Storm Case iM
Line
Frequently Asked
Questions
A series of frequently
asked questions dedicated to Storm Case products.
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As of September 2007, there are currently 22 different models of various sized Storm Cases. Through continuous innovation and market analysis, we continuously add new models and/or options.
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As the standard offering, many of the stock Storm Case models are available in black, gray, yellow, olive drab, orange (excluding the iM3100, iM3200, & iM3300 which are only available in black and olive drab) and coyote tan (iM2400, iM2950, iM3100, iM3200, iM3300). Also, there are several custom colors you can get for your Storm Case depending on quantities you will be purchasing. For more information on custom colors and stock colors, please contact us. |
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The Storm Case model for your application depends on the size of the contents and sensitivity of the equipment. Generally, it is recommended that you add an additional 1-inch around the content's perimeter dimensions for non-sensitive equipment; and 2 inches around the content's perimeter dimensions for sensitive equipment . This additional space allows for the cubed or custom foam to aid in cushioning, protecting, and securing the equipment.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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There are numerous options you can get for the Storm Case line. We are
constantly updating our offerings to meet the market demands; and if you see anything
that is not available from the below list, please contact us.
Standard Options:
Bezel kits
Aluminum frame system for panel mount applications. Available
installed or shipped loose.
Lid stay
Dual metal bars mounted on internal case sides. Keeps case
securely open.
Lock
Solid brass lock with three user-settable tumblers. By Master
Lock®
Manual purge valve
Manual valve with 180° on/off operation that won't unscrew from
the case. Black only. Installation charge may apply.
Padded divider sets
Black interior, water-resistant, PVC coated, denier nylon fabric cushioning system with movable dividers for customization.
Lid and Utility Organizers
When you need to keep office supplies or smaller gear organized and protected, customizing your Storm Case with a lightweight lid or utility organizer is the ideal solution.
Replacement foam
Full set of genuine Storm Case multi-layer cubed foam (except iM3100, iM3200, & iM3300 which have solid/non-cubed foam).
Shoulder straps
Removable black shoulder strap for ease of transport.
Custom Options
Minimum quantities and setup charges may apply, please
call us for pricing and additional details
Non-label (blank) option
Storm Case comes with no product label, no hang tag, in blank
product box and masterpack. No foam only.
Custom colors
Custom colors available for cases.
Custom labels
Heavy duty frosted polycarbonate labels with extra-strength
adhesive.
Molded-in 3D graphics
Raised or sunken-in logo in the label area. Graphic is engraved in the plastic.
Foil stamping
Foil artwork is stamped into the case lid. The foil stamp is
available in many standard colors. |
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Storm Case offers a range of interior foam cushion options to meet unique applications. For complex designs, Hardigg's waterjet foam-cutting system uses a computer-controlled motion system for precise handling of complex, curved and detailed shapes. If you have a custom or OEM fit application that requires a specific configuration, please contact us.
Pre-configured PWC(Personal Weapon Cases) foam is also available. |
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There are multiple types of foam materials available for the Storm Case line. The most common are Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene (PE). The standard foam provided with the Storm Case line in multi-layer format is Polyurethane (1.6-2.0 lbs. per cubic ft). Polyurethane is soft, open cell foam. Polyethylene, available as a custom insert, is a firm closed-cell foam. Polyethylene and polyurethane are also available in custom antistatic forms for those applications that require the foam to inhibit the build up of static electricity and help dissipate any static charge.
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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.
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The lid depth for the Storm Case line varies. The majority of cases have a 2" lid depth.
The iM2050 and iM2075 sizes have a 1.5" lid depth, the iM2370 a 1.7" depth, and the iM3075 a 4" depth. All other case sizes have a 2.0" lid depth. |
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The silicone gasket material for the Storm Case line does not take as much compression set at low temperatures as compared to the neoprene foam rubber used by the competitors. This means leaks are less likely to develop with the silicone gasket compared to the neoprene gasket.
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The Storm Case meets several military, ATA, and federal specifications. For a
complete individual list of these specifications, please see below.
| Drop Test |
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.
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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).
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| Falling Dart Impact |
ATA 300, Category I, "General Requirements for Category I and II Reusable Containers" |
A dart weighing 13.22 lbs with a 1.25" hemispherical end was dropped on each case from 19.68" |
| Vibration (loose cargo) |
FED-STD-101C, Method 6009Tests are superceded and concurrent with ASTM B 4169, DC-18, Assurance Level I, Schedule F. |
Each case was vibrated for 20 minutes per axis. 1-inch peak to peak at approximately 4.50 Hz. |
| Vibration(sweep) |
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 |
"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." |
| Simulated Rainfall |
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. |
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. |
| Immersion |
MIL-STD-810F, method 512.4 |
A 1 meter (3.281 feet) immersion for 1-hour, with the case initially heated to 40°F higher than the water temperature. |
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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.
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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.
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For stenciling on the case surface, we recommend that a 2-part epoxy ink be utilized. Flame treating should be done prior to application.
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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.
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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.
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Hardigg sells Storm cases through a network of factory trained authorized Storm Case Dealers. Our Storm Case Dealers are case specialists who can help you select the right cases for your unique applications. Storm Case Dealers cover every geographic location around the world. Each is a close member of the Hardigg team, and has access to the latest technical and product information, including pricing and delivery details. Our authorized Dealer, located in your region will be able to visit you, and will communicate with the Hardigg factory to ensure that your cases are properly sized and expertly cushioned.
Contact us now and let an authorized Storm Case Dealer Contact you shortly. |
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