Global capital spending for data centers is already on track to exceed $1 trillion by the end of this year. It will come as no surprise that the growth is fueled by the massive demands of Artificial Intelligence and high-performance computing workloads. Today’s data centers are much more than yesterday’s simpler server rack warehouses. They are incredibly demanding operations that push the limits of structural integrity, thermal management, environmental resistance and more.
A Demanding Environment
Specifically, the metalwork that supports data centers must be:
- Safe – as rack densities keep rising, infrastructure must be structurally sound under heavy loads. Quality and traceability become non-negotiable.
- Long Lasting – built to last at least 15-20 years, with minimal maintenance required.
- Dimensionally Stable – heat resistance is critical to prevent warping. Otherwise, doors, panels and mounting points may come out of alignment. This greatly affects both functionality and stability over time.
- Corrosion-Resistant – all infrastructure must be protected against moisture and condensation to prevent degradation from corrosion.
- Repeatable – it’s critical for components to be consistent across hundreds of identical units. Performance repeatability is crucial as well – meaning delivery schedules must be maintained, even under challenging global conditions.
Products and Key Requirements
Machine Frames – are the heart of any data center’s internal infrastructure. Frames are used to support chillers, heat exchangers, and power equipment. They must have verified load capacity, vibration resistance with clean and consistent welds and precise hole and bolt patterns.
CDU Electronic Enclosures – Coolant distribution units (CDUs) sit between the cooling loop, such as chillers of towers, and the liquid loops that run to the servers. Their primary function is to transfer heat from server-side coolant to the facility-side water, without mixing the two. They help keep coolant clean and catch leaks before they reach expensive servers.
How We Deliver for Data Centers
Pacific Stainless Products has the capabilities, certifications and engineering know-how to support the explosive growth of data centers. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR-registered with 35 years of experience supporting the electronics industry. Our vertically integrated facilities make us the single source for engineering, fabrication, machining, finishing and assembly. We deliver:
- Cutting, Forming, and Fabrication – automated laser, punch, and tube-cutting equipment, plus press brakes and a large panel folder. We can handle sheet and plate from small brackets to full-size cabinet bodies. Laser welding, hardware insertion, and CNC machining is done under one roof. We utilize laser scanning and 3D inspection to confirm parts are made to print.
- Low-distortion Welding – laser welding, along with an ARKU flattening machine, helps hold flatness on large panels.
- Large Formats – our impressive equipment allows us to fabricate enclosures up to 55″ wide by 100″ tall.
- Materials – we offer a wide variety of materials including specialty alloys to meet demanding data center requirements. These include 300-series stainless, 5052 and 6061 aluminum, and steel, with chem film and anodizing options for aluminum.
- In-house Finishing – our powder coating division runs oversized ovens and offers over 300 colors.
- Speed to Production – design-to-order engineering, rapid prototyping, and build-to-print support move customers from concept to repeat production.
The Key Takeaway
Metalwork for data centers leaves no room for shortcuts. Coupling our capabilities and know-how makes us built to deliver. From prototype to full production run, we can gladly support data center projects of virtually any size or complexity.