Design transit cases for extreme cold by keeping these factors in mind.
When transporting valuable equipment and sensitive materials in extremely cold environments, having the proper transit case can make all the difference. Cold temperatures can significantly threaten your equipment, potentially causing damage or malfunction. Transit case designers must know how to incorporate specific features to ensure these cases can withstand extreme cold. At Packaging Strategies, Inc., we consider how temperature affects your transit case design. The following features are some of the critical considerations when designing transit cases for extreme cold.
Insulation and Thermal Barriers
One of the most critical features of extreme cold protection is insulation. Adequate insulation within the transit case can help maintain a stable interior temperature, preventing condensation and frost from forming on your equipment. Some common insulation materials include foam, thermoset plastics, or vacuum-sealed panels. Adequate insulation safeguards against temperature fluctuations and helps retain heat generated by the equipment.
Cold-Resistant Materials
When designing your custom transit cases for extreme cold, Packaging Strategies, Inc. will choose materials that can withstand low temperatures without becoming brittle or cracking. High-impact, cold-resistant plastics and metals like aluminum or stainless steel are excellent options. These materials are less likely to warp or break when exposed to extreme cold, ensuring your transit case remains robust.
Weather Seals and Gaskets
Sealing is crucial in preventing cold air from infiltrating the transit case. High-quality weather seals and gaskets should be integrated into the case design to create an airtight and watertight seal. This prevents cold air from entering and keeps moisture out, which can cause corrosion and other damage to the equipment.
Pressure Relief Valves
Cold environments often involve significant temperature fluctuations, leading to pressure differentials within the case. Pressure relief valves allow the transit case to equalize pressure with the external environment without letting cold air in. This feature helps protect your equipment from potential damage caused by rapid changes in pressure.
Heating Elements
When designing transit cases for extreme cold, it’s worth considering incorporating heating elements within the transit case. These elements can be designed to provide low-level, consistent heat to keep the interior temperature above the freezing point. Battery-powered or plug-in heating systems are viable options.
Corrosion-Resistant Case Hardware
In cold environments, humidity and condensation can accelerate the corrosion of case hardware like latches, hinges, and handles. Using corrosion-resistant hardware, such as stainless steel or coated materials, is essential for maintaining the integrity of the transit case over time.
Rugged Exterior Finishes
Consider using durable exterior finishes like powder coating or special paints that can withstand extreme cold and resist chipping or peeling. These finishes also offer protection against abrasion and UV damage.
Custom Foam Inserts
To ensure your equipment remains secure and insulated inside the transit case, custom foam inserts are indispensable. These inserts should be designed to precisely fit the equipment, creating a snug and protective environment.
Ergonomic Case Design
Even in cold conditions, users need to handle the transit case easily. Consider ergonomic handles and grips that can be comfortably operated with gloved hands. This ensures the transit case is user-friendly in cold environments and reduces the risk of dropping cases during transit.
DEPEND ON PACKAGING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR CUSTOM PACKAGING NEEDS
Packaging Strategies has assembled a team with over 100 years of experience in design, engineering, development, manufacturing, and sales. We created the Packaging Strategies Design and Technology Center to create and manufacture complete systems integration packages and container solutions of all sizes and materials for our clientele. Many of these clients are federal agencies or in the private sector. No matter what you need to carry, Packaging Strategies is sure to have the right case for the job. You can view our website here, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.