As network and cloud technology develops, the demand for IT equipment, such as servers and network communication equipment, continues to grow. With the expansion of functions, sheet metal enclosures have become an integral part of the construction of these networks. Today, various sheet metal enclosures can be found in most server rooms, including network wiring rooms, floor wiring rooms, data centers, control centers, monitoring and control centers, etc.

Providing protection for critical components in telecommunications cabinets, such as wires, cables, batteries, and fiber optic equipment, is very important. Therefore, these cabinets are equipped with doors, side doors, and back doors, and they are installed on a frame to protect the components inside.

Characteristics of Network Communication Enclosure's Sheet Metal Processing

Here are some characteristics of sheet metal processing for communication cabinets and enclosures. They will help determine if a sheet metal supplier will offer you reliable and durable products.

Cold-rolled Steel Sheet
Cabinets should be made of cold-rolled steel, not hot-rolled steel or iron plate. Despite their low cost, these materials tend to rust, deform, and do not perform well.

Thickness
With a thicker plate, a cabinet can hold more weight and be more stable. A thicker panel has a better load-bearing capacity but is more expensive. The thickness varies depending on the location. It is generally 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm thick.

Parts Included
Most custom cabinetry includes purchased parts, not made from sheet metal. It is important to confirm with the supplier which parts are included in the quotation and how many. Also, Confirm the vendor, country, and delivery date if the supplier offers procurement services.

Assist in Assembling
Along with sheet metal processing, the assembly of sheet metal parts is another essential capability of sheet metal factories. In some cabinetry, frames, and sheet metal products that require a more robust structure, screws and bolts can be used instead of welding to reduce deformation caused by welding. It can also save time and reduce costs too.

Good Assembly Processes Include These Elements

In the production of sheet metal telecommunication cabinets, assembly is the most important process. During the process, various fasteners or iron parts (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) are used to assemble multiple parts together. The quality of assembly will have a significant impact on the product's stability and durability. Poor assembly will shorten the life and reduces the functionality of the product.

High Precision Sheet Metal Processing Technology
OEM equipment manufacturers place a high precision on sheet metal parts as a direct consequence of the device's appearance and precision. As a result of cumulative tolerance, even the smallest error in cabinet assembly will result in a large error in the whole cabinet. Therefore, precision sheet metal processing technology is needed to ensure every part fits within tolerances.

Streamlined and Efficient Parts Procurement

Assembling network cabinets usually requires a lot of fasteners and hardware parts. It is helpful if the sheet metal factory can also assist in ordering them, such as fasteners, screws, nuts, hinges, sliders, handles, door locks, rings, washers, slides, and rollers. Moreover, assembly efficiency will be improved, and interference will be minimized if the sizes and tolerances of the parts are taken into account in the design stage, assembly processes are planned, and the design and manufacturing stages are integrated.

Reduces Costs and Improves Quality with Rivet Assembly

For some assemblies, rivets are used instead of welding, and installation is relatively straightforward. Parts that require surface treatment, such as electroplating and painting, are usually assembled before surface treatment. This can result in various problems, such as residual electroplating solutions in the gaps between parts. In such cases, riveting assembly increases processing efficiency and reduces costs.

With extensive experience in sheet metal processing, BLIKSEN has designed and fabricated cabinets, housings, and equipment for a wide range of industries. Our services include assembly, purchasing parts, and material management through a warehouse management system.

If you are looking for telecommunication cabinet and enclosures fabricators, please contact us via the Instant Quoting page. For more information about enclosure manufacturing, please visit the "Sheet Metal Enclosure" page.