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

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

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 sustainable. Wilson & Gilkes is the designer and manufacturer of Argent SCEC Class B and Class C server racks. Wilson & Gilkes will shortly commission a new robotic bending system at the Moorebank manufacturing facility. This will offer increased capacity and competitive components costs for Argent business partners.

Wilson & Gilkes C.E.O., James Hunt told us:

“The new robotic press brake will allow our production team to work with cutting edge technology. The ease of programming and suitability for efficient production of metal components parts will benefit Argent customers.”

Argent is the leading designer and manufacturer of SCEC 19” server racks in Australia

Argent SCEC cabinet features at a glance – Class B and Class C:

• SCEC endorsed June 2016
• IEC & Industry standard sizes make selection easy
• Custom sizing available
• Perforated doors with 3 point locking. Optional polycarbonate window or solid doors
• Wide range of thermal & cable management accessories
• Finish – Powder coat black, other colours available
• KABA Class B digital combination locking mechanism
• Class C – Specified key system Doors >180 degree opening access
• All side panels are solid form & internally secured
• Comes with 4× Vertical Mounting Angles, RU Labeled
• Racks are individually serialized, name plated with identification and registry record
• Discrete ventilation on side panels (on request)
• 50 pack hardware fixing kits with each rack

A superior SCEC Class B and Class C server rack solution for Government and Secure applications.

Argent SCEC Rack Class C

Five advantages using Argent SCEC Server racks

  1. Defence and SCEC Experience

Argent SCEC B Class and C Class server racks have been in use in Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years. Our design and manufacturing team are security enclosure specialists for a wide range of applications and industries. We have detailed knowledge and experience in design, manufacture and supply of SCEC B Class and C Class server racks to Defence, Primes and approved contractors. Wilson & Gilkes experience extends to other areas of Defence and security. Wilson & Gilkes manufactured and supplied components for the SEA 4000 project and is a current supplier of similar components for the SEA 1180 Off Shore Patrol Vessel project.

  1. Accuracy

Argent SCEC Class B and Class C secure enclosures are 100% manufactured at the Wilson & Gilkes design and fabrication facility in Sydney. The factory uses laser cutting and CNC metal folding technology that enables precise and repeatable cutting and bending. The benefit is high-quality parts that meet the required SCEC Class B and Class C secure enclosure specifications. This automation reduces the likelihood of errors and the need for rework, saving time and money.

  1. SCEC Specification feedback service

Argent can provide feedback in the initial phase of a project to avoid potential challenges, ensure timely delivery and meet specifications.

  1. Flexibility to solve project specific challenges

Secure buildings and sites often present space restrictions when installing SCEC Class B and Class C enclosures. Argent has worked with the project partners on many occasions to propose solutions within the SCEC specifications. Argent drawings and 3D CAD models are available to ensure clarity for everyone involved in the project. The solution can be determined before manufacturing commences.

  1. Cost-Effective

Wilson & Gilkes automated lasers and press brakes require less manual labour and offer increased efficiency and accuracy. Some of the leading-edge Argent manufacturing equipment can operate overnight, without the need for staff. This results in lower labour which costs reduces the component price for our Argent business partners.

Argent is based in South West Sydney. The 6,000 sq mtr manufacturing facility provides a range of sheet metal fabrication services:

  • Design and 3D drawings
  • Laser cutting
  • Sheet metal punching
  • Sheet metal folding
  • Welding
  • Spot welding
  • Inserting
  • Powder coating
  • Assembly

Using Australian suppliers will reduce supply risks.

Argent designs and manufactures 100% in Australia. No supply chain risk.

Contact us on (+61) 2 9914 0900 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

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