Data centers rely on aluminum extrusions for everything from server racks to cooling systems. But sourcing the right materials at the right price—without delays—can be a challenge. Long lead times, fluctuating costs, and inconsistent quality make procurement difficult, especially as demand for scalable infrastructure grows.
This guide breaks down the most common procurement challenges and provides practical solutions to help you source aluminum efficiently and cost-effectively.
1. Why are aluminum extrusion lead times so long?
Lead times for aluminum extrusions can stretch beyond expectations due to:
Surging demand in industries like EVs, renewables, and construction.
Global supply chain bottlenecks affecting raw aluminum availability.
Custom tooling and fabrication processes adding extra production time.
How to Get Faster Lead Times:
Source from suppliers with multiple production facilities to avoid regional slowdowns.
Opt for existing extrusion profiles instead of designing new dies.
Establish supplier relationships early to secure priority production slots.
Explore our engineering services to optimize your supply chain.
2. What causes aluminum extrusion price fluctuations?
Aluminum prices change frequently due to:
Market shifts in raw aluminum supply and demand.
Energy costs impacting smelting and production expenses.
Freight and logistics fees tied to transportation and import/export regulations.
How to Stabilize Pricing:
Lock in bulk pricing through long-term supplier agreements.
Diversify sourcing to minimize reliance on a single region.
Monitor market trends and plan purchases strategically.
Learn more about packaging services for cost-efficient aluminum solutions.
3. What should procurement teams look for in an aluminum extrusion supplier?
Choosing the right supplier ensures consistent quality and reliable delivery.
Key factors include:
Experience in data center applications like server racks and cooling enclosures.
In-house fabrication capabilities for CNC machining and finishing.
Multiple manufacturing locations to mitigate supply chain risks.
Robust warehousing and logistics for just-in-time delivery.
See our logistics and warehousing solutions to streamline your supply chain.
4. How can procurement teams ensure quality consistency?
Large-scale aluminum orders often face quality control challenges, including:
Variability in alloy composition between different suppliers.
Surface defects from improper finishing processes.
Dimensional inconsistencies lead to installation issues.
How to Guarantee Consistent Quality:
Source from ISO 9001:2015 certified suppliers.
Request material traceability reports for full transparency.
Use a supplier that controls both extrusion and finishing to ensure uniformity.
Discover our aluminum finishing services to maintain high standards.
5. What are the biggest challenges in aluminum fabrication?
Even after sourcing aluminum extrusions, fabrication can introduce problems like:
Machining defects due to improper CNC programming.
Coating inconsistencies affecting anodizing or powder finishes.
Tolerances that don’t align with project specifications.
How to Avoid Fabrication Issues:
Work with a supplier that offers in-house machining and finishing.
Test prototypes before committing to large production runs.
Define exact tolerances upfront to prevent costly rework.
Explore our engineering services for high-precision fabrication.
6. How does aluminum support modular data center builds?
Modular data centers need materials that support:
Quick deployment with easy assembly and disassembly.
Weight reduction without sacrificing durability.
Efficient heat dissipation to support cooling infrastructure.
Aluminum extrusions provide the strength and flexibility needed for scalable, high-performance data center expansion.
When to Outsource Your Aluminum Procurement
For some procurement teams, managing aluminum sourcing in-house is the best approach. For others, the complexity of fabrication, logistics, and quality control makes outsourcing a better solution.
Working with a full-service aluminum supplier can provide:
Faster lead times by leveraging pre-vetted manufacturing partners.
Cost savings through volume pricing and supply chain optimization.
End-to-end consistency in material sourcing, finishing, and delivery.
Learn more about our sourcing solutions at Northern States Metals handle everything from design to delivery so you don't have to.