Protective Case Glossary: 150+ Terms Explained

ABS

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a rigid, impact-resistant plastic used for some molded cases and for the outer laminate on many road cases.

Related: Road Case Panel, Polypropylene (PP)

Accessory Case

A smaller case or organizer for the cables, chargers, batteries, adapters, and tools that travel with primary equipment.

Related: Lid Organizer

Air Case (Lightweight Case)

A protective case built from lighter shell materials or thinner-wall designs to cut weight while keeping strong protection. Useful when every pound counts for airline travel or hand carrying.

Related: Loaded Weight, Maximum Carry-On Case

Anvil Cases

Anvil and Calzone build heavy-duty road cases for AV, music, flat screen, utility, and rack equipment, including shockmount rack cases. Shop Anvil cases.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case)

ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case)

A heavy-duty transport case built for repeated shipping, touring, and staging, usually with a laminated plywood or composite shell, aluminum edge extrusion, ball corners, and recessed hardware. The name comes from the Air Transport Association packaging specification, but “ATA-style” alone does not mean a case was tested to it.

Related: ATA Spec 300, Road Case Panel, Ball Corners, Butterfly Latch (Twist Latch)

ATA Spec 300

An airline-industry packaging specification for reusable shipping containers. Category I containers are designed for at least 100 round trips, Category II for at least 10, and Category III for a single trip. Ask the manufacturer for the exact category and documentation behind any ATA 300 claim.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case), Reusable Shipping Case

Authorized Distributor

A reseller approved by the manufacturer to sell its products, which helps ensure genuine product, valid warranty coverage, and accurate specifications.

Related: Warranty (Lifetime Warranty)

Ball Corners

Rounded steel or aluminum corner caps on road cases that protect the corners from impact and let cases stack and slide without snagging.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case)

Bel-Air Cases

Bel-Air builds vacuum-formed polyethylene cases, many made to order, for trade shows, displays, and reusable shipping. Shop Bel-Air cases.

Related: Vacuum Formed Case, Expo Case (Trade Show Case)

Bezel Kit (Panel Frame)

An aluminum frame that mounts a flat panel into the lid or base of a case, so electronics, controls, or displays can be installed and operated in place.

Related: Panel Mount

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The shipping document for a freight shipment that lists the shipper, consignee, piece count, weight, and freight class. Note any visible damage or missing pieces on the delivery receipt before signing.

Related: Freight Shipment, LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

Blank Panel

A flat rack panel that covers unused rack spaces, keeping dust out and giving the front of a rack a finished look.

Related: Rack Unit (U, RU)

Butterfly Latch (Twist Latch)

A rotating, recessed latch used on road cases. The handle folds flat into a dish, and turning it draws the lid and base together; many include a padlock hole.

Related: Latch, Recessed Hardware, Padlock Hasp

CAGE Code

A five-character Commercial and Government Entity code that identifies a supplier to U.S. government buyers. The Specialty Cases CAGE code is 1MJB0.

Related: Government Purchasing, NAICS Code

Carrying Case

A protective case sized and fitted for moving equipment by hand, shoulder strap, or wheels rather than by freight.

Related: Wheeled Case

Case Finder

The Specialty Cases tool for matching cases to your equipment. Enter dimensions, laptop count, rack units, or screen size, and it lists cases by usable interior space, closest fit first. Open the Case Finder.

Related: Interior Dimensions, Usable Interior Space

Case Sizing

Matching equipment dimensions, foam clearance, accessories, and handling needs to a case’s interior and exterior dimensions. Follow the Case Sizing & Measurement Guide.

Related: Equipment Envelope, Foam Clearance, Interior Dimensions

Caster Cup (Stacking Cup)

A recessed pocket on a case lid that receives the casters of the case stacked on top, keeping a stack aligned during storage and transport.

Related: Caster Wheels, Stackable

Caster Wheels

Swivel or fixed wheels mounted under a case or on a removable caster board to move heavier cases. Check the caster load rating against the loaded weight of the case.

Related: Inline Wheels (Edge Wheels), Load Rating, Caster Cup (Stacking Cup)

Checked Baggage Limits

Airline limits on the size and weight of checked bags and equipment cases. A loaded case over the limit can incur oversize or overweight fees or be refused, so check the airline’s current rules before travel.

Related: Maximum Carry-On Case, Loaded Weight, Pressure Equalization Valve (Purge Valve)

Clamshell Case

A case with a hinged lid and base that opens like a shell, the most common style for molded protective cases and laptop cases.

Closed-Cell Foam

Foam with sealed cells that resist moisture and hold their shape under heavier loads. Polyethylene is the most common closed-cell foam for case interiors.

Related: Polyethylene Foam, Open-Cell Foam

Console Rack (Slant Rack)

A rack case with angled mounting rails so mixers, controllers, and other operator gear sit at a comfortable working angle when the lid is off.

Related: Rack Case

Convoluted Foam (Egg-Crate Foam)

Foam with a peak-and-valley surface, usually in the lid, that presses down on equipment to hold it in place and cushion it.

Related: Foam Insert (Case Foam)

Cooler

An insulated container that keeps food, drinks, samples, or temperature-sensitive items cold during field work, events, and travel.

Crushproof

A claim that a case resists deforming under heavy loads or compression. No single standard defines it, so compare the manufacturer’s stated test method and load.

Related: Impact and Drop Protection, Stackable

Custom Case (Made-to-Order Case)

A case built or configured for a specific application: unusual dimensions, a custom foam layout, special hardware, panel mounts, colors, or branding. Custom cases usually have longer lead times and different return terms than stock cases. Start a custom case.

Related: Stock Case, Custom Foam, Lead Time, Restocking Fee

Custom Foam

Foam cut to the exact shape of specific equipment, so each item has its own pocket. Custom foam gives the best fit, organization, and protection, and makes missing items easy to spot. Compare options in the Custom Foam & Interior Guide.

Related: Die-Cut Foam, Pick and Pluck Foam, Layered Foam (Kaizen-Style Foam)

Declared Value

The value a shipper declares to a carrier, which sets the carrier’s maximum liability if a shipment is lost or damaged. Without it, coverage is limited to the carrier’s default.

Related: Freight Shipment

Desiccant

A moisture-absorbing pack placed inside a sealed case to reduce humidity and condensation that can corrode electronics or fog optics. Replace or recharge desiccant regularly.

Related: O-Ring (Gasket), Waterproof (Watertight)

Die-Cut Foam

Foam cut with a steel-rule die or CNC cutter so every insert is identical. Ideal for repeat orders where many cases must hold the same equipment the same way.

Related: Custom Foam

Dimensional Weight

A carrier pricing method that bills a shipment by its size as well as its scale weight. A large, light case can be billed at a higher calculated weight; each carrier sets its own divisor and rules.

Related: Exterior Dimensions, Parcel Shipping

Divider Set

Padded, repositionable dividers that attach with hook-and-loop strips to create adjustable compartments. Good when the equipment mix changes often.

Related: Custom Foam

D-U-N-S Number

A nine-digit business identifier from Dun & Bradstreet used in vendor setup and credit checks. The Specialty Cases D-U-N-S number is 07-949-6339. Federal SAM registration now uses the Unique Entity ID (UEI) instead.

Related: CAGE Code, Government Purchasing

Dustproof (Dust-Tight)

Protection against dust entering a case. For a measurable claim, look for an IP rating with a first digit of 6, which means dust-tight under the IEC test.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

EIA Rack (19-Inch Rack)

The standard 19-inch rack format, defined by EIA-310, used for AV, IT, broadcast, and communications equipment. Panel width and rack-unit height are standard, but mounting depth and rear support still vary by case.

Related: Rack Unit (U, RU), Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth), Rack Ears

Equipment Envelope

The largest length, width, and height your equipment occupies in the position it will ride in the case, including handles, knobs, connectors, and anything that can’t be removed.

Related: Case Sizing, Foam Clearance

EVA Case

A semi-rigid case molded from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam. Lighter and less bulky than hard cases, it suits smaller electronics, meters, and accessories.

Related: Carrying Case

Expo Case (Trade Show Case)

A case built to ship trade show displays, samples, literature, and demo equipment, and often to double as a podium or counter at the booth.

Related: Bel-Air Cases

Exterior Dimensions

The outside measurements of a case, including wheels, handles, and latches. They determine storage space, vehicle fit, airline limits, and shipping cost.

Related: Interior Dimensions, Dimensional Weight

Flat Screen Case (Monitor Case)

A case that protects monitors, LCD and LED displays, and TVs during shipping and transport. Styles include single and dual screen cases and LCD lift cases. Shop flat screen cases.

Related: LCD Lift Case

Foam Clearance

The space between the equipment and the case walls, lid, and base that is filled with foam. Enough clearance on every side is what lets the foam absorb impact.

Related: Equipment Envelope, Case Sizing

Foam Density

The weight of foam per unit of volume, usually in pounds per cubic foot. Density affects durability and support, while firmness is a separate property, so match both to the equipment’s weight and fragility.

Related: Polyethylene Foam, Polyurethane Foam (Ester and Ether)

Foam Insert (Case Foam)

The foam interior that holds, separates, and cushions equipment inside a case. Inserts range from simple pick and pluck sets to precision-cut custom layouts.

Related: Custom Foam, Pick and Pluck Foam, Foam Clearance

Forklift Riser

Runners or skids under a large case that raise it enough for forklift or pallet-jack tines to slide underneath.

Related: Palletized Freight

Freight Class

A rating from 50 to 500 under the National Motor Freight Classification that LTL carriers use to price freight, based mainly on density, handling, and liability. Lighter, bulkier shipments usually get a higher class.

Related: LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), Dimensional Weight

Freight Shipment

A shipment too large, heavy, or numerous for parcel service, moved by an LTL or truckload carrier, often on a pallet.

Related: LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), Palletized Freight, Liftgate Service, Bill of Lading (BOL)

Gator Cases

Gator builds molded, wood, and sewn cases for audio, video, music, rack, utility, and laptop applications, including Rackworks rack accessories. Shop Gator cases.

Gemstar Cases

Gemstar builds rotationally molded industrial cases, including Stronghold, Sentinel, and RoboRack lines, for demanding transport and rack applications. Shop Gemstar cases.

Related: Roto Molded (Rotationally Molded)

Government Purchasing

Orders from federal, state, and local agencies, schools, and public institutions, which often need formal quotes, purchase orders, vendor forms, and compliance documents. See the government planning guide.

Related: Purchase Order (PO), CAGE Code, Section 889 Compliance, W-9 Form

Gun Case

A case built for firearms, optics, magazines, and related gear, usually with lockable latches. Travel and storage rules vary, so follow current law and carrier requirements.

Related: Padlock Hasp, TSA-Accepted Lock

Half Rack

A rack case or rack equipment that is half the standard 19-inch width, for compact gear such as small mixers, wireless receivers, and network appliances.

Related: EIA Rack (19-Inch Rack)

Handle

The grip used to lift or move a case. Common styles include molded, rubber overmolded, spring-loaded, recessed, and fold-down handles. Large cases often have handles on more than one side for two-person lifting.

Related: Telescoping Handle (Retractable Handle)

Heavy-Duty Case

A case built for heavy equipment, frequent handling, and rough shipping environments, typically with thicker walls, reinforced hardware, and casters or forklift access.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case), Impact and Drop Protection

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

A tough, chemical-resistant plastic used for vacuum-formed and rotationally molded cases. It flexes on impact rather than cracking.

Related: Vacuum Formed Case, Roto Molded (Rotationally Molded)

HPRC

HPRC cases are made in Italy by Plaber from a lightweight resin and carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Shop HPRC cases.

Related: Warranty (Lifetime Warranty)

Impact and Drop Protection

How well a case and its interior protect equipment from drops, bumps, and rough handling. It depends on the shell, the foam, the clearance around the equipment, and its weight and fragility, not the case alone.

Related: Shockproof, Foam Clearance, Shock Mounting

Injection Molded

A process that forms case shells by injecting molten plastic into a steel mold. It produces precise, repeatable shells with molded-in hinges, latches, and seals.

Related: Roto Molded (Rotationally Molded), Polypropylene (PP)

Inline Wheels (Edge Wheels)

Wheels set into one edge of a case, like a rolling suitcase, so the case can be tilted and pulled with a telescoping handle.

Related: Telescoping Handle (Retractable Handle), Caster Wheels

Inside Delivery

An extra freight service where the carrier brings the shipment inside the building instead of leaving it at the dock or curb. Service limits and charges vary by carrier.

Related: Liftgate Service, Limited-Access Delivery

Interior Dimensions

The inside length, width, and depth of a case. For lidded cases, depth is often given as base depth plus lid depth.

Related: Usable Interior Space, Lid Depth, Exterior Dimensions

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

A two-digit code under IEC 60529. The first digit rates protection against solids and dust (6 is dust-tight), and the second rates water protection. A rating applies only to the configuration the manufacturer tested.

Related: IP65, IP67, IP68, NEMA Rating

IP65

Dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. IP65 does not cover immersion.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection), IP67

IP67

Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion, tested at 1 meter for 30 minutes under IEC conditions. Many waterproof hard cases are IP67 rated when properly closed with an undamaged seal.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection), IP68, Waterproof (Watertight)

IP68

Dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion beyond IP67 conditions. The depth and duration are set by the manufacturer, so check them for the specific product.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection), IP67

Label Holder (Shipping Plate)

An exterior pocket, frame, or plate on a case for shipping labels, ID cards, asset tags, or packing lists.

Laptop Case

A case that protects one laptop for travel or field use. For several laptops, see multiple laptop case. Shop laptop & iPad cases.

Related: Multiple Laptop Case

Laptop Slot Dimensions

The length, width, and thickness of each foam slot in a multiple laptop case. Compare them with your laptop’s closed dimensions, including any protective shell, before ordering.

Related: Multiple Laptop Case

Latch

The hardware that holds a case closed. Common types include double-throw latches, trigger-release latches, butterfly (twist) latches, and keyed or padlockable latches.

Related: Butterfly Latch (Twist Latch), Trigger-Release Latch, Padlock Hasp

Layered Foam (Kaizen-Style Foam)

Foam made of thin bonded layers that can be cut and peeled to a chosen depth, giving a cleaner do-it-yourself fit than pick and pluck foam.

Related: Pick and Pluck Foam, Custom Foam

LCD Lift Case

A road case with a built-in lift that raises a flat screen out of the case for display and lowers it back for transport.

Related: Flat Screen Case (Monitor Case)

Lead Time

The time between order approval and shipment. Stock, quantity, custom foam, and made-to-order construction all affect it. Custom work typically ships in about 2–3 weeks.

Related: Custom Case (Made-to-Order Case)

Lid Depth

The usable depth inside the lid of a case. It matters for foam layouts, lid organizers, and equipment that sits partly in the lid.

Related: Interior Dimensions

Lid Organizer

Zippered pockets or panels mounted inside the lid for cables, documents, tools, and small accessories.

Related: Accessory Case

Lid Stay

A hinge support that holds the lid open at a set angle, keeping it from slamming shut or swinging too far.

Liftgate Service

A freight service using a powered platform on the truck to lower shipments to the ground. Needed when the delivery address has no loading dock.

Related: Freight Shipment, Inside Delivery

Limited-Access Delivery

A carrier classification for locations where freight access is restricted, such as schools, military bases, government buildings, and construction sites. It often adds a surcharge.

Related: Freight Shipment

Lithium Battery Shipping

Laptops, tablets, and many devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which carriers and airlines regulate. Rules cover packaging, labeling, state of charge, and whether devices can travel as checked baggage, so confirm current requirements before shipping or flying with loaded cases.

Related: Multiple Laptop Case, Checked Baggage Limits

Load Rating

The maximum weight a case, caster, handle, shelf, or rack is designed to carry. Compare it with the loaded weight, not just the equipment.

Related: Loaded Weight, Caster Wheels

Loaded Weight

The total weight of the case, equipment, foam, and accessories. Use it to plan lifting, wheels, vehicle loading, airline limits, and shipping.

Related: Load Rating, Dimensional Weight

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

Freight service for shipments that don’t fill a whole truck, combined with other customers’ freight. Large cases and bulk orders often ship LTL on a pallet.

Related: Freight Shipment, Freight Class, Palletized Freight

Maximum Carry-On Case

A case sized to the largest carry-on dimensions many airlines allow. Carry-on limits vary by airline and aircraft, so confirm before travel.

Related: Checked Baggage Limits

Military Grade

Marketing language with no fixed meaning unless it’s tied to a named specification, test method, and result, such as specific MIL-STD-810 procedures.

Related: MIL-STD-810

MIL-STD-810

A U.S. Department of Defense standard of environmental test methods, such as drop, vibration, immersion, and temperature. The current revision is MIL-STD-810H. It has no single pass/fail certification, so a claim should name the methods and procedures used.

Related: Military Grade

Molded-In Hinge

A hinge formed as part of the case shell, often with a full-length metal pin, for a strong connection between lid and base.

Related: Injection Molded

Multiple Laptop Case

A wheeled hard case with individual foam slots that carries several laptops or Chromebooks at once. Specialty Cases builds its own on SKB and Pelican cases, holding 2 to 20 laptops. Shop Specialty Cases multiple laptop cases.

Related: Laptop Slot Dimensions, Tablet Case (Multiple iPad Case), Specialty Cases (Brand)

NAICS Code

A North American Industry Classification System code that identifies a business’s industry for procurement and reporting. Specialty Cases is listed under 326199, All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing.

Related: CAGE Code

Nanuk

Nanuk, made by Plasticase in Canada, builds injection-molded protective cases with a limited lifetime warranty. Shop Nanuk cases.

NEMA Rating

A National Electrical Manufacturers Association enclosure type for electrical equipment. NEMA types and IP ratings use different tests and don’t convert one-to-one.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

Net 30 Terms

Payment terms where the invoice is due 30 days after it is issued. Approved business, school, and government buyers can apply for Net 30 terms.

Related: Purchase Order (PO)

Open-Cell Foam

Soft foam with connected cells, usually polyurethane. Common for lid foam and pick and pluck foam; it can absorb moisture, unlike closed-cell foam.

Related: Polyurethane Foam (Ester and Ether), Closed-Cell Foam

O-Ring (Gasket)

The rubber seal in the lid or base that makes a case watertight and dust-tight when latched. Keep it clean and undamaged, since the case’s rating depends on it.

Related: IP Rating (Ingress Protection), Waterproof (Watertight), Pressure Equalization Valve (Purge Valve)

Padlock Hasp

A reinforced loop or hole on a latch or case body for a padlock or security seal. Many cases have two, one at each latch.

Related: Latch, TSA-Accepted Lock

Palletized Freight

Freight strapped or wrapped to a pallet so it can be moved by forklift. The pallet adds size and weight to the shipment.

Related: LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), Forklift Riser

Panel Mount

Mounting a control panel, display, or electronics directly into a case so equipment can run without being removed. Usually done with a bezel kit.

Related: Bezel Kit (Panel Frame)

Parcel Shipping

Ground or express service through package carriers such as UPS and FedEx for individually handled boxes and cases. Size and weight limits apply; larger cases move by freight.

Related: Dimensional Weight, Freight Shipment

Parker Cases

Parker Plastics has made molded polyethylene shipping and carrying cases since 1967, in SC, SW, and TSW series with standard and take-off lids. Replacement parts are available through Specialty Cases. Shop Parker cases.

Pelican Products

Pelican builds protective cases for military, industrial, public safety, and professional use, including the Protector, Air, Storm, and Vault lines. Injection-molded Pelican cases carry a limited lifetime warranty. Shop Pelican cases.

Related: Warranty (Lifetime Warranty)

Pick and Pluck Foam

Foam pre-scored into small cubes that you remove by hand to shape pockets around your equipment. Quick and inexpensive, but less precise than custom foam. Plucked foam can’t be put back, which can affect returns.

Related: Custom Foam, Layered Foam (Kaizen-Style Foam), Restocking Fee

Polyethylene Foam

A firm, closed-cell foam (often sold under brand names like Ethafoam) used for custom inserts and heavier equipment. It resists moisture and holds its shape.

Related: Closed-Cell Foam, Foam Density

Polypropylene (PP)

A tough, lightweight, chemical-resistant plastic used for most injection-molded protective cases, often as a high-strength copolymer.

Related: Injection Molded

Polyurethane Foam (Ester and Ether)

A soft, open-cell foam used for convoluted lid foam, pick and pluck foam, and rack case lining. Ester grades are firmer; ether grades are softer and more moisture tolerant.

Related: Open-Cell Foam, Convoluted Foam (Egg-Crate Foam)

Pressure Equalization Valve (Purge Valve)

A valve that balances air pressure inside a sealed case after altitude or temperature changes, so the lid opens easily without breaking the seal. Some valves are automatic; others are opened by hand.

Related: O-Ring (Gasket), Checked Baggage Limits

Pro Audio Case

A case for microphones, mixers, wireless systems, speakers, and other audio gear, from molded cases to ATA road cases.

Related: Rack Case, ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case)

Purchase Order (PO)

A formal order document issued by a buyer’s organization. Specialty Cases accepts purchase orders at checkout from business, school, and government buyers.

Related: Net 30 Terms, Quote, Government Purchasing

Quote

A written price for specific products, quantities, and shipping, which many organizations need before issuing a purchase order. Request a quote.

Related: Purchase Order (PO)

Rack Case

A case with mounting rails for 19-inch rack equipment, used to transport and operate AV, IT, broadcast, and communications gear. See rack cases and the Rack Case Selection Guide.

Related: Rack Unit (U, RU), Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth), Shock Rack

Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth)

The usable depth for rack equipment, usually measured from the front rail to the rear rail or back of the case. It is shorter than the overall case depth, so leave room for connectors and cable bends.

Related: Rack Rail (Front and Rear), Rack Case

Rack Ears

The mounting flanges on each side of rack equipment that bolt to the front rails. Some equipment also needs rear support.

Related: Rack Rail (Front and Rear), EIA Rack (19-Inch Rack)

Rack Rail (Front and Rear)

The threaded metal rails inside a rack case where equipment is mounted. Front rails hold the rack ears; rear rails support deeper or heavier equipment.

Related: Rack Ears, Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth)

Rack Shelf

A shelf that mounts in rack spaces to hold equipment without rack ears, such as laptops, small boxes, or half-rack gear.

Related: Half Rack

Rack Unit (U, RU)

The standard measure of rack height. One rack unit equals 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), so a 4U case holds 7 inches of rack equipment.

Related: EIA Rack (19-Inch Rack), Rack Case

Recessed Hardware

Handles, latches, and wheels set into dishes in the case surface so they don’t snag or break during handling.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case), Butterfly Latch (Twist Latch)

Removable Rack

A rack frame that slides out of the case shell, so equipment can be installed in a permanent rack and the case reused.

Related: Shock Rack, Static Rack

Restocking Fee

A charge deducted from a refund on certain returns. At Specialty Cases, a 15% restocking fee may apply to customer-specific custom products and to cases with foam the customer has customized. See the return policy.

Related: Return Authorization (RA), Custom Case (Made-to-Order Case)

Return Authorization (RA)

The number and instructions you receive before sending any product back. Returns sent without one may be refused. See the return policy.

Related: Restocking Fee

Reusable Shipping Case

A case designed for many round trips instead of single-use packaging, cutting packaging waste and protecting equipment the same way every time.

Related: Shipping Case (Transit Case), ATA Spec 300

Road Case Panel

The laminated plywood or composite panel that forms the walls of an ATA road case, usually faced with ABS or fiberglass and edged in aluminum extrusion.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case), ABS

Rolling Rack

A rack case with built-in casters or wheels, so heavy rack systems can be moved without lifting.

Related: Caster Wheels, Rack Case

Roto Molded (Rotationally Molded)

A process that rotates powdered plastic, usually polyethylene, inside a heated mold to form a seamless, thick-walled shell. Common for large shipping cases and rack cases.

Related: Injection Molded, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Seahorse Cases

Seahorse builds watertight, crush-resistant protective cases with a lifetime guarantee against defects. Shop Seahorse cases.

Section 889 Compliance

Section 889 of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act bars federal agencies from buying covered telecommunications equipment from certain companies. Vendors certify compliance; the Specialty Cases Section 889 form is available to download.

Related: Government Purchasing, W-9 Form

Server Shipping Case

A shock-isolated rack case built to ship rack servers, storage, and network hardware. Specialty Cases also builds its own. Shop server shipping cases.

Related: Shock Rack, Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth), Specialty Cases (Brand)

Shallow Rack

A rack case with limited mounting depth for short equipment such as power conditioners, wireless receivers, and patch panels. It saves weight and space.

Related: Rack Depth (Rail-to-Rail Depth)

Shell-Case

Shell-Case makes lightweight Hybrid 300 and Hybrid 500 carrying cases. Shop Shell-Case cases.

Shipping Case (Transit Case)

A case built to protect equipment through parcel, freight, vehicle, and air transport. See shipping cases and How to Choose a Shipping Case.

Related: Reusable Shipping Case, ATA Spec 300

Shock Mounting

Isolating equipment from the case with foam, rubber, or spring suspension so less shock and vibration reach it. Essential for sensitive electronics shipped often.

Related: Shock Rack, Impact and Drop Protection

Shock Rack

A rack case whose internal rack frame floats on foam or rubber isolators inside the outer shell, protecting rack equipment from shock and vibration.

Related: Shock Mounting, Static Rack, Removable Rack

Shockproof

A general claim with no single test level. Judge it by the manufacturer’s test method, payload, drop height, and results for the full case and interior.

Related: Impact and Drop Protection, MIL-STD-810

SKB Cases

SKB builds injection-molded and roto-molded cases for military, industrial, AV, and music use, including the iSeries, 3R, and rack case lines. SKB hardshell cases carry a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Shop SKB cases.

Related: Warranty (Lifetime Warranty)

Specialty Cases (Brand)

Our own multiple laptop, multiple iPad, server shipping, and flat screen cases, built on SKB and Pelican cases with interiors we design and cut. They’re guaranteed for life through the SKB and Pelican lifetime warranties. Shop Specialty Cases products.

Related: Multiple Laptop Case, Server Shipping Case

Stackable

Cases designed to stack securely, using interlocking lids, caster cups, or matched footprints, for storage and transport.

Related: Caster Cup (Stacking Cup), Crushproof

Static Rack

A rack case with rails fixed directly to the case, without shock isolation. Lighter and less costly than a shock rack, for rugged equipment or gentle transport.

Related: Shock Rack

Stock Case

A standard case available in set sizes and configurations, usually in stock and faster to ship than a custom case.

Related: Custom Case (Made-to-Order Case), Lead Time

Submersible

Designed to keep water out when fully underwater under stated conditions. Look for IP67 or IP68 and the manufacturer’s depth and duration.

Related: IP67, IP68, Waterproof (Watertight)

Tablet Case (Multiple iPad Case)

A case that protects one or many iPads or tablets. Multiple iPad cases have individual foam slots for classroom sets and device rollouts. Shop Specialty Cases multiple iPad cases.

Related: Multiple Laptop Case

Tax-Exempt Purchase

A purchase by an organization exempt from sales tax, such as a school, agency, or nonprofit. Send your exemption certificate before ordering so tax is removed.

Related: Government Purchasing

Telescoping Handle (Retractable Handle)

An extendable pull handle on wheeled cases that locks at one or more heights and retracts for storage.

Related: Inline Wheels (Edge Wheels)

Trigger-Release Latch

A latch that closes with a snap and opens by pressing a trigger, keeping it from opening accidentally.

Related: Latch

Tripod Case (Long Case)

A long, narrow case for tripods, light stands, survey poles, rifles, and other long equipment.

TSA-Accepted Lock

A travel lock that U.S. airport security can open with a master key for inspection without cutting it.

Related: Padlock Hasp, Checked Baggage Limits

Usable Interior Space

The space actually available for equipment after accounting for foam, lid depth, wheel wells, molded ribs, and hardware. It can be noticeably smaller than the listed interior dimensions.

Related: Interior Dimensions, Foam Clearance

Utility Case

A general-purpose case for tools, kits, instruments, samples, and field gear.

Vacuum Formed Case

A case made by heating a plastic sheet and drawing it over a mold with vacuum. Tooling costs less than molding, so it suits custom sizes and smaller runs.

Related: Bel-Air Cases, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Valance (Extrusion)

The interlocking aluminum edge where the lid and base of a road case meet, keeping them aligned and adding strength.

Related: ATA Case (Road Case, Flight Case)

W-9 Form

The IRS form a vendor provides with its taxpayer identification number for an organization’s vendor setup. The Specialty Cases W-9 is available to download.

Related: Government Purchasing, Section 889 Compliance

Warranty (Lifetime Warranty)

A manufacturer’s written promise to repair or replace defective products under stated terms. Many hard cases, including SKB, Pelican, and HPRC, carry lifetime warranties against defects, but terms differ. See Parts & Warranty Support.

Related: Authorized Distributor

Waterproof (Watertight)

Protection against water entering the case, including immersion, under stated conditions. A meaningful claim cites a rating such as IP67, and relies on a clean, undamaged seal and closed latches.

Related: IP67, Water-Resistant (Weather-Resistant), O-Ring (Gasket), Submersible

Water-Resistant (Weather-Resistant)

Protection against splashes, rain, and humidity, but not immersion. Soft cases and many road cases are water-resistant rather than waterproof.

Related: Waterproof (Watertight), IP65

Wheeled Case

A case with built-in wheels or casters for moving heavier equipment through buildings, airports, and job sites. Compare options in the Wheeled Shipping Cases Guide.

Related: Inline Wheels (Edge Wheels), Caster Wheels

White-Glove Delivery

A premium delivery service that may include scheduled appointments, inside placement, unpacking, and debris removal. What’s included varies by provider.

Related: Inside Delivery