Materials Matter: Part 2 — Aluminum: The Magical Metal for Custom Cases

They can keep out frequencies and interference.

If aluminum material is the magician, aluminum cases are the NFL interceptors of the electronics transport world. The right customizations make electromagnetic, radio and high-frequency interference no match for the aluminum case.

They have an incredible strength-to-weight ratio.

This is certainly the most famous feature of this amazing metal. The density of aluminum is only 0.094 to 0.101 lb./in³ (2.6 to 2.8 g/cm³)—approximately one-third the density of steel. Light as feathers and strong as oxen, aluminum cases can be engineered to provide unparalleled protection for heavy items without adding a lot of extra weight.

They’re easy to decontaminate.

This lesser-known trait is why aluminum is often a preferred material for transport in biohazardous and corrosive environments. The material’s smooth, non-porous surface is also emission-free, making aluminum cases a cinch to sterilize.

They’re impervious to rust, corrosion and UV radiation.

Sunlight has no effect on aluminum. And, when exposed to oxygen, the material develops an oxide layer that immediately reforms if damage does occur. These features make aluminum cases perfect for items requiring long storage periods in the elements.

They’re easy to machine.

Aluminum was born to be milled, drilled, ground, cut, welded and molded. This machinability makes it easy to add handy features like power and cooling ports, fans, automatic and manual pressure-release valves, and moisture monitors to these cases—allowing them to act as protective machines all their own.

Custom Case Group has standard aluminum cases manufactured by top companies like Zarges in over 200 sizes, but thanks again to aluminum’s machinability, these cases are simple to manufacture in custom sizes as well. Aluminum cases also lend themselves to exterior customizations like paint, logos and labeling, crane adapters, stands, wheels and casters, locks and specialized reinforcement.

To learn more about the fascinating world of custom aluminum case manufacturing, visit our Aluminum Custom Cases Page.