COLLARING
TEC-220
- 8 outlets formed on the TEC-220
- 8 × Ø60.3 outlets in the example
- Ø88.9 run tube
T-DRILL · DATA CENTER
Tube and manifold prefabrication for data centre liquid cooling
Process cooling water (PCW) and liquid cooling systems require repeatable manifolds, outlets and flanged ends made in a controlled process. TARGA assesses the workpiece in Poland, selects T-DRILL technology and arranges trials or a proof of concept before the investment decision.
up to 80%time and cost savings cited by T-DRILL for collaring and flanging in data centre prefabrication
up to 40%time savings for flanging compared with a weld-neck flange connection, according to the manufacturer
5 htotal manufacturing time for the example manifold in the official T-DRILL 2026 brochure
4typical cooling architectures identified by the manufacturer
The figures above come from manufacturer materials and describe specific examples or the potential of the technology. They do not guarantee the same result for every application.
PROCESS COOLING WATER
Where does T-DRILL fit into cooling system prefabrication?
We break the manifold, header or skid down into individual operations and assess which are suitable for a repeatable off-site process before choosing a machine.
COLLARING
Outlets without separate tee fittings
The outlet neck is formed directly from the run tube. T-DRILL identifies the TEC-220, S-80 and SEC-115 as solutions used in data centre systems, depending on geometry and production scale.
T-DRILL tube collaring →FLANGING
Flanged ends formed from the tube
The F-420e and F-200 form the flange directly from the tube end. In a suitable application, this can reduce the need for separate weld-neck flanges and some welding operations.
T-DRILL tube flanging →T-INWELD
Welding where it is still required
T-InWeld welds from inside the tube. The manufacturer identifies this technology for applications where internal surface quality and joint repeatability are important.
APS / AUTOMATION
Positioning long manifolds
For multiple repeatable outlets, we can assess automatic positioning and integration of subsequent prefabrication stages.
The PCW system defines the requirements.
Selection depends on material, diameters, wall thicknesses, outlet count, connection standards, quality requirements and production volume. Current technical ranges for individual models are available on the manufacturer’s website.
Typical cooling architectures identified by T-DRILL
D2C
Direct-to-Chip / Cold Plate
Hydronic circuits and coolant distribution to high-density equipment using repeatable manifolds and headers.
IMMERSION
Immersion cooling
Piping and skids for heat exchange and coolant distribution within the cooling system.
RDHx
Rear Door Heat Exchangers
Coolant distribution to heat exchangers fitted to server rack doors.
HYBRID
Liquid-to-Air
Systems combining liquid circuits with air cooling components.
MACHINE SELECTION
From a flexible workstation to series manifold production
TEC-220
A flexible solution for large manifolds and a wide range of collaring applications. It can operate with an automatic positioning system.
Current TEC-220 specifications ↗S-80
A fully automatic machine for fast, repeatable applications and series production.
Current S-80 specifications ↗SEC-115
An automatic solution for manifolds with multiple outlet diameters and automatic tool changes.
Current T-DRILL products ↗F-420e
Fully electric, programmable flanging with servo technology for suitable flanged connections.
Current F-420e specifications ↗F-200
A solution for cold and hot flanging, also suitable for lower-volume projects.
Current F-200 specifications ↗T-InWeld
Automated welding from inside the tube where the process still requires a welded joint.
T-DRILL Data Centers ↗EXAMPLE FROM THE T-DRILL 2026 BROCHURE
One data centre manifold: TEC-220 + F-420e
The official T-DRILL data centre material shows a manifold with an Ø88.9 mm run tube and eight Ø60.3 mm outlets. The manufacturer states a total manufacturing time of 5 hours, assuming one operator runs both machines.
FLANGING
F-420e
- 10 flanges formed on the F-420e
- 9 tube sections in the complete manifold
- 8 gas-shielded welds, as stated in the source material
Total time in the manufacturer’s example: 5 hours.This result applies to a specific manifold and working arrangement. T-DRILL notes that additional operators or more automated machines can change the manufacturing time.
How do we assess a data centre project?
1
Drawing and system architecture
Manifold, skid or piping section, material, tube standard and connections to the rest of the system.
2
Operation mapping
We count outlets, flanged ends, welds and positioning steps, and assess setup time and quality control.
3
Technology selection
We compare collaring, flanging, positioning and any required welding with the customer’s current process.
4
Proof of concept and ROI
If the project shows potential, we verify the workpiece and compare process time, costs, quality and scalability.
Related application: process piping
Data centres are one application where assessing the complete prefabrication process can be more useful than considering an individual machine.
Process piping and prefabrication →What should you send for assessment?
- drawing of the manifold, header, skid or piping section;
- material and tube standard;
- run tube and outlet diameters and wall thicknesses;
- number and position of outlets;
- end configurations and flanged connection standard;
- current manufacturing method and approximate number of welds;
- quality and acceptance requirements;
- production volume, batch size and target cycle time.
Have a manifold or skid for a data centre?
Send the geometry and details of your current process. We will assess which operations are worth comparing with T-DRILL technology and whether trials are needed.
FAQ
Is T-DRILL only relevant to liquid cooling?
No. The manufacturer identifies applications in several data centre cooling architectures, including direct-to-chip, immersion, rear door heat exchangers and hybrid systems.
Does collaring eliminate all welds?
No. Forming an outlet can reduce separate fittings and some welding operations, but the branch connection depends on the specific design.
Is an F-420e always needed?
No. The F-420e is one flanging solution. The manufacturer also offers the F-200 for other ranges and production volumes. Selection depends on geometry and project requirements.
How do we start a project?
Start with a drawing of an actual manifold or skid. This allows us to map operations, select technology and decide whether a proof of concept is worthwhile.
Technical sources: the official website T-DRILL Data Centers ↗ and the T-DRILL Data Centers brochure dated 16 February 2026. We verify the scope and results for each project using the workpiece and a proof of concept.