Choosing the Perfect Material

Posted on Posted in: Categories Custom Cases

When it comes to protecting, carrying, and enhancing your product with a custom case from Tetrafab, choosing the perfect material is crucial to the look, feel, and durability of the case. This process can sometimes be a little daunting, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. The material you choose should directly relate to functionality of your product. The end user, how they intend to use the case, and the conditions they will be using it in typically dictate which material will be the best fit. Normally function trumps style, but we will help you get the function you desire and make it look great too. We are going to go through a list of our most commonly chosen materials, list some pros and cons, and provide some examples and application possibilities for each one. Keep in mind, our material options are nearly limitless, and  our descriptions here are kept very general with the idea that our Industrial Design or Project Management team can help you narrow it down to the perfect application of material to your requirements.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Thermal Formed Foam

A thermal formed foam EVA case is perfect for protecting delicate products. If you have expensive electronics, precise measurement devices, or a product with components that need an extra level of protection, we would highly recommend a custom EVA case. We create a custom tool that forms the outer case and inner trays into shapes that are built to fit your
EVA caseapplication. The EVA foam provides a semi-rigid construction while adding cushion to the case. We can laminate your custom EVA cases with leather-like PVC or woven material such as polyester or nylon, complete with your company’s logo. Also, our proprietary lamination process creates better adhesion of cover material to the formed foam, increasing durability and allowing for more custom design options. With the added ability for custom foam inserts and sewn in pockets, customizing the case is to fit your unique product is easy.

Pros: Extremely protective, a lower up front investment in tooling than with hard cases, stylish, water resistant, portability, custom foam inserts options, pliability

Cons: More expensive than soft fabric cases, some tooling costs required for manufacturing

Applications: Sunglass cases, binoculars cases, cd cases, medical cases, test and measurement device cases, just to name a few

Nylon


Nylon is a great material to use for cases that need to allow the user to access their product easily, such as holsters for measurement devices , backpacks, or shoulder 
bags. It is soft, lightweight, and to some degree self-healing. Our nylon is available in wide range of denier counts, which is a term that describes the weight of the thread that is used; the higher the denier count is, the more the material weighs. As with all of our materials, applying your company’s logo onto the case is simple and can be achieved in a number of ways, including screening and rubber stamping.

Pros: Low cost, manufacturability and shorter lead times, no tooling costs, more design and customization options, weather resistant, water resistant w/PVC backing, easily cleaned, scratch resistant, more color options, lightweight, stretchable, mildew resistant, extremely durable

Cons: More expensive than polyester

Applications: Backpacks, shoulder bags,  holsters, laptop bags, electronics sleeves, handheld scanner cases, camera cases

Polyester

Polyester is the cheaper alternative to nylon, but the two are nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye.  Like nylon, it is also available in a wide range of denier counts. Depending on the device and application, polyester can provide ample protection and is durable enough to hold up to everyday use in normal conditions. Polyester also absorbs moSoft casere color than nylon and fades less easily due to the fabric’s liquid absorption rate of less than 1%.

Pros: Less expensive than nylon, resists pilling, wrinkle resistant, extremely durable, easily washed and dried, fade resistant

Cons: Not as strong as nylon, will not float

Applications: tote bags, messenger bags, backpacks, lanyards, laptop bags, device sleeves, camera cases

Neoprene

Custom Neoprene CaseNeoprene is typically very flexible, so it is often used when a case needs to be form fitting while providing shock protection. When we refer to neoprene, we are actually referring to a laminate that includes neoprene rubber that has been laminated to lycra or some other flexible fabric. Since it is a laminate with built-in padding, it simplifies the construction process. This material is perfect for boat gear and other instruments that are exposed to extreme weather because it doesn’t break down when exposed to the elements. As with all of our products, the neoprene can be laminated to obtain a unique color with a wide range of textures, and adding your company logo is simple.

Pros: Environmentally rugged, natural shock absorption, stretchable, very durable, customizable colors and thicknessbuoyant, temperature insulation

Cons: Relatively expensive, not resistant to tears or punctures, heavy

Applications: Thermal cases, fish finders, GPS devices, scuba gear, boating equipment, cellular devices, hunting gear

Polypropylene

Polypropylene, known as “non-woven” material in the textile industry, has a bumpy, waxy feel, and is often used in promotional products such as tote bags and beach cooler bags. Due to it’s porous composition, tiny details or thin lines in intricate logos can get lost or distorted. If you’re looking for something affordable or a great marketing
polypropylene bag tool, polypropylene is the way to go, since it is typically used for give-away or disposable items where low cost is a driving factor.

Pros:  Water repellant, shrink resistant, mildew resistant, buoyant, inexpensive, insulated, washable, fade resistant

Cons:  Not very durable, may warp or fade when exposed to prolonged UV rays

Applications: Beach/pool bags, cooler bags, drawstring backpacks, tumblers, tote bags, pill boxes

PU Leather (Artificial leather)

PU leather is a manmadepuleather material engineered to look and feel like genuine leather. This style of faux leather is great for those who want the look and feel of a genuine leather case for a much lower price point.

Pros:  Cost competitive, looks like genuine leather, available in many colors, scratch resistant

Cons:  Somewhat heat sensitive, not as wide a temperature range as genuine leather, less durable the genuine leather

Applications: Briefcases, luggage, wallets, purses, handbags, holsters, planners, car seats, golf bags, phone covers, IPod/IPad covers, laptop covers

Genuine Leather (Soft or Hard)

The look and feel of genuine leather is unmistakable. Whether you want to add maximum value to your unique product, or create a custom case that will really wow genuine leatheryour customers, genuine leather will certainly deliver. We have a variety of grains and styles to choose from, all of which can be customized with your company logo. The downside here is the cost. Leather is by far the most expensive material we offer, and due to the inconsistency in the hides and the large amount of scrap that’s created, calculating costs can be very challenging. For these reasons we usually recommend PU leather for mass production orders, but if you’re looking for the highest quality material for your product, genuine leather may be the right choice for you.

Pros:  Superior quality, extremely durable, aesthetic appeal, NAFTA trade advantages

Cons:  Expensive, tooling costs, not water resistant, longer lead times

Applications: tool belts, wallets, holsters, briefcases, handbags, purses, saddles, luggage, phone holsters, golf bags

3 thoughts on “Choosing the Perfect Material”

  1. Goodmorning,

    I am in the process of starting a wallet company. I am curious to see if your company is willing to make custom wallets? Such as adding materials with-in the layers of wallets? Also, what is the minimum requirment for unit orders?

    Please let me know,
    Thank you,
    –LCD–

  2. I am looking to get a design on a wallet. I have one with images that I can send over. I would like to get some info on working with your factory.

    Please contact me.

    Scott Hart
    801.232.8302

  3. I have just started my own business and developed a line of Medical and Aromatherapy Custom Carring Cases and seek a skilled manufacturer to bring my products to market.
    At present I only have 3D renderings of the cases.

    Thank you

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