Guide to Ordering Custom ATA Cases
1 October 2015
If you are thinking about using an ATA case to protect and transport your product, you may be wondering what questions you need to ask to get exactly what you need and want. Our design engineers are trained to listen and work with you to achieve the best possible result for custom ATA cases. When you speak with one of our team members, it is best to be prepared with a sample product or product pictures, dimensions and other key details – and don’t hesitate to be creative. Imagination is the only limit to what’s possible with custom ATA cases.
»Read More What Does the Abbreviation “ATA” Mean?
Factors to Consider
Think about how you plan to use your transit case. For starters, think about the size, shape and fragility of the item or items you are shipping.
What are the dimensions of your product?
It is helpful to know the height, length and width of your item as well as the desired orientation during shipping. Does it need to be upright? Should it lie flat in transit? Are there any unusual shapes that need to be accommodated?
Maneuvering Your ATA Case
How do you plan to use the case and move it around? Will you use casters to push or pull your case in an upright position or do you need skids for heavy duty lifting? Some items are easy enough to carry around like luggage, and options for recessed or telescoping handles are available.
Loading and unloading
How are you planning to load your item(s) into the case? Will you place it by hand or roll it in on a ramp? These can be built into your case for easy loading and unloading. Access doors and lids can be designed to guide the process smoothly and efficiently.
» Read More Tips for Shipping Your High-Tech and Robotic Equipment
Inside Your Case
How would you like to customize the interior of your case. Will you be shipping parts or accessories with your product, such as cords, plugs, marketing materials, etc? Do you need to divide compartments in your case with shelves, drawers, or spaces for different pieces of equipment?
Securing your product
What kind of foam lining will you need to protect your item from shock and vibration? Some fragile items require a great deal of precision foam cutting (the kind that can only be accomplished with complex machinery). Latches can be adhered to the case with or without locks and may be pad-lockable.
Exterior Customization Options
Finally do you want your case to bring attention to your brand? Are there specific colors, artwork or logos you would like to stencil on or affix to your case?
Form and Function
Optimal design for transit cases is the result of a collaborative process between you and your packaging and design engineers. Thinking about these questions ahead of time will help you have a more productive and efficient meeting with your case manufacturer. With some general features in mind, you can work with your packaging partner to create a tailored solution that is limited only by the breadth of imagination.
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