What is the case material for the Storm Case and why is it better?
The Storm Case is an injection-molded case. Storm Cases utilize a new HPX® high performance resin. This protective shell protects beyond various competitor materials and has shown that during internal testing the impact resistance of Storm Case HPX® resin outperforms the competition. Some competitors use a blowing agent in the shell molding process that aids in reducing material shrinkage in thick sections of the part, however the downside is that bubbles and small voids form in the part that can cause failures when the case suffers impact. Besides offering better impact resistance, Storm Cases average 12% lighter in weight compared to the competition in an apples to apples full product line comparison
What are the differences in Storm Case Press & Pull latches versus the competitors?
The Press & Pull latch designed for the Storm Case is very different and very easy to use. It is mechanical in nature and allows for a strong, snap fit, and an easy release at the press of a button. Initial internal tests on pull strength alone show a significant performance benefit for this latch. The Storm Case latch performed admirably to 900 pounds of pressure while the competitor latch failed at only 450 pounds of pressure. Additionally, competitor case latches generally utilize one-piece or complicated multi-piece ABS plastic latches that use a pure compression fit to close the case. Problems arise in re-opening these cases. The fit is so tight that releasing the latches is not only difficult, but so much pressure is accumulated that when they do release they spring up at great speed and often impact the users hand. The market name for these latches is very descriptive of the issue, "Knuckle Busters".
What is the Vortex® valve and how does it work?
The Vortex® Valve is an automatic pressure relief valve that regulates air with changing altitude and temperature, while keeping water out. Storm Case pressure equalization vents (Vortex® valves) are the result of a unique molded housing and a special "Gortex" gas-permeable micro-porous membrane that can repel liquids and micro-particles while allowing gas (air) molecules to pass right through the membrane. Liquids, dust and dirt particles are repelled while pressure differentials are automatically equalized by the exchange of air through the membrane. The self-regulating Vortex® valve is completely automatic, as there are no buttons to push or moving valve parts.
What if the application requires an airtight case, what should I use?
When an airtight, (non-breathing) Storm Case is needed, use Storm Cases's manual pressure relief valve. The valve is closed for shipment and storage but may be opened to relieve pressure differentials before opening the catches. The manual valves of the competitors offer no visual indication from a distance whether the valve is open or shut with no locking function, so potentially the valve can be screwed completely out of the case. The Storm Case system is different and again, demonstrably superior. The manual valve is designed to turn 180 degrees to either purge or seal the case, and the knob acts as a pointing device to allow the operator a very easy view as to the open or closed position of the valve.
What is the difference between the Storm Case handle and the competitors?
A main feature that distinguishes the Storm Case handle from the competition is the comfort grip. We utilize an over-molding process that places a softer, durable cushioning layer on top of an ultra-stiff, ultra-strong core to provide a soft comfortable grip without compromising strength. The competitors only offer a one piece fixed or folding handle(s), usually made of ABS plastic, which is functional but hard to the hand and will lead to early fatigue if carried for any length of time with sufficient load. Also, cosmetically the Storm case handle presents a high tech finished appearance.
What are the features and benefits of the extended handle and wheels?
To enable ease of transport some of the cases feature inline wheels and extended handles, the cases with these features are referred to as the Storm Trak® Series. The extended telescoping handle simply extends or hides and locks away with the simple push of a button. The Storm Case extended handles are sleek, high strength, and wide tubular designed. Competition either offers big, bulky or thin-rod designs. Also, our in-line wheels are shielded bearing rugged urethane wheels offering long-life of smooth operation for transport. The core of the wheel is made from nylon and the outer 'tread' or 'tire' is made from polyurethane. The outer tire provides a smoother quieter rolling action than if it were hard plastic. The shielded ball bearing wheels are low-friction , which means rolling the case for long distances is easier because there is less drag than in a wheel that has plain bearings.
What is the difference in the Storm Case hinge compared to the competitors?
The Storm Case utilizes a unique hinge configuration. It consists of a three-point hinge that uses two pins. The pins are inserted from opposing sides of the case and extend within a channel through the first two hinges into the middle one. The structure is significantly stronger than the two-point hinge and stronger and more attractive than the "piano hinge". Also, the entire backside of the case is designed to further protect the hinges and allow for a stable flat base for the case to stand upright.
Why don't the hinge pins fall out?
The hinge pins are press fitted into the case while the case is hot, so as the case material cools, it compresses around the pins. Since the pins are bigger than the slot, they cannot fall out or be pulled out. Plus the hinge pins have a center block stop to prevent the pins from being pushed out by force once they are installed. This added security feature of the hinge pins prevents any potential of the hinge coming loose or the case falling apart.
What are the "teeth" by the latches inside the Storm Case?
There is a small area inside the case under each latch that has been engineered to aid in anti-shear movement. As the case closes and is latched shut, these small teeth molded into the case interlock and provide a further level of protection to the case to avoid any potential of separating horizontally if the case was dropped on its edge
What is the standard foam supplied with the Storm Case?
All Storm Case products are offered in foam or no foam configurations. The 2lb polyurethane foam of the Storm Case product is offered in multi-layers to enable easy customization. The iM2050-3075 models consist of multilayer cubed foam that enables the user to pull out cubes as needed for customization. The iM3100-3300 models offer solid foam layers which can easily be customized with a blade.
What is the warranty for the Storm Case?
The Storm Case comes with a warranty for life against defects in workmanship and breakage under normal use conditions. The cases are guaranteed to be watertight. Please see the full Storm Case Lifetime Warranty for complete details, which is included with each case.
What tests or specifications do the Storm Case products meet?
The Storm Case meets several military, ATA, and federal specifications. For a complete individual list of these specifications, please see below.
TEST
Drop Test
Specifications Met
FED-STD-101C, Method 5007.1, Paragraph 6.3, Procedure A, Level ATests are superceded and concurrent with ASTM B 4169, DC-18, Assurance Level I, Schedule A.
Description
A series of 26 drops, one on each corner, edge, face, from 19" to 30", depending on the gross weight of the case with loads of 15 lbs to 70 lbs (depending on case size)
TEST
Falling Dart Impact
Specifications Met
ATA 300, Category I, "General Requirements for Category I and II Reusable Containers"
Description
A dart weighing 13.22 lbs with a 1.25" hemispherical end was dropped on each case from 19.68"
TEST
Vibration (loose cargo)
Specifications Met
FED-STD-101C, Method 6009Tests are superceded and concurrent with ASTM B 4169, DC-18, Assurance Level I, Schedule F.
Description
Each case was vibrated for 20 minutes per axis. 1-inch peak to peak at approximately 4.50 Hz
TEST
Vibration(sweep)
Specifications Met
ATA 300, (Jan 15/96) which states in Appendix II, B.4This test also exceeds the specifications listed in MIL-std-648C and may also fulfill ISO 8318 and ISO 2247
Description
"Vibration Test for Category I containers - Vibration tests shall be conducted on Category I containers in accordance with ASTM Designation D-999, Procedure B, within the range of 5 to 50 cycles per second for a period of not less than two (2) hours."
TEST
Simulated Rainfall
Specifications Met
MIL-STD-810F, method 506.4, Procedure II of 4.1.2. FED-STD-101C Method 5009.1, Sec 6.7.1Tests are superceded and concurrent with ASTM B 4169, DC-18, Assurance Level I, Schedule H.
Description
Four inches of rain per hour for 20 minutes each side.This was followed by a 4-hour test at 4" per hour on the top, with the case initially heated to 18°F higher than the water temp.
TEST
Immersion
Specifications Met
MIL-STD-810F, method 512.4
Description
A 1 meter (3.281 feet) immersion for 1-hour, with the case initially heated to 40°F higher than the water temperature.
What is a bezel kit?
Storm Case bezel kits are supplied as an aluminum rectangular frame system for mounting the equipment into the case's base or lid at various heights. Bezel and panel mounts are used for a variety of applications. A standard use is to contain and mount electronic, test and measurement equipment within the case to be utilized as control device or data collection unit.
What are the differences between the Storm Case bezel kit and the competitors' bezel kits?
The Storm Case bezel/panel mount incorporates molded corner pieces that will fit at any depth within the case, and utilizes extruded aluminum for the bezel sides. These aluminum sides screw directly to the side of the case (rubber "o"-rings are used to keep the unit water tight). The panel is screwed directly to the bezel. This offers greater flexibility for placement in the case, and much better durability in case of impact. Some competitors offer plastic rectangular bezels with threaded screw provisions or metal triangular shaped bezels with threaded screw provisions screwed or welded to the interior that will only fit at one specific depth within the compatible case
What kind of paint could be used to apply to the case surface?
For stenciling on the case surface, we recommend that a 2-part epoxy ink be utilized. Flame treating should be done prior to application.
What glue is recommended to adhere to the multiple components on the Storm Case line?
For bonding foam-to-foam utilize a 3M Spray 90 adhesive (a contact type adhesive). For bonding foam-to-shell utilize a 3M Spray 90 adhesive, it is recommended that the shell is flame treated prior to application of adhesive. Do not flame treat foam.
Will Salt Spray effect the springs in the Storm Case latches?
Today, worldwide customers are utilizing Storm Cases in various salt-water applications. A very corrosion resistant stainless steel material is used for the latch spring and will not rust.
ANY QUESTIONS UNANSWERED PLEASE EMAIL US
EMAIL ADDRESS :
sales@tvcases.co.uk
or call 01902 764000