Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger having uniform surface temperature and improved structural strength is disclosed, which may be used as a structural support member for an object to be temperature controlled, and which provides a surface having an exceptionally uniform temperature for either heating or cooling the object. The heat exchanger includes a fin pad and a machined plate having a fluid passage therein, as well as other structural frame and support members. The major circuit flow direction of the fluid in the passage is perpendicular to the major longitudinal fin direction of the fin pad in the preferred embodiment. All components of the heat exchanger are of material having good thermal conductivity and structural strength, and the components are brazed or otherwise secured together to provide good thermal conductivity and structural reinforcement throughout.