Can AI Data Centers Double Metal Enclosure Electrical Orders?

AI data centers are growing very fast. They need much more power than older data centers. TrendForce says global data center power demand will reach 161 GW in 2026. That is a 31 percent increase from 2025. AI servers alone will use about 33.4 percent of this power.

This growth creates a big question. Can AI data centers double the orders for metal

electrical products? The answer is not a simple yes or no. But the numbers show a very strong trend.

The Market Numbers Are Clear

The U.S. metal enclosure electrical market reached $3.16 billion in 2025. Experts expect it to reach $5.94 billion by 2035. That is a growth rate of 7.3 percent per year. The data center and telecom segment is the fastest-growing part. It is growing at 10.2 percent per year.

The global electrical enclosures market was $8.11 billion in 2025. It will reach $11.58 billion by 2031. That is a 6.11 percent annual growth rate. Data centers are a key driver of this growth.

Why Metal Enclosures Matter for AI Data Centers

AI data centers are different from older data centers. They use much more power per square foot. A single AI training cluster can draw as much power as a small steel mill. This creates three big challenges for metal enclosure electrical design.

First, liquid cooling changes everything. High-density GPU racks generate huge amounts of heat. Air cooling is not enough. Liquid cooling systems need special enclosure designs. Coolant manifolds must fit inside tight spaces. Drip trays and secondary containment must catch leaks. The metal enclosure electrical must handle chemical compatibility between coolants and seal materials. These requirements did not exist for traditional server racks.

Second, structural strength is critical. A fully loaded AI rack holds servers, UPS systems, and liquid cooling equipment. This creates very heavy loads. Steel enclosures provide the stiffness needed to support these loads. Aluminum helps with heat spreading but may not handle the weight alone. The best designs use steel for structural frames and aluminum for thermal panels.

Third, EMI shielding is non-negotiable. AI chips process data at very high speeds. They are sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Metal enclosures act like Faraday cages. They block interference and protect data integrity. Steel and aluminum both provide this protection. But the enclosure must have no gaps or voids in its shielding.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers now face a new reality. The old standard metal box is not enough. AI data centers need enclosures that handle higher heat loads, support heavier equipment, and block more interference. They also need faster delivery because data center projects have tight timelines.

This is where manufacturing capability becomes critical. A supplier must handle steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. A supplier must offer stamping, bending, welding, and assembly in one place. A supplier must understand electrical requirements, not just metal fabrication.

Shining Technology Co., Ltd.

Shining Technology Co., Ltd. has 17 years of experience in metal manufacturing. We provide complete solutions based on customer needs or professional drawings. Our capabilities include stainless steel manufacturing, metal stamping, sheet metal fabrication, electrical assembly, wiring, die-casting, and injection molding.

We design industrial-grade metal enclosures, electrical cabinets, and power distribution boxes. Our products meet strict safety requirements for commercial and industrial applications. AI data centers are driving strong demand for metal enclosure electrical products. Shining Technology Co., Ltd. is ready to meet that demand with reliable products and fast delivery.