A server enclosure, also known as a server cabinet or chassis, is similar to a server rack but typically includes additional security, cooling, and environmental protection features. At Accurate Metal Fabricating, we work with OEMs in the data center space to engineer and manage high-volume custom server enclosures for new and existing data centers.
The Future of Server Enclosures
Are you new to data centers and need help figuring out where to start? Here are some critical aspects of a server cabinet and the materials commonly used that you should be aware of:
- Construction Material: Server enclosures are typically made of steel. Steel offers strength and durability for your racking needs. Carbon steel or mild steel is usually the most economical metal. But you should look to another metal if you need a lighter rack or if it will be stored in a corrosive or outdoor environment. Aluminum, another standard server rack material, may be a better alternative for your enclosure needs when environmental or weight considerations are a concern.
- Doors and Panels: Server enclosures have front, rear, and side doors and panels. These doors and panels may be solid or perforated to allow airflow while providing security and protection against dust and physical tampering. Having doors on both sides can be very beneficial when moving racks in and out. Side panels can also be fabricated to be removable, which could benefit specific industries.
- Locking Mechanisms: Enclosures typically have lockable doors restricting access to authorized personnel. These locking mechanisms include key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, or biometric authentication systems. Security is essential in any data center, so it's important to consider the locking mechanism for this critical IT infrastructure component.
- Cooling Systems: Enclosures often feature built-in ventilation systems or provisions for installing fans and cooling units. In addition to fans, water cooling, and other types of cooling, perforated metal is the most common type of "passive" cooling. Specific patterns are selected to ensure proper airflow, keeping the equipment as cool as possible. These systems help maintain optimal operating temperatures within the enclosure, preventing overheating and ensuring reliability.
- Rack Mounting: Like server racks, enclosures have mounting rails inside for installing IT equipment. These rails are supplied standard with 19-inch or 23-inch spacing to accommodate rack-mounted devices. Using industry standards makes your internal racking more universally compatible if you need to move or reuse an enclosure between companies.
- Cable Management: Server enclosures include cable management features such as wire harness racks, routing channels, and tie-down points. These systems organize and secure cables, reducing clutter and improving airflow within the enclosure. The more organized your cables are, the easier it is for IT teams to maintain the data center's systems.
- Environmental Protection: Some server enclosures are designed to protect against environmental factors, including dust, moisture, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and physical impacts. They may have sealed gaskets, IP-rated ingress protection, and grounding features.
- Finish and Coating: The exterior of server enclosures is often finished in black using a powder-coating process. Powder coating enhances durability, aesthetics, and scratch and corrosion resistance. It also makes it easy to customize the enclosure. For instance, you may want a blue server enclosure to represent one item and a red one to represent another. This flexibility allows you to quickly identify the specific racks that require maintenance in a particular area.
Custom Server Structures
While meeting industry standards is essential to ensure components from various manufacturers fit your enclosure, sometimes you need something that isn't a standard – thinking "outside the box," if you will. Accurate Metal Fab's on-staff engineers can assist you throughout the design and prototyping phases. We understand the unique demands of data centers, including hot- and cold-aisle containment systems.
When partnering with Accurate, get ready for White-Glove service and treatment:
- Project Manager: Your order is assigned a project manager who will oversee your data center from initial concept through delivery and beyond. They will be with you each step of the way, ensuring you know where your job is within the system.
- Engineering: One of AMF's unique strengths is our team of engineers, who can help with almost any project. We are experts at making your designs more efficient, often saving you money by reducing material use.
- Prototyping: We know getting the design right is critical, especially for data centers, given the high volume of required enclosures and racking systems. We will prototype for you until you're satisfied with the design.
- Warehousing and Assembly: We have ample space to support your warehousing needs for JIT programs. Being centrally located in the Chicago suburbs gives us easy access to raw materials and quick shipping to anywhere in North America.
- Perforating: Critical for airflow in data centers, our sister company, Accurate Perforating, is one of the largest metal perforators in North America. When you partner with AMF, you can access all the Accurate Family of Companies offers.
Overall, server enclosures provide a more secure, controlled environment for IT equipment than standard server racks. They are ideal for applications where equipment needs protection from environmental hazards, physical intrusion, and unauthorized access.