Rugged cases protect equipment from knocks and bumps

When it comes to protecting high value electronics, test and measurement equipment and instrumentation devices from knocks and bumps, or for transporting goods safely, design engineers may be unaware of exactly what's available from suppliers and just how innovative some of the cases can be. Take Glossop-based company Peli Products for example, which specialises in crush-proof cases. The cases are designed to float on water, are dust-proof and corrosion-proof. A panel frame mounting system is available for all Peli Protector Cases to install interface electronic panels. The frame fits inside the case wall and is securely fastened with stainless steel screws, which fit into pre-drilled holes. An o-ring gasket seals the panel so that the case remains watertight even with the lid open. The cases can also include foam inserts or padded divider systems for protecting against impact, vibration or shock. The cases are manufactured from a very light structural resin shell that does not dent and feature an extra thick wall construction. The cases also have an automatic purge valve to release pressure in the event of atmospheric changes, as well as new dual action latches to make opening and closing easier. The Protector Cases come in 22 sizes and carry a very enticing 50-year total unconditional warranty. The cases have been used by NATO armed forces and during one of the recent Iraq War conflicts when a US helicopter was shot down, one of the few items that survived the impact was a Peli 1650 case that contained, amongst other things, explosives. QED Design & Manufacture, a packaging design company based in Maidstone, has purchased thousands of Peli's cases over the years. Andrew Richardson, director at the company told Eureka: "The cases are very well suited to small to medium sized components that we have to package for our customers. We supply to the MOD mainly, which means the cases could be left on an airfield or dockside in the pouring rain for days at a time. We therefore need to be sure that the packaging meets the specification for world-wide distribution without us having to re-invent the wheel. We therefore use Peli cases regularly and so far we have made no warranty claims for the product."