The PowerEdge T160 is a fresh take on our entry-level desktop server. It’s the result of our curiosity to push boundaries in a space not as crowded or constrained as the rack server market. This is where we get to play with new ideas and materials, to innovate features that really make a difference. Once tested, it allows us to weave advancements into the fabric of Dell’s entire server range.
Many of these improvements were targeted at sustainability. We introduced laser textured tooling for plastic parts, replaced large information labels with folded paper guides, and introduced higher contents of recycled plastic and steel.
The most interesting and perhaps polarizing design improvement was the choice to remove powder coat from the exterior. A single system can use more than 60g of metallic powder material a number that adds up over the typical lifespan of 10 years. The large ovens that bake on this finish are energy intensive and not always a renewable source.
The steel we use is already coated in zinc, with a natural luster better than any metallic powder. This led to some challenges with the exterior part design. We eliminated the need for visible rivets, welding, and exposed raw edges. Paint is typically used as cover up for many of these imperfections. The compound corner of the chassis required relief cutting so we covered these with interlocking feet.
Many users buy more than one server or expand an existing network. Allowing units to lay flat and stack up to three units high was an option we wanted to support. These feet create space that reduce the risk of scratches on the metal and provide a rugged aesthetic.
The interlocking corners cover the raw edges in these corners. They became a useful spacer to protect the system in the factory and a user’s environment by creating a gap between the exterior metal and the work surfaces. They add protection in packaging, contacting only the corners and eliminating the need for extra protective film used on other products.
