Carrying Cases

Case Study:Color Test Kit

The Challenge

A leading company in color control systems came to Source to redesign their color test kit. The existing case was wood and had four wood trays holding the color chips.

The Response

The client wanted a bold new look to bring their case into the 21st century - our aluminum case provided the desired look. Molded plastic trays with clear lids were proposed instead of the wood trays, which would allow the color chips to be seen when the case is open.

The Solution and Results

Source designed and manufactured a low profile smooth aluminum case with chrome hardware. A four color label is attached to the front of the case. The base of the case is lined with EVA polyethylene foam while charcoal polyurethane foam in the lid secures the thermoformed color chip trays. Each tray is thermoformed from black matte HIPS, with a clear lid allowing colors to be viewed while secure within the tray. The base and lid of the tray are CNC cut to provide a clean, smooth edge. CNC cutting increases individual unit prices, but eliminates the necessity for additional tooling. The color chips are arranged in color sequence in the trays, covered and placed into the carry case.

View Other Related Case Studies

Case Study:Medical Device Instrument Case

The Challenge

A California-based spinal company relied on flimsy corrugated packaging and commercially-produced dunnage to protect their anatomically-driven instrumentation. They came to Cases By Source to explore more effective alternatives and, in the course of sending their equipment for measurement, experienced first-hand proof of their need for cases: The tools were damaged in transit.

The Response

To protect the client’s sensitive equipment, we suggested a durable but portable case that would guarantee protection and still offer the aesthetics of a sales demo kit. The Pelican 1510 Carry-On Case pairs durable, lightweight construction with a travel-friendly design that meets FAA carry-on size regulations—a perfect solution for this client’s needs.

The Solution

Using our sophisticated structural design tools, we measured each piece of equipment in order to determine the most sensible layout for the custom interior. We then created 3D computer models of the instruments and proposed interior to provide the customer with a quick snapshot of the case before production commenced. For this client, we fabricated a closed-cell cross-linked, routed-foam custom insert to secure the items and display them in an efficient order inside the watertight, crushproof and dustproof case. This foam is available in a variety of densities with rich color saturations. For brand recognition and informational purposes, we added a scratchproof, personalized label to the exterior and a literature pouch was secured in the lid.

View Other Related Case Studies

Case Study:Military Camera System Case

The Challenge

A specialist on active duty for the National Guard Security Force Platoon, wanted to custom build a “Combat Crewman Camera System” for mounting on armored military tactical vehicles and use in various missions and training procedures. He came to us with a napkin sketch and a fixed budget.

The Response

We chose the watertight, crushproof and dustproof Pelican 1490 for its durable construction and locking latches that would ensure a tight closure during transit and not disturb the top-mounted cameras. We also designed a custom foam interior shaped to secure the many components of the client’s creative AV system.

The Solution

The project was a collaborative effort: We engineered the custom foam interior to meet the client’s specifications for the delicate audio and visual components. He did the rest: He mounted multiple XLR connectors on the case and added handles for immobilization during transit and to allow him to open the case without disturbing the camera positions. He also installed several camera pedestal mounts on the case for maximum visibility at a wide range of angles and added other modifications to protect the case from moisture.

To complete the system, the client purchased an Otter Waterproof Case (OC-1000) and converted it into an SD card holder. He also customized a Pelican 1400 (PC-1400) for use as a support case. It stores the rest of the camera system parts, including the mounting brackets, the Otter case with the SD cards, and the camera pedestal extension mounts.

View Other Related Case Studies

Case Study:Aluminum Tool Control Case

The Challenge

Our Internet presence inspired an Amsterdam-based lighting and special effects company to contact us about customized tool cases for use on one of Europe’s largest cruise lines. The customer had been using boxes to tote their delicate instrumentation. What they needed was a dedicated line of tool cases — 250 per year to be exact — to organize their maintenance tools for portability and efficiency.

The Response

The client had already reviewed our product lines and expressed interest in our Aluminum Cases, specifically the Alumiwrap offerings. The beauty of Alumiwrap cases is that they are a custom solution, always designed to the customer’s specifications.

The Solution

The client wanted an “emergency yellow” case with black hardware, including key latches, a strong handle, a specific size case to fit into a special compartment, and lid-stays for easy inventory and retrieval. Based on designs provided by the client, we manufactured an Alumiwrap case (can be customized to a wide variety of sizes easily) to their requirements, and designed three foam inserts, each of which required detailed water jet cutting—the best option for such intricate, precise work. The three HDPE lift out inserts were secured inside the case for easy accessibility, efficient organization, and quick inventory and tool control.

View Other Related Case Studies

Case Study:Firearms Manufacturer Plastic Case

The Challenge

When their original case supplier went out of business, a manufacturer approached Source with the challenge of duplicating their existing case on a firm budget, with only a two-week lead time. Without a case, the client’s production would grind to a halt; customer dissatisfaction would be unavoidable and the financial impact would be crippling.

The Response

A longer-lead time would have allowed our sales engineers to design a custom foam interior, a specialty at Source. However, the ticking clock mandated an alternate approach: We did a thorough audit of the existing case and presented the customer with an educated breakdown of foam-filled, protective stock case solutions.

The Solution

Our large selection of stock cases made it easy to provide a solution that was almost identical to the customer’s original case. We shipped a prototype to the customer via overnight mail and received an order the following morning for 2500 units. Within a few days the customer’s cases were delivered—on time, within budget and without disruption or financial impact. Our approach to this emergent situation impressed the clients and inspired them to place a blanket order (with monthly releases) for the cases. We now also provide the client with a branded vinyl label for application to the case prior to shipping from the factory. Giving their logo this heightened visibility has improved the company’s brand recall and customer recognition in the marketplace. View Other Related Case Studies

Case Study:Medical Instrument Trade Show Display

The Challenge

Representatives from a leading medical device company wanted to combine a sales demo case with a trade show display case to make a convenient and portable carrying case for comprehensive presentations. The case had to be large enough to hold literature and a variety of medical tools and it also had to account for the delicate nature of its contents and the client’s need to effectively showcase them.

The Response

Our stock cases proved too big and unwieldy for this project so we chose an Alumiwrap case for a compact, custom footprint and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

The Solution and Results

The case exterior was silkscreened with two PMS color-matched logos for branding and the interior was lined with foam to fit two solid maple trays. Each tray held a custom foam insert routed to the precise measurements of the instrumentation and was laser engraved with the company’s logo and product description. Handles were cut into the bottom tray for easy removal and access to the client’s literature hidden beneath. The top tray was designed with a tapered angle to better showcase the client’s display in the open case. To secure the client’s smaller instruments, a piece of Plexiglas was friction fit into the foam for protection and an added visual effect—a finger notch was cut for removal of the plastic. View Other Related Case Studies