Share your ideas on how to do direct bonding to a copper PCB of a XM-L2 emitter

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I did a direct copper bonding of a XM-L 2 emitter on my TN-31 PCB, to do it I removed the stock U2, then Wicked away the solder with copper braid, then carefully dremeled the center pad to expose the copper, then just reflowed the emitter onto the PCB, so far it works great and I do notice the heat sink getting hot faster during use, so I believe the procedure was done correctly.

I am sure other members have done something different to remove the dielectric layer of the center pad, please share your ideas of what you used to do it.

Also looking in YouTube there are techniques to solder to aluminum, has anyone done a direct solder to aluminum on a PCB? I am thinking in doing it to the Small Sun ZY-T13 PCB since I can’t find a copper PCB of that size. Any thoughts?

Thanks!