Dongkuk Coated Metal develops color steel sheet that fights condensation in AI data centers

Dongkuk Coated Metal, the coated color steel sheet arm of Dongkuk Steel Mill Group, said Thursday it has developed a new high-performance color steel sheet called DK Shield that combines condensation delay, vibration damping and anti-mold functions in a single product.

Condensation on metal surfaces is a significant maintenance concern for industrial facilities, as it can trigger corrosion and mold growth that degrades electrical insulation and creates safety hazards. Dongkuk Coated Metal said it achieved the multi-function product by applying specialty functional coatings and multilayer coating technology that simultaneously delays condensation, absorbs vibration and suppresses mold.

DK Shield's condensation delay performance is 10 times that of conventional products, according to testing by the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR). The result is particularly relevant for AI data centers, which consume large amounts of power and require heavy-duty air-conditioning systems and distribution panels. Temperature differentials between the interior and exterior create a high risk of condensation near air-handling units and cable ducts, and water droplets that accumulate in confined spaces can cause corrosion, contamination and equipment failure.

The product's vibration damping performance is twice that of conventional products. Testing by the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) found that a standard product recorded a loss factor of 1.12 percent, while DK Shield reached 2.13 percent — meaning it more effectively absorbs external shocks and vibration energy, contributing to the stable operation of vibration-sensitive equipment and industrial facilities. Dongkuk Coated Metal said it has secured a KS D 0076 test certificate for vibration damping performance to reinforce the product's technical credibility.

The anti-mold function adds a hygiene dimension to the product. Dongkuk Coated Metal conducted anti-mold testing under the international standard ASTM D5590 and obtained an accredited test certificate verifying the function. The company said DK Shield is suitable for industrial buildings where maintaining a sanitary environment is critical, including livestock facilities.

Dongkuk Coated Metal said it is also exploring the use of DK Shield as a functional material in automotive interior components and parts, citing its vibration damping properties. The coating structure has been designed so that condensation control, vibration damping and anti-mold functions can be applied in customized combinations depending on each customer's intended use and performance requirements. The company said it plans to develop DK Shield as a differentiated high-value industrial product and expand its application areas by identifying new demand.

"This is a multi-functional color steel sheet that brings together three capabilities in a single product using world-leading technology," said Choi Woo-chan, head of the Dongkuk Coated Metal research center. "It is particularly suited for air-conditioning ducts in AI data centers, where managing condensation and vibration is critical, and we expect it to find wide use across various industrial facilities going forward."

Choi added that the company's goal is to expand its presence in the high-value color steel sheet market with differentiated products optimized for each customer's operating environment and performance needs.

Meanwhile, Dongkuk Coated Metal recently held its "Metal Trend 2027-28" event at Ferrum Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, presenting design directions and new products set to lead the architectural and home-appliance color steel sheet market over the next two years.

Color steel sheets are steel panels coated with colors, patterns and textures, used in building interiors and exteriors as well as home appliance casings. Dongkuk Coated Metal has been releasing design trend forecasts every two to three years since its first event in 2019, and this year's edition marked the fifth installment.