Casebuilders

Casebuilders are craftspeople and firms that design and construct protective cases and enclosures intended to shield sensitive equipment during transport and storage. The term encompasses custom case manufacturing, including flight cases, equipment cases, and soft-sided cases, as well as packaging solutions tailored to specific products. Casebuilders may operate as dedicated shops serving industries such as multimedia production, military contracting, or logistics, or as part of broader packaging and fabrication firms.

Among common materials are plywood and other wood composites, aluminum, plastics, and high-density foams. Construction can range from traditional wood case making to fully engineered metal or composite enclosures, often featuring CNC-machined components, hinges, latches, wheels, handles, and gasketed closures. Internal inserts are typically foam cut to exact contours to immobilize equipment.

The production process typically begins with client consultation and measurements, followed by CAD design or hand drawings, prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and quality assurance. The foam is cut to match devices by hot- or cold-process methods; hardware is installed; finishes may include sealing, labeling, and branding. Some cases are designed to meet protective standards for vibration, moisture, and impact, and may be rated to MIL-STD-810 or IP expectations, depending on the application.

Applications span military and aerospace equipment, professional video and photography gear, musical instruments, scientific instruments, medical devices, and consumer electronics. The field blends carpentry, metal fabrication, and industrial design, with skilled casebuilders often collaborating with engineers, upholsterers, and graphic designers to deliver customized, rugged enclosures.

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