Aluminium Extrusions & Modern Data Centre Containment

For smaller UK businesses, in-house enterprise data centres are common—typically comprising a modest server room cooled by standard air conditioning and perhaps a few fans. However, as organisations scale, the demand for more sophisticated infrastructure grows. That’s where colocation and hyperscale data centres enter the picture—offering scalable, high-density environments capable of supporting vast numbers of servers across thousands of square feet.

But with scale comes complexity. Whether it’s a colocation facility hosting equipment for hundreds of clients, or a hyperscale centre spanning tens of thousands of square metres, thermal management becomes a core concern. Standard cooling methods like wall-mounted air conditioners and standalone fans quickly become ineffective. Instead, advanced airflow management strategies—such as aisle containment systems—are essential.

Aisle Containment Explained

Aisle containment is a technique that separates hot and cold airflows to enhance cooling efficiency in data centres. This is typically achieved by installing physical barriers—often built from extruded aluminium profiles—around server aisles. The servers are aligned so that cold air intakes face one aisle (cold aisle) while hot exhausts face the opposite (hot aisle). Depending on the setup, either the cold aisle or the hot aisle is enclosed to prevent air mixing.

Cold aisle containment (CAC) - where cold air is enclosed and directed towards server inlets, while hot air is allowed to dissipate naturally - is more cost-effective to implement and suits smaller setups.

Modern cold aisle data centre room

Hot aisle containment (HAC) - where hot air is isolated and extracted, preventing it from affecting the cold supply - is generally more efficient in larger environments, as it isolates and expels the hot air more effectively.

Why Aluminium Extrusion is the Backbone of Containment Systems

Aluminium extrusion is not just a convenient option – it’s the foundation of modern aisle containment systems, and for good reason!

At our UK-based extrusion facility, we’ve seen first-hand how the unique properties of aluminium make it the material choice for data centre applications, thanks to its unique combination of strength, lightweight properties, and thermal resilience.

Our experience and expertise ensures we are able to extrude high-precision aluminium profiles specifically suited to modular containment systems used in data centre environments.

Read on for more information on applications and benefits…

Structural Precision and Strength

Aluminium extrusions provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, which means they can create robust, load-bearing frameworks without adding unnecessary bulk. This makes them perfect for supporting containment walls, ceilings, and access points that need to maintain precise tolerances over time.

• Can support mounted doors, panels, and sensor systems
• Provides consistent alignment for modular components
• Maintains rigidity without steel’s weight or welding demands

Design Flexibility with T-Slot Systems

T-slot aluminium profiles are a game-changer in terms of customisation and expandability. The extrusions feature slots along their length that allow other components to be slid in and bolted on—no drilling, welding, or permanent fixing required.

• Easily configure custom layouts based on rack spacing and room size
• Modify, relocate, or scale the system without downtime
• Integrate accessories like cable trays, lighting, and door mechanisms
  
  

T-Slot aluminium profiles

Thermal and Fire Performance

Aluminium’s thermal properties play a dual role:

• It dissipates heat rather than trapping it, reducing hot spots around the framework
• In the event of fire, aluminium melts rather than combusts—making it inherently non-combustible and a safer option for fire-rated enclosures

Furthermore, anodised aluminium remains non-toxic even at elevated temperatures, ensuring it doesn’t release harmful fumes—an essential factor for enclosed environments packed with sensitive electronics.

Corrosion and Environmental Resistance

Aluminium doesn’t rust. Instead, it forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion, even in humid or temperature-controlled environments. This ensures your containment infrastructure remains durable and maintenance-free for years.

• Ideal for both internal and semi-exposed installations
• Anodised finishes enhance durability and aesthetics

Compatibility with Modern Sustainability Goals

Aluminium is one of the most sustainable building materials available—it’s 100% recyclable without degradation of properties. Choosing extruded aluminium for data centre infrastructure aligns with broader ESG targets, particularly for businesses working towards net-zero strategies.

• Supports LEED and BREEAM building standards
• Can be manufactured using recycled feedstock with low carbon footprint
• Lightweight, reducing transport emissions

Non-Magnetic Aluminium: A Critical Advantage for Data Centres

One of the lesser known but highly valuable properties of aluminium is that it is non-magnetic. Unlike ferrous metals such as steel, aluminium does not become magnetised and does not interfere with magnetic fields.

This is particularly important in data centres, where sensitive electronic components and data storage systems must operate in a stable and interference-free environment.

Why aluminium’s non-magnetic nature matters:

No magnetic interference - aluminium does not distort or emit magnetic fields, eliminating the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) with servers, hard drives, or networking equipment.

Safe around high-sensitivity equipment - data storage devices such as SSDs, HDDs, and backup systems can be vulnerable to magnetic disruption. Aluminium infrastructure helps protect their performance and data integrity.

Ideal for high-voltage areas - in environments where electrical currents are high, non-magnetic materials reduce the risk of interaction with electromagnetic fields, enhancing overall operational stability.

Compliance with EMC standards - aluminium components help support compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations—especially important in large-scale or mission-critical installations.

Peace of mind for future expansion - as data centres scale and adopt more high-frequency or high-speed electronics, aluminium’s non-magnetic behaviour ensures long-term reliability without the need to retrofit for shielding or isolation.

By choosing aluminium extrusions for containment structures, cable management systems, and supporting infrastructure, data centres gain both mechanical performance and electromagnetic neutrality—a critical combination for protecting uptime and equipment longevity.

Partnering with a UK-Based Aluminium Extruder

As a UK-based aluminium extrusion supplier, we supply high-quality, precision-made aluminium profiles that support mission-critical environments like data centres. Whether you’re designing a new aisle containment system or retrofitting an existing installation, our team can assist with everything, from concept to delivery.

• Extensive catalogue of standard and custom T-slot profiles
• Full support for bespoke extrusion design
• Fabrication, finishing, stock holding and distribution of your aluminium profiles
• Short lead times and responsive local service
• Sustainable production using UK-sourced aluminium where possible

Final Thoughts

When it comes to data centre efficiency, the importance of precise airflow management can’t be overstated, and aluminium extrusion is the unsung hero that makes it all possible. It brings together strength, modularity, sustainability, and ease of installation in a way that few other materials can match.

If you’re planning a data centre build or upgrade, we’d be happy to advise on the most effective aluminium solutions to meet your needs—today and as you scale.

Contact us today for more information.