Plastic Cases: Hard Shell Protection

what is a hard plastic case

Hard plastic cases are used for the storage and shipping of sensitive equipment, including military equipment, police equipment, and rescue equipment. They are also used for personal items and gear. Hard plastic cases can be manufactured through injection molding, roto molding, and thermoform molding. They are durable, waterproof, and versatile, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They can be customized to include features such as waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and foam interiors.

Characteristics Values
Durability High
Protection Robust protection against heavy impact
Use cases Shipping and storage of sensitive equipment, including military equipment, police equipment, fire and rescue equipment
Size Available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to large
Customization Customizable in terms of size, color, and features
Features Waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, handles, latches, hinges, wheels, locks, zippered compartments, see-through mesh pockets, foam interior
Manufacturing process Injection molding, roto molding, thermoform molding

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Injection-moulded hard plastics

The plastic is forced into the mould using a ram or screw-type plunger. The mould consists of two primary components: the injection mould (A plate) and the ejector mould (B plate). The plastic resin enters the mould through a sprue or gate in the injection mould. The sprue bushing seals tightly against the nozzle of the injection barrel of the moulding machine, allowing molten plastic to flow into the mould cavity.

The amount of clamp force needed depends on the projected area of the part being moulded. The larger the part, the higher the clamping force required. The type of plastic material used also affects the force required, with stiffer plastics requiring more injection pressure and clamp tonnage. Moulds are typically constructed from hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy.

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Roto-moulded hard plastics

Roto-moulding is ideal for prototyping and production runs, offering flexibility for projects ranging from small, intricate designs to large, complex parts and assemblies. Many shapes that can be produced through this method are impossible to create using other techniques. Additionally, hardware can be moulded-in for strength and durability, which is not possible with other plastics moulding processes.

There are several types of materials used for roto-moulding, each with its own unique properties. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is durable, has high tensile strength, and offers good impact and puncture resistance. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is strong, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive, making it suitable for supporting complex designs and large products. Polypropylene (PP) is a durable plastic with a high melting point that can withstand cold-temperature applications and is resistant to stress. Static-dissipative polyethylene (PE) is recommended for electrical and electronic applications as it does not generate a hazardous electrical charge.

Roto-moulding offers several advantages over other moulding processes. It employs a low-pressure process, allowing for the creation of uniform walls without the thinning that is common in other processes. Additionally, the moulds used in roto-moulding are often more cost-effective to produce than those used in injection, structural, compression, and thermoforming processes.

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Thermoform-moulded hard plastics

Plastic thermoforming involves heating a sheet of semi-finished thermoplastic to make it more flexible, and then applying pressure or a vacuum to stretch it over an engineered mould to create a 3-dimensional shape. The main types of plastic thermoforming are vacuum forming and pressure forming. Vacuum forming involves heating a 2-dimensional thermoplastic sheet, which is then positioned over a custom mould, and the air is evacuated between the heated sheet and mould, creating a vacuum that pulls the material onto the surface of the mould. Pressure forming is similar, but instead of using a vacuum, pressure is applied to the sheet to create the desired shape.

The thermoforming process is advantageous as it is faster and more cost-effective than other plastic manufacturing processes such as injection moulding. Thermoforming can produce thinner and lighter parts, and the tooling investment is significantly lower than for injection moulding. Additionally, the process is highly versatile, with the ability to manufacture parts for a wide range of applications. Thermoformed plastic parts are also lighter than steel, aluminium, and fibreglass counterparts, and can be made with excellent resistance to stress, heat, impact, and chemicals.

Common plastics used in thermoforming include polypropylene (PP), which is the most commonly used plastic in terms of volume, as well as PET, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), ABS, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylic.

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Customisation options

Hard plastic cases are a protective, cost-effective, and secure way to store and transport products. They are frequently used for carrying cases for items such as cameras, laptops, and other electronics, as well as for shipping cases for military equipment, police and fire rescue equipment, and large cargo.

Custom hard plastic cases can be tailored to meet your exact requirements in terms of quality, function, and style. You can either customise an existing case or create a completely new design. Here are some customisation options available:

  • Size: Hard plastic cases can be customised to the exact size you need, ranging from small cases for delicate electronics to large cargo cases.
  • Interior: The interior of the case can be customised with features such as foam inserts, mounting flanges, dividers/trays, and literature pockets to securely hold your equipment in place. You can also opt for a Pick N Pluck foam interior that allows you to customise the fit for your equipment. Alternatively, blow-moulded plastic cases can be designed with moulded interiors to hold parts in place without the need for a foam insert.
  • Exterior: The exterior of the case can be customised with features such as removable lids, nameplates, adhesive labels, and shoulder straps. You can also choose from a range of standard or custom colours.
  • Hardware: Depending on the type of case, you can add hardware such as solid stainless-steel latches, durable hinges, handles, and wheels to enhance the functionality and portability of the case.
  • Branding: For business purposes, you can add brand customisations such as logo plates and moulded logos.
  • Protection: Hard plastic cases can be made watertight, airtight, dustproof, and impact-resistant to provide superior protection for your equipment.

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Durability and use cases

Hard plastic cases are designed to be durable and protective, with many use cases across a range of industries. They are often chosen for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, with some types being suitable for heavy-duty applications. For example, high-impact polypropylene (PP) is commonly used for heavy-duty applications, while polycarbonate is favoured for its transparency and scratch resistance.

The versatility of hard plastic cases is a key advantage. They can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes, from small component cases to larger items like car panels. They are also used for shipping and storage, with some being designed to be stackable. This makes them ideal for businesses that need to transport or store sensitive equipment, such as military, police, fire and rescue services.

Hard plastic cases are also commonly used for personal items, such as phone cases, and for outdoor activities and sports equipment. Rugged cases, for instance, are designed for robust protection against heavy impact and are often used outdoors or in industrial settings. These cases may also have additional features like waterproofing and dustproof capabilities.

When selecting a hard plastic case, it is important to consider the specific needs of the items being stored and the conditions under which they will be used. For instance, if waterproofing is a crucial requirement, a case with this feature should be selected. Cases can also be customised to specific requirements, such as adding foam interiors to protect equipment.

Frequently asked questions

A hard plastic case is a protective case made of tough plastic that is durable, waterproof, and versatile.

There are a few types of hard plastic cases, including injection-molded, roto-molded, and thermoform molded (also known as vacuum-formed).

When selecting a hard plastic case for business use, it is important to consider the specific needs of the products being protected, as well as the environmental conditions they will be used in. Evaluate the durability and resistance of the case material to ensure it can withstand the expected wear and tear.

Hard plastic cases are ideal for shipping and storage of sensitive equipment, including military equipment, police equipment, fire and rescue equipment, and industrial components. They can also be used for personal items such as phones and cameras, as well as for outdoor activities or sports equipment.

There are several companies that offer hard plastic cases, including AmeriPack, PFC Cases, and Nanuk. Alibaba.com also offers a wide range of options and connects businesses with suppliers.

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