiators and cooling blocks, including leak testing and adding features like RGB lighting. The Mora radiator, first introduced around 2005-2006, is explained as a “monster radiator” that has evolved through several versions. The factory also produces custom packaging using local materials and a cardboard cutting machine, allowing flexibility and sustainability in their shipping process.
The final part of the tour focuses on the engineering and design side, where computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to optimize the flow paths and thermal performance of water blocks. The team models graphics cards and cooling blocks to identify areas of turbulence and dead spots, aiming to design efficient blocks that balance surface area and flow velocity for realistic pump speeds. The video concludes by emphasizing the dedication and expertise behind Watercool’s products, inviting viewers to support future educational factory tours through merchandise purchases.