About The Case Industry
There are many types and styles of shipping and carrying cases. Determining which case is best for you and your products depends on many factors, and not every case can provide the ideal solution for your requirements. Case durability, size and fit, weight, pricing, options, and appearance are all important considerations. When choosing a case, make sure you work with someone who has your best interests in mind and isn’t just concerned about selling you a specific brand. Some times an “off the shelf” case may be your best solution, other times a “made to order” case will result in a better fit, better protection, and more attractive appearance.
At Bel-Air Cases, we will help you determine if our cases are the most appropriate for your requirements. If not, we’ll help you find another source. In the meantime, here is a brief guide to help you learn more about the world of transit cases.
Case Type
About the Process
Durability
Available Sizes
Ability to Customize
Cost
Advantages
Disadvantages
BEL-AIR
Vacuum-formed
Plastic shells
are “vacuum formed”
from sheet plastic,
trimmed to the desired
height, then the
valance and hardware
is added
HIGH
Many
Many
HIGH
$$
Ability to
customize
Available
sizes
Not ideal for
deep drawn cases
Roto-Molded
Plastic shells
are “roto-molded”
from “liquid” plastic.
Hardware is added
secondarily.
VERY HIGH
Some
LOW
$$$
Durability
Heavy
Injection Molded
Plastic shells
are “injection molded”
from “liquid” plastic.
Hardware is part of
the case.
HIGH
Few
VERY LOW
$$
Waterproof
Availability
Limited Sizes
Aluminum
Aluminum shells
are fabricated or
pressed from sheet
aluminum or composite.
Valance and hardware
are added secondarily.
MEDIUM
Many
MEDIUM
$$
Initial
appearance
Easily dented
or scratched
Fabricated
Laminated woods
or composites are cut
to size and assembled
using aluminum brackets.
Valance and hardware
are added secondarily.
MEDIUM
Unlimited
VERY HIGH
$$$
Unlimited sizes
and alternative
configurations.
Very Heavy
Blow Molded
Plastic shells
are “blow molded”
from “liquid” plastic.
Hardware is added or
can be part
of the case.
LOW
Many
LOW
$
Economical
Availability
Only available
in smaller
sizes.