Category 01 / Hard plastic cases
Plastic Protective Cases
A protective case has to answer one question: does the equipment fit, stay put and survive being carried. We build ours as injection-moulded PP or ABS shells with a hinged lid, latches and a configurable interior, and we quote them by internal size rather than by marketing name.
01 / What this category covers
Definition, scope and limits
Plastic protective cases are hard-shell carrying cases with a hinged or detachable lid, closed by latches and carried by a handle. They protect equipment that is moved by hand between storage, workplace and customer site: measuring instruments, test equipment, electronic devices, hand tools, cameras and accessories.
This page covers cases moulded in PP or ABS by injection moulding. Larger volumes that must be rolled are listed under wheeled cases; boxes for static storage or parts handling are a different product family and we say so rather than folding them in here.
02 / From the model library
Documented Models in This Family
Model codes are our internal mould identifiers, shown exactly as they appear on the tool record. The bracketed number is the sales reference. Dimensions are published per model only after the measured fact sheet is approved.
0-1204 (011)
Hand-carried case, two latches, red handle, empty moulded cavity.
6-2109 (901)
Small instrument case with cut foam interior and accessory bay.
8-3514 (806)
Large base case for equipment plus accessories; bottle shown for scale.
1-4710 (117A)
Mid-size family, shown with pick-and-pluck foam in three colours.
161 models are documented across series 0 / 1 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 and trolley. Tell us the device size and we shortlist from the whole library, not only the models published here.
03 / Comparison
Case Type Comparison for Buyers
| Type | Structure | Typical use | Interior options | Tooling status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-carried protective | Single shell + hinged lid, 2 latches, fixed handle | Instruments, small electronics, tool sets | Empty · pluck foam · cut EVA | Existing moulds |
| Mid-size equipment | Deeper base, 4 latches, shoulder-strap points | Test kits, cameras, multi-device sets | Multi-layer foam · EVA trays | Existing moulds |
| Large / wheeled | Wheels, telescopic or fixed handle, reinforced corners | Heavy or multi-item loads, events, site work | Custom cutout · divider trays | Existing + trolley series |
| Custom geometry | New tool designed to the device and packing line | OEM product supply, branded retail packaging | Designed with the tool | New mould (~125 d) |
Hardware we can vary
Handle type and position, latch count and material, hinge style, stacking ridges, feet, pressure valve, cable port, shoulder-strap points, label plate, wheel and telescopic handle sets. Availability depends on the mould.
Interior we can vary
Pick-and-pluck foam, flat-cut foam, CNC-cut EVA, moulded EVA, multi-layer with lid protection, divider trays, document pockets, elastic retainers. Send the device shape and we propose the layout.
04 / How an order runs
From Enquiry to Despatch
- 01 · You send application, required internal dimensions, quantity and any drawing or photo.
- 02 · We shortlist existing models and return measured dimensions, photographs and the applicable MOQ.
- 03 · If nothing fits, engineering reviews a custom route and states tooling cost and lead time separately.
- 04 · Sample stage: colour, interior and fit approved on a physical sample before the order.
- 05 · 30% deposit → production → inspection → balance → EXW or FOB despatch.
05 / FAQ
Outer vs inner dimensions — which do I send?
Send the device's own outer size and, if you have one, the inner size you need from the case. Never quote a case by its outer size when comparing to a device: walls, latches and the insert all take space. Usable depth = inner depth − insert thickness.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes. For existing moulds we can supply a case sample, with or without a first insert layout, so fit can be checked on the real device. Sample and courier cost are agreed before shipping.
Is there a standard colour?
Black and grey are the usual stock colours for these moulds; blue, orange, green and red are produced on request. Custom colour normally has its own MOQ because of material changeover.
Do these cases float or keep water out?
We do not state that. Buoyancy and water ingress depend on model, gasket, valve and lid closure, and we would need a test report for the exact configuration to say anything specific.
What about spare parts later?
Latches, handles and hinges are wear items. Ask at quotation stage which hardware you want to be able to reorder, and we record it against the model.
Related: Foam vs EVA inserts · Existing mould vs new tooling · PP vs ABS