Coool solutions Cooolcase

CooolCase GmbH, a family run business in Dresden, Germany, has been building computer cases and subracks for the whole range of electronics, from PCBs to OLEDs, since the early 1960s: first for the Russians, and then since the reunification of the two Germanys, for the rest of Europe. Marco Siebel spoke with sales manager Udo Gätke about how the company has become one of the last European OEM computer case builders to maintain its manufacturing sites in Europe.

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Udo Gätke begins: “European or German quality still counts with our customers, for whom we design and build OEM computer cases. For major companies like the one that talks of building a smarter planet and the one that stresses sense and simplicity, we have designed and manufactured mechanical subracks for the whole range of electronics, from PCBs to OLEDs.”

Cooolcase employs 130 people, and has its production facility in Dresden, where it merged with a mechanical engineering company a couple of years ago to better serve its customers. Major investments were made in 3D laser-enabled cutting machines.

Udo Gätke: “Since we are a privately owned company, we tend to go about investments and growth expectations more prudently than public companies. We expect growth to come from new energy storing technologies, where they will need cooling solutions.”

IPC-cases: 4U for every demand

The IPC 1400 is an all-rounder to meet the highest demands. This universal and particularly versatile 4U 19” case is manufactured from galvanised sheet steel with a one-piece aluminium design bezel. It supports all applications in the context of the ATX standard, for example as a server or control system enclosure, and thus satisfies the highest user demands. Dampers protect the hard disks reliably against vibration, while filter mats in front of the two drive cages provide additional protection for the valuable installed components. Both filters and fans can be replaced quickly without the need for tools. A high-strength brace over the full width of the case further enhances the stability and rigidity of the case body. This brace can furthermore be used as a top-holder to ensure the firm seating of the installed interface cards. A special bank of fans guarantees a strong air flow for cooling of the integrated components. In conjunction with perforated slot covers, this ensures a defined circulation within the case as a whole, and thus a long and reliable service life. The additional all-round dust seal even achieves protection compliant with IP50.

PC cases: individual customer design

The PC 600 is a midi tower case with a discreet appearance and ample space for a diversity of installed components. Readily accessible USB 2.0 ports and HD audio jacks are provided in the front panel. Perforated sections in the front and side panels guarantee effective heat dissipation from the case. For cooling of the installed components, 80mm fans can be mounted at the front and rear. Complete assembly from one side reduces the time required to build the system, while the folded edges on all open panels and plates ensure safe handling. The case satisfies all relevant European quality standards.

OEM market: delivering reliably into different supply chains

The company does not only focus on manufacturing its own products. CooolCase also delivers into other OEM segments such as storage racks, telecommunications and infrastructure, as well as the medical market, which CooolCase has been serving for more than 10 years now. Udo Gätke says: “With our own toolshop in-house, we can offer a high level of flexibility when it comes to projects. Our experience is that for a large number of projects the smart and tailored combination of soft and hard tool production leads to important advan-

tages for the customers in terms of quality, costs and production output. We also rely on strong partners for finding the optimal technologies and solutions, such as KVT. This is absolutely key in the OEM market, to get the most functionality into the sheet metal part.” Beyond that CooolCase ensures the success of its customers by supporting them with its in-house development team in the early development stages, and later to optimise products or with entire redesigns. Its in-depth knowledge in areas such as emc protection, Ingress Protection and solutions like soft tool production with prepainted material are of great benefit for many clients.

MobilDisplay presentation systems

The CooolCase MobilDisplay is a flexible screen system for the presentation of digital media content at any required location. It embodies a high level of technical quality and achieves prominence through an attractive appearance, simple installation and convenient handling: 46” Full HD display for perfect clarity, integrated PC with 250 GB hard disk and pre-installed operating system, quick-assembly system for simple transport and installation, and illuminated front panel as additional advertising space.

Udo Gätke: “Our forecast for the next couple of years is consolidation of our turnover and of our presence on the central European market. But we won’t shy away from seizing opportunities on the Indian and South African horizons.” n