Designing custom cases for new electronics comes with some unique challenges. Portable electronics have become more compact and durable over the years. But, these products still require protection from shock and the elements. In addition, you may need to allow for uniquely shaped equipment or devices with multiple appendages and accessories.
Ready to successfully design a case for your portable electronic equipment? Check out these 8 portable electronic case design do’s and don’ts.
Portable Electronic Case Design Do’s
Most of the do’s in designing portable electronic cases are fundamental to designing any carrying case. However, they involve specific considerations for this class of product. Here are five things you should do while designing portable electronic cases.
Do Illustrate All Your Design Concepts in a Drawing or Draft
All designs start with a visual concept. It serves as the blueprint for designing and manufacturing your portable electronic case. If you are more comfortable drawing with a pencil and paper, start there. Eventually, skilled and experienced designers like Tetrafab’s team will refine your sketch and transfer it to a 3d CAD file.
Do Take Accurate Measurements
Even if parts of your portable electronic equipment are still in the design phase, you can still get accurate measurements of the main dimensions of the case. Since the slightest vibrations can harm portable electronic equipment over time, you should ensure to accurately measure the length, width, and height of the exterior and interior of your cases. Also, measure the dimensions of the portable electronic equipment and the accessories, such as power supplies and attachments.
Do Work Closely with Your Case Manufacturing Design Team
A carrying case design team like Tetrafab’s gives you many years of product-specific experience in developing carrying cases. They have designed cases for almost every industry, and for all sorts of portable electronic equipment. In addition, a professional design team can offer valuable insight into specific aspects of designing cases for portable electronics.
Do Consider the Purpose of Your Cases
Narrowing down the purpose and function of your carrying cases is crucial to designing the best case for your portable electronic equipment. This decision will determine the style and overall design of your case.
For example, if you design a portable electronic carrying case for athletic trainers for professional sports teams, your end product must provide maximum protection and portability. Also, it must be capable of enduring all sorts of weather, handling, and storage conditions. The style of this type of case may be less crucial to your design than the style of a case that you’ll be using to showcase new products at a trade show.
Do Choose the Appropriate Material
Once you’ve pinpointed the purpose of your cases, it will be easier to choose the right material for your portable electronic cases. Portable electronic equipment is very susceptible to moisture, dust, and corrosive elements. For this reason, many case designers use hard materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl. On the other hand, the purpose of your cases may lean more toward portability, requiring more flexible materials like nylon, neoprene, and polyester.
Portable Electronic Case Design Don’ts
Committing one of the following don’ts in designing portable electronic cases can cost you money, utility, and functionality.
Don’t Overlook Carry Case Add-Ons
As you work on your portable electronic case design, you should be careful not to exclude essential add-ons that make your cases perform better. Depending on the purpose, your cases may need special handles, locks, casters, or extra exterior pockets. It is worth the time to consider any helpful accessories before you execute the first large production order.
Don’t Forget Interior Padding
Since excessive vibration and shock can damage portable electronics, not including interior padding could be a costly oversight. Along with preventing your equipment from moving, foam inserts section off various components to avoid collision and contamination from batteries or containers with fluid.
Tetrafab’s designers can customize inserts for any application while ensuring the foam cut meets the precise dimensions of your equipment. This step is beneficial if your cases must endure the demands of frequent travel and other rough conditions.
Don’t Neglect Environmental Concerns
Portable electronics can be susceptible to heat, moisture, and dust. So, you should not forget to make case design decisions to protect your equipment against environmental factors. As a result, you must decide whether your cases should be airtight, water resistant, dust resistant, insulated, or a combination of the four.
EVA, PVC, and neoprene are water resistant enough to handle most damp environments. Plus, these materials dissipate heat very well. In addition, soft-sided cases have the capacity to endure harsh weather conditions because they are water and dust-resistant.
Developing Custom Portable Electronic Cases You’ll Love to Use
Keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind can help you develop custom portable electronic cases that you and your customers will love to use. Partnering with an expert design partner/case manufacturer helps as well.
If you want to find out more about working with a reputable case design partner, contact Tetrafab Custom Cases.
