Cold-aisle containment needed sheet metal interfaces that could accommodate variable spacing between adjacent server cabinets.
The customer’s challenge
Fixed interfaces could not accommodate rack-spacing variations. Leakage reduced the effectiveness of the cooling arrangement.
Material and fabrication route
1.0 mm galvanized steel; rubber seals.
Process route: Laser cutting → bending → welding → powder coating → seal installation → telescopic testing.
Manufacturing changes
A telescopic interface provided ±50 mm travel, with perimeter seals allowing adjustment during installation.
Engineering analysis
The interface needed to accommodate real spacing variation between installed racks. Telescopic travel addressed fit while perimeter seals addressed the air boundary at the adjusted position. The travel and rack-spacing range describe geometry; the leakage result describes the configured containment. A similar project should identify both the adjustment envelope and the installed seal contact, not just the nominal rack spacing.
Inspection and project results
Air leakage fell, cold-aisle temperature became more uniform, and cooling performance improved in the project configuration.
| Project measurement or production detail | Recorded value |
|---|---|
| Telescopic travel | ±50 mm |
| Air leakage | ≤5% |
| Rack spacing range | 600–1,200 mm |
These figures describe the project configuration and production scope above. Dimensional, material and production details are identified separately from performance tests. For a new order, the inspection method and acceptance criteria should be agreed against the released drawings.
Planning a similar OEM component
A useful RFQ for this application should make the following interfaces and acceptance requirements clear:
- Surveyed rack spacing range.
- Adjustment and fixing details.
- Seal contact around the interface.
- Leakage and temperature acceptance.
Include the current drawing revision, mating-component information, quantities and required delivery sequence. Identifying unresolved requirements at quotation stage helps distinguish fabrication work from the equipment-level checks that the project needs.
For related manufacturing support, review our Server Rack Airflow Plenums and sheet metal quality capabilities. Use the existing quotation form below to share the drawing package for review.
