109 Russell Street, Emu Heights NSW 2750

02 4728 6111

Argent Open Frame Racks compared to enclosed server racks

Argent provides updates on new products, new installations, design innovations and tips on security enclosures

Five Advantages of Argent Open Frame Racks

Choosing between Open Data rack and Enclosed server racks, users have one of two choices to make. Enclosed or Open Frame, which one is really better?

Server racks are open frames or cabinets designed for mounting, organising and securing EIA-standard 19 inch width rack mount IT and A/V equipment such as servers, routers, hubs, switches and audio/video components, regardless of the manufacturer.

Argent Open Frame 19 inch Server Rack

Five advantages of Open Frame racks compared to enclosed server racks:

1. Price

Open Frame racks are considerably lower cost than a similar enclosed rack. That is a major benefit when managing a project budget. Argent 40 Series Open Frame Data racks are used extensively in Hospital projects and University IT infrastructure.

2. Air Flow

The Open Frame design means there is nothing obstructing the air flow, which can help to improve the cooling of the computer equipment. The open architecture optimizes airflow for increased operational efficiency and prolonged equipment life

3. Access

Easy access to servers and other equipment is simple on an Argent Open Frame rack. There are no cabinet doors or side panels to obstruct access. With an enclosed data rack cabinet, access for servicing or repair can be difficult. If an equipment fault occurs on an Open Data Rack there may be no need to remove the equipment from its original location. Repairs can be completed while the equipment is still sitting on the server

4. Warranty

Argent designs and manufactures in Australia to the highest standards. An Australian manufacturer 10 Year warranty provides certainty. Our company has been designing and manufacturing in Australia for 75 years.

5. Configured to suit your application

Argent manufactures the 40 Series Open Data Racks in Australia. Our designers and production team can create rack component kits or consignments to suit specific rooms or entire floors of a building. That will save time and cost on site.

Argent network racks provide safe housing for servers, storage, network hardware and all the indispensable devices that keep your IT system efficient and productive.

Open Frame Racks are often used in high density cable environments. The open network rack design and low cost suits that application. Argent 40 Series Open Data racks include high capacity cable management on both sides of the 19 inch rails.

Argent provides secure data storage solutions that are 100% reliable. Argent’s complete single site Australian design, manufacture and supply service enables us to give a 10 year warranty for 25, 40 & 50 (SCEC endorsed) Series racks and storage units.

Argent Open Frame 19 inch Network Rack

Argent are SCEC endorsed C Class and B Class server rack specialists. We can assist with specifications questions and work with you to design, manufacture and supply SCEC endorsed server racks.

Using Australian suppliers will reduce supply risks

Argent designs and manufactures 100% in Australia. No supply chain risk. Contact us on (+61) 2 4728 6111  or sales@argent.com.au

Australia’s first Mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC), unveiled by CSIRO at IAC 2025,

Engineered for Motion

At the heart of the MOC are Argent’s custom-built server racks — designed to withstand vibration, shock, and rapid setup cycles.

“All of our server racks are designed to pull all the way out and spin so that you’ve got easy access to both the front and the rear,” Dunn noted.

Each rack can be fully removed to allow clients such as Southern Launch to install their own mission hardware, creating a secure, modular computing environment ready to run launch simulations, satellite operations, or payload control within an hour.

We took one of our existing, popular, and high-performance Argent rack designs and re-engineered it to create a bespoke version for CSIRO,” said Humberto Mesa, Senior Design Engineer at Opie Manufacturing Group.

The new rack features shock-absorbing mounts so it can be safely mounted on a truck, and we also improved the pull-out and rotation mechanism for smoother, more durable operation. It’s a small redesign — but one that makes a big difference in performance and reliability.

Seamless Integration with Varley’s Manufacturing Excellence

The MOC was built at Varley’s Brisbane facility, a project that exemplifies Australian collaboration across manufacturing, research, and advanced engineering. Argent’s precision-engineered rack systems were integrated into Varley’s structure to host critical compute, comms, and data systems — providing unmatched access, stability, and safety.

Through this partnership, local expertise from Opie Manufacturing Group and Varley has helped CSIRO establish a deployable mission control hub capable of supporting both commercial launches and STEM outreach for students across Australia.

A Backbone for the Next Generation of Missions

With redundant 4G, 5G, UHF/VHF, and satellite communications, solar-backed power, and complete off-grid capability, the MOC is built for continuous uptime — and Argent’s robust rack systems are its backbone.

Whether operating in the desert, coastal environments, or at launch sites thousands of kilometres apart, these racks safeguard the systems that power flight telemetry, trajectory data, and secure communications.

Conclusion:

Argent’s involvement in the CSIRO MOC highlights how precision metal fabrication and smart engineering make innovation possible. From the shop floor in Western Sydney to the frontier of space, Argent racks carry the weight of Australia’s most advanced missions.

Argent — Supporting Australia’s space ambitions, one rack at a time.

 

📚 Sources: CSIRO News | Varley Group | EEVblog 1712 – CSIRO Mobile Mission Control Centre.

🔗 CSIRO Article | Varley News | YouTube Tour

Featuring Argent server racks engineered and manufactured by Opie Manufacturing Group.

Argent Server Racks are the powerhouse for CSIRO’s Mobile Mission Operations Centre

Australia’s first mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC) is more than a feat of engineering — it’s a statement of national capability. Built by Varley Group for CSIRO, this state-of-the-art control centre transforms from a B-double trailer into a fully functional...

Case Study: High-Density Data Center Solution for a Leading Financial Institution

Client Overview A leading financial institution faced growing challenges in managing its expanding data center infrastructure. With increasing demands for high-performance computing, data security, and energy efficiency, the organization sought an advanced server...

Building Your Data Security with Argent 50 B&C Class Security Server Racks

Argent’s 50 Series racks are trusted by Sydney Trains, defence organisations, and major infrastructure projects across Australia.

Optimising High-Performance Computing with Hot Aisle Containment

efficient cooling is critical—not just to safeguard equipment but also to maximise system performance. One key strategy driving efficiency is hot aisle containment.

Sydney Trains supports Argent server racks that are 100% designed and manufactured in Australia

This case study explores how Argent server racks support Sydney Trains’ operations and highlights key features that make them a preferred choice.

ARGENT acquired by OPIE Group

Opie Manufacturing Group, Australia’s leading steel products manufacturer, proudly announces the successful merger and acquisition of Wilson & Gilkes, a distinguished provider of security enclosures and fabricated metal components. This strategic move enhances Opie Manufacturing Group’s industry standing and expands its capabilities in fabrication and contract manufacturing.

Argent PDU – Power Distribution Unit

Argent In-Post PDU used for Infrastructure IT Server Racks Power Distribution Units (PDU’s) play a crucial role in distributing power to devices in Argent commercial server racks and SCEC B Class and C Class enclosures. In the fast-paced digital era, organisations...

Argent New Robotic Press Brake – Art to Part in 20 minutes

Better, Faster, Cheaper - Argent Components On display at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) 2023 was the new acquisition to the Argent manufacturing facility, the LVD Dyna-Cell press brake. The robotic bending cell was extremely popular with visitors to the 2023...

New robotic technology for Argent SCEC Class B and Class C server racks

Argent SCEC server racks use advanced Australian manufacturing automation With businesses facing the tightest labour market since the 1970s, the shortage of skilled staff requires manufacturers to consider a range of technology options to remain relevant and...

Using Australian suppliers will reduce supply risks and will assist employing Australian veterans and other Australians

Argent recognises the skills and values that veterans can bring to our organisation Wilson & Gilkes has signed the Veterans' Employment Commitment. This provides organisations with the opportunity to make a public commitment to support greater employment...