Sourcing Copper and Aluminum Domestically for Builds and Upgrades

Copper bus bar and seamless aluminum pipe

Where your copper and aluminum came from used to be a matter of preference. But if you’ve spent any time working on utility infrastructure, transformer builds, or power gen projects lately, you know the question of sourcing has gotten a lot more pointed. Now, it’s showing up in contract language, funding conditions, and procurement audits…. Read more »

Why AI-Ready Data Centers Require High-Voltage Busbar Design

Data Centers and acquiring the high-voltage Copper Bus Bar material needed to build them.

When most people think about what makes a data center work, they picture rows of servers, blinking status lights, and miles of fiber optic cable. What’s less visible, but just as critical, is the electrical infrastructure underneath. For decades, the question of how power gets from the grid to the equipment that actually runs the… Read more »

3 Trends in Grid Modernization from the DTECH Floor

Three D Employees at the DTECH Three D Metals booth in San Diego

What a whirlwind the last few days have been in San Diego at DTECH 2026! From the bustling exhibitor floor to deep-dive technical sessions, the energy this year was palpable. As always, this jam-packed show was a lot to take in. For the utility, data center, and power gen sectors, the conversation is no longer… Read more »

2026 Metals Outlook: 4 Trends to Watch

Row of rolls of aluminum

The metals landscape of 2025 was marked by volatility and uncertainty. We saw copper and aluminum prices tethered to shifting trade policies and the first major waves of AI infrastructure planning. We also witnessed record nominal highs for copper, driven by concerns over potential tariffs. As we enter 2026, the conversation is changing. The theoretical… Read more »

Why Metal Coil Quality Matters in Data Center Transformers

Electrical transformer

When it comes to powering the digital world, data centers rely on one thing above all: consistency. Every server, rack, and cooling system depends on reliable power distribution — and transformers are at the heart of that process.  But not all transformers, or the coils inside them, are created equal. The quality of the copper… Read more »

Copper vs. Aluminum: How To Choose The Right Metals For Data Center Infrastructure

Copper vs. Aluminum

Data centers operate on enormous amounts of energy. Power distribution systems must be able to handle high loads with minimal losses while maintaining consistent uptime. Conductive metals like copper and aluminum are essential in this process because they enable the reliable transfer of electricity from utility sources through switchgear, bus bars, cabling, and ultimately to… Read more »

Copper: Benefits, Products, and How We Use It

Copper

Copper, a metal known for its diversity and longevity, plays a critical role in numerous industries. While its applications are wide-ranging, a significant portion of demand, particularly for Three D Metals’ clients, is the power industry. Keep reading to learn more about copper metal, what it’s used for, its versatile properties, and more.   Key… Read more »

Data Center Sustainability: How Advanced Materials are Leading the Charge

Data center

Data centers are the heart of our digital world, powering cloud computing, e-commerce, communication, and data processing. It’s no surprise that they use a lot of energy! Designing data centers to be more sustainable isn’t just the environmentally responsible choice – it’s a smart business strategy that leads to reduced costs, improved reliability, and better… Read more »

The Backbone of Modern Connectivity: How High-Performing Transformers Power Data Center Success

High voltage power transformer substation

Data centers are the backbone of our interconnected world – physical centers that store, process, and transmit data. From the servers that process and manage data to the routers and switches that facilitate data transmission, data centers power cloud computing, e-commerce, online communication, and more.  As more people work from home and advancements in AI… Read more »

The Latest Switchgear Trends and Innovations

Electrical switchgear

The switchgear market is rapidly growing due to the increased demand for data centers, driven by the surge in electricity consumption and the expansion of urban areas. As cities continue to develop and industries like AI and digital technology require more power, the strain on existing electrical infrastructures is becoming increasingly apparent. This growing pressure… Read more »