The structure of a standard cabinet is relatively simple, mainly including the basic framework, internal support system, wiring system, and ventilation system. Standard cabinets can be divided into many performance and price categories based on their assembly form and material selection. The appearance of a 19 inch standard cabinet has three conventional indicators: width, height, and depth. Although the installation width for 19 inch panel equipment is 465.1mm, the common physical widths for cabinets are 600mm and 800mm. The height generally ranges from 0.7M to 2.4M, depending on the number of devices inside the cabinet and the unified style. Manufacturers can usually customize special heights, with common finished 19 inch cabinets having heights of 1.6M and 2M. The depth of the cabinet generally ranges from 400mm to 800mm, depending on the size of the equipment inside the cabinet. Manufacturers can also customize products with special depths. Common finished 19 inch cabinets have depths of 500mm, 600mm, and 800mm. The height occupied by equipment installation in a 19 inch standard cabinet is represented by a special unit "U", which is 1U=44.45mm. Equipment panels using a 19 inch standard cabinet are generally manufactured according to the specifications of nU. For some non-standard devices, they can mostly be installed in a 19 inch chassis and fixed by attaching an adapter board.
The material of the cabinet is closely related to its performance. The materials used to manufacture a 19 inch standard cabinet mainly include aluminum profiles and cold-rolled steel plates. Cabinets made of aluminum materials are relatively lightweight, suitable for storing lightweight equipment, and relatively inexpensive. Aluminum materials are also divided into imported and domestically produced types. Due to different textures, the physical properties of the cabinets manufactured also have certain differences, especially in some larger specification cabinets where differences are more likely to occur. The cabinet made of cold-rolled steel plate has the characteristics of high mechanical strength and large load-bearing capacity. The thickness, quality, and craftsmanship of steel plates used in similar products are directly related to the quality and performance of the product. Some inexpensive cabinets are made of ordinary thin iron plates, which are cheap and have a good appearance, but their performance is naturally greatly reduced. High quality cabinets usually have a heavier weight.
From the perspective of assembly methods, 19 inch standard cabinets can be roughly divided into integrated welding and assembly types. The integrated welding type is relatively inexpensive, and the welding process and product materials are the key to this type of cabinet. Some inferior products are prone to deformation when subjected to heavy loads. Assembly type is currently a popular form of packaging, which consists of loose parts that can be quickly assembled when needed. It is easy to adjust and has strong flexibility. Some inferior products often have rough interface parts, making assembly difficult and causing significant displacement.
In addition, the production level and surface painting process of the cabinet, as well as the precision and accessory quality of the internal partitions, rails, slides, cable trays, sockets, are also reference indicators for measuring the quality of standard cabinets. A good standard cabinet is not only stable and in compliance with mainstream safety regulations, but also ensures that the equipment is installed smoothly and securely. The front and rear doors, as well as the side panels on both sides of the cabinet, are well sealed, and the equipment inside the cabinet is evenly stressed. Additionally, the cabinet has a wide range of accessories that can meet the needs of various applications.