Accurate Perforating (APC) supplies custom-perforated metal for data center equipment manufacturers, enclosure builders, HVAC suppliers, and more. We can identify an existing pattern, meet specified open-area requirements, and produce perforated sheets, panels, or finished components.
By collaborating with our sister company, Accurate Metal Fabricating (AMF), we can also support complete sheet metal components and assemblies, such as custom cable-management products.
Perforated Metal Applications in Data Centers
Perforated metal is used throughout the data center white space and its supporting mechanical equipment. Applications include:
- Server rack doors
- Cabinet panels
- Electrical enclosures
- Equipment guards
- Hot- and cold-aisle containment components
- Raised-floor ventilation panels
- Air-handling and cooling-equipment components
- Generator and acoustic enclosure panels
- Custom cable-management components
The specifications change with each component. A rack-door drawing may call for a specific material type, while a genset unit will need a specific pattern to muffle the generator. Those details determine which manufacturing methods fit the part.
Select the Right Open Area and Hole Pattern
Open area is the percentage of a panel removed by the holes. For many data center components, the required percentage comes directly from the equipment manufacturer or the customer's drawing.
For example, if a rack door requires 60% open area, the next step is to find a pattern that achieves that target in the specified material and thickness. The panel must still accommodate forming, hardware, and other features required for assembly.
Accurate has an extensive tooling library with round, square, slotted, and other hole patterns. We can review your open-area target and determine whether an existing tool fits the job. If not, we can evaluate a custom pattern.
Airflow through the finished component will also depend on its size, surrounding equipment, and operating conditions. For that reason, evaluate airflow performance as part of the complete rack, cabinet, or equipment assembly.
Account for Forming, Hardware, and Equipment Protection
You can't plan the perforated area separately from the rest of the component. Bend lines, mounting locations, hinges, handles, and weld points often need solid metal around them.
Accurate can produce custom margins and blank areas for:
- Panel edges
- Hinges and latches
- Mounting holes
- Handles and access hardware
- Bend lines
- Weld locations
- Labels and control interfaces
A finished-part drawing helps us see where the holes need to stop and where solid material must remain. Reviewing these details before production can prevent holes from interfering with forming or assembly. Hole size may also be driven by access requirements. If the panel must prevent fingers or objects from reaching internal equipment, identify that requirement before selecting the pattern.
Perforated Metal for Cooling and Acoustic Equipment
Noise control often becomes a concern around generators, air-handling units, and other mechanical equipment supporting the data center.
In these applications, the holes allow sound to reach fiberglass or another absorptive material behind the metal. The perforated face protects the material while allowing air to move through the assembly.
Accurate supplies perforated metal for generator enclosures, acoustic wall panels, mechanical equipment enclosures, HVAC sound-attenuation products, and ventilation assemblies.
Sound-reduction ratings apply to the complete assembly—not the perforated metal alone. The acoustical material, air space, construction, and installation all contribute to its performance.
Materials and Finishes for Data Center Components
Accurate can produce data center panels and components from carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The customer's drawing typically specifies the material and thickness. Accurate can then review whether the requested hole pattern works with that specification and the subsequent manufacturing operations.
When a finished component requires powder coating, Accurate Metal Fab can coordinate standard or custom colors as part of fabrication.
Custom Cable-Management Components
Custom cable-management products are manufactured to customer drawings so they fit the required equipment layout and provide access to power and data cabling. It's one of the many products that our sister company, AMF, fabricates for customers.
AMF can laser cut, punch, bend, weld, insert hardware, powder coat, assemble, and package custom cable-management components. This partnership gives customers access to perforated airflow components and finished sheet metal products without coordinating several unrelated manufacturers.
From Perforated Sheet to Finished Component
Since we are a one-stop shop, flat panels at APC go down the street to AMF for further fabrication.
Accurate Perforating (APC) and AMF work together to coordinate other metal fabrication needs, including:
- Leveling
- Degreasing
- Welding
- And more
Bringing these operations together lets both teams review the print and finish everything before the job reaches production.
Data Center Support Across AMICO Global
Accurate's role may begin inside the data center white space, but other AMICO Global companies support the facility from the perimeter inward.
AMICO's data center capabilities include security fencing and perimeter systems, expanded metal screens and guards, safety grating, bar grating, equipment platforms, walkways, and architectural screening. For customers working across multiple areas of a data center project, that broader manufacturing network provides access to additional products and expertise within the AMICO family.
Start Your Perforated Data Center Component Project With Accurate
The best place to start your perforated data center component is with a part drawing or CAD file. Also, let us know what fabrication or finishing the part needs and whether you need a prototype/sample, an initial order, or an ongoing production program.
If the drawing specifies an open area but not a pattern, that is enough to begin the conversation. Accurate can review its tooling and help identify an option that fits the material and component design. Request a quote for custom perforated data center panels, server rack components, or equipment enclosures today.