When it comes to protective cases, the go-to options for many people are often Peli moulded waterproof cases or custom-built flight cases. However, there’s a lesser-known hero in the world of protective cases – the aluminium container.
In this guide, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of aluminium cases, shedding light on their often-overlooked features and why they might be the ideal choice for specific industries or applications.
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Aluminium container options
While several manufacturers produce aluminium cases, names like Bott and Maxado are well-known.
However, the most commonly associated brand with aluminium cases is Zarges. Renowned for their ladders and work platforms, Zarges offers a diverse range of aluminium cases, including the popular K470 and Eurobox ranges.
These cases differ mainly in the use of metal or plastic components for handles and stacking corners.
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Additionally, there are customised aluminium cases tailored for specific purposes, such as Kit Skips for sports equipment transport, Rack Mount cases, and containers for hazardous goods like lithium batteries.
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By GlobalDataWhile there are also aluminium flight cases, it’s worth noting that their performance may be lower compared to pre-fabricated cases or trunks.
13 surprising advantages of aluminium cases
1. Light weight
One of the standout features of aluminium containers is their exceptional lightness. Despite being lightweight, aluminium cases, like those from Zarges, maintain high strength and rigidity.
With a density roughly one-third of steel, aluminium cases offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This makes them ideal for scenarios where transportation costs or the need to handle bulky items are crucial considerations.
2. Water/vapour resistance
Aluminium’s impermeability to vapour ensures that moisture cannot seep through the surface of cases made from this material. Welded constructions further enhance resistance to water vapour, and coupled with seals in the lid, aluminium cases become completely water tight.
This feature makes them an excellent choice for applications like transporting sports training equipment, widely used by Premier League football clubs.
3. Corrosion resistant
Contrary to common belief, aluminium cases will not rust. The surface of the aluminium oxidises, forming a protective layer that shields the case from further damage.
This resistance to corrosion makes aluminium trunks and containers suitable for industries exposed to sea and saltwater, such as offshore oil and gas, military/naval applications, and recreational activities like yachting and fishing.
4. UV ray resistant
Unlike moulded plastic cases, aluminium remains unaffected by prolonged exposure to UV rays. The material does not degrade in terms of colour, appearance, or surface lustre, making aluminium cases an excellent choice for use in hot climates.
5. Excellent strength/impact resistance
Despite their lightweight nature, aluminium cases offer superior fracture toughness compared to many other protective case materials. This results in resistance to impacts, mechanical breakage, and fracturing.
The surfaces may dent upon extreme impact, but the force is absorbed, providing robust protection for the case’s contents.
6. Resistant to extremes of temperature
Aluminium cases exhibit a broad operational temperature range, from -80°C to 150°C. Unlike plastic cases that may become more fragile at low temperatures, aluminium cases maintain their tensile strength without loss of ductility.
This versatility makes them suitable for use in polar expeditions and hot climates.
7. Heat dissipation
With high thermal conductivity, aluminium efficiently dissipates heat from devices stored within protective cases.
This property, along with its high light reflectivity, makes aluminium cases suitable for housing electronics and the safe transit of lithium batteries.
8. Non-magnetic
Aluminium containers are non-magnetic, providing a safe storage solution for metal tools, components, and equipment. This property is crucial for safeguarding electronics, audio-visual equipment, and other applications sensitive to electromagnetic fields.
9. Anti-static/conductive
As an excellent conductor of electricity, aluminium cases are ideal for protecting electronics, static-sensitive devices, and modern computers. Their high electrical conductivity-to-weight ratio makes them effective for RFI/EMI shielding and controlling electrostatic discharge.
10. Easy to clean
The smooth surfaces of aluminium cases make them easy to clean and hygienic. This, coupled with their resistance to moisture, makes them a preferred choice for transporting sports equipment and medical applications.
11. Safe/inert
Aluminium cases offer properties such as non-toxicity, odourlessness, non-absorption, non-sparking, and non-flammability. These characteristics make them suitable for clean rooms, medical applications, and the safe transit of lithium-ion batteries.
12. Customisation
Aluminium cases offer a wide range of customisation options, from specific components to specialist finishes. They can be enhanced with bespoke foam inserts, engineered inserts, and additional features like bezel kits.
This flexibility makes aluminium cases suitable for diverse applications.
13. Recyclable
An eco-friendly choice, aluminium is fully recyclable. At the end of a case’s life, it can be melted down and reused, contributing to reducing the strain on raw materials and lowering carbon footprints.
At COP28, industry partners collaborated to set a near 100% recycling target of aluminium by 2050.
The takeaway for aluminium containers
Aluminium cases present a multitude of benefits, making them a versatile choice for various applications.
Their unique combination of properties, from being lightweight and water-resistant to offering excellent strength and recyclability, sets them apart in the world of protective cases.
Consider aluminium cases when other options might not perform as well, and unlock their hidden potential for your specific needs.
