What wood is used for flight cases?

Professional flight cases predominantly use birch multiplex plywood with 7 to 9 cross-laminated layers. Standard thicknesses are 6 mm for lightweight applications, 9 mm for general touring cases, and 12 mm for heavy-duty transport. Birch multiplex offers superior screw-holding strength, impact resistance and dimensional stability compared to softwood alternatives. Phenolic resin coating on exterior surfaces enhances moisture resistance and surface durability. For weight-critical applications, honeycomb plastic panels such as Adam Hall SolidLite provide 40–50% weight savings while maintaining adequate rigidity, though with lower screw-holding capacity requiring more frequent hardware mounting points.

What type of foam is used in flight cases?

Flight case interior protection typically uses polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam in densities ranging from 25 kg/m³ to 80 kg/m³. Soft polyethylene foam (25–35 kg/m³ density) provides cushioning for lightweight, impact-sensitive equipment such as microphones or controllers. Firm polyurethane foam (50–60 kg/m³ density) offers structural support for heavier equipment such as amplifiers or lighting fixtures, preventing compression under load. Convoluted "egg-crate" foam increases contact surface area by approximately 300% compared to flat foam, distributing pressure more evenly. Custom-routed foam inserts created using hot-wire cutting or CNC routing provide precise equipment fitment and prevent movement during transport.

What thickness plywood for road case?

Standard road case construction uses 9 mm birch multiplex plywood for walls, lid and base panels, providing an optimal balance between strength, weight and cost. Lightweight cases for equipment under 10 kg total weight may use 6 mm plywood to reduce case weight. Heavy-duty applications – particularly cases for equipment exceeding 40 kg or cases subject to stacking loads – benefit from 12 mm plywood for the base panel, with 9 mm panels for walls and lid. For maximum strength in professional touring environments, a double-layer base construction using 6 mm plywood beneath the primary 9 mm base panel creates 15 mm total thickness, preventing base flexing and stress on corner joints.

What material are flight cases made of?

Professional flight cases combine multiple materials engineered for durability and protection. Structural panels use birch multiplex plywood (typically 9 mm thickness) or honeycomb plastic panels for lighter weight. Aluminium extrusion profiles (30 mm or 35 mm face height, 1.2–2.0 mm wall thickness) form the protective frame around case perimeters. Hardware components include nickel-plated steel butterfly latches, ball corners, recessed handles and piano hinges. Transport solutions use heavy-duty castors with load ratings from 80 kg to 350 kg per wheel. Interior protection relies on polyethylene or polyurethane foam in various densities. 19-inch rack integration uses steel rack rails with cage nuts and mounting screws. All materials are selected for strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to touring environment stresses.

Can I use case building materials to repair existing flight cases?

Case building materials are ideal for repairing existing flight cases, as most professional manufacturers use standardised components from suppliers such as Penn Elcom, Adam Hall and Riggatec. Common repairs include replacing worn butterfly latches (measure existing latch dimensions to ensure correct size match), installing new castors (verify mounting plate dimensions and load rating requirements), replacing damaged ball corners (note corner radius – typically 30 mm, 40 mm or 60 mm), and renewing worn handles. Panel repairs may require matching plywood thickness and species – birch multiplex is standard. Foam inserts can be replaced with custom-cut foam to accommodate equipment changes. Always use equivalent or higher-specification replacement components to maintain case structural integrity and load capacity.

Are the latches and hinges rust-proof?

Quality case hardware uses corrosion-resistant finishes to withstand humid touring environments and outdoor exposure. Butterfly latches manufactured from 0.8 mm steel receive protective coatings including zinc plating (basic corrosion resistance), chrome plating (enhanced durability and aesthetic finish), nickel plating (superior corrosion resistance) or black oxidising (corrosion protection with matte appearance). Stainless steel variants offer maximum corrosion resistance for marine environments or permanent outdoor installations, though at higher cost. Piano hinges typically use zinc-plated or nickel-plated steel; continuous stainless steel hinges are available for critical applications. Cheaper uncoated or poorly plated hardware will corrode within 12–24 months in professional touring use. Always specify corrosion-resistant finishes – nickel-plated or stainless steel – for long-term reliability.

What load capacity do I need for case castors?

Calculate required castor load rating by dividing total loaded case weight (case plus equipment) by the number of wheels, then multiply by 1.5 safety factor to account for uneven load distribution and impact forces during transport. For example, a case with 80 kg total weight on four castors requires: (80 kg ÷ 4) × 1.5 = 30 kg per wheel minimum rating. Riggatec Blue Wheel 100 mm diameter castors rated to 80 kg per wheel provide adequate capacity; 160 mm diameter castors rated to 200 kg per wheel offer additional safety margin for heavier cases. Always specify braked castors on at least two wheels (diagonal configuration) to prevent unwanted movement during loading. For cases exceeding 150 kg total weight, heavy-duty castors with ball-bearing swivel mechanisms ensure smooth rolling and long service life.

How do I calculate material quantities for a custom case project?

Calculate material quantities by determining case external dimensions first, then working backwards to component requirements. For a case with 600×400×200 mm internal dimensions and 9 mm plywood with 30 mm aluminium profiles: Panels – base 618×418 mm, lid 618×418 mm, front/back 618×200 mm (×2), sides 400×200 mm (×2); total plywood area approximately 0.9 m². Aluminium profile – perimeter (600+400)×2 = 2000 mm, height 200 mm×4 corners = 800 mm; total profile length 2.8 m (order 3 m allowing cutting waste). Hardware – butterfly latches: one per 400 mm perimeter = 5 latches; ball corners: 8 pieces (4 base, 4 lid); handles: 2 recessed side handles; hinges: 600 mm piano hinge or 3 separate lid hinges. Foam – base layer 580×380 mm, lid layer 580×380 mm; order 1200×800 mm sheet. Always add 10–15% material allowance for cutting waste and measurement errors.

Case hardware

ACCESSORY Tool for Cage Nuts

Useful helper For 8.3 mm and 9.5mm cage nuts with M4, M5, M6 threads • Made in Europe • Material: Aluminum • Weight: 0,03 kg •

€13.90 *

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MONACOR HF-140 Rubber foot

Rubber foot For heavy devices and speaker cabinets • With inserted metal disk • Hole: 6.2 mm • Ø 38 mm x 10 mm • : Description: rubber foot • Type: hole: 6.2 mm...

€1.09 *

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MONACOR HF-70 Rubber feet

Rubber feet For small devices • With inserted metal disk • Mounting hole: 4.2 mm • Ø 19 mm x 8 mm • Sales unit: 20 pcs. • : Description: rubber foot • Type:...

€11.00 *

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MONACOR MZF-1012 Carrying handle

Carrying handle To be screwed on • Zinc-plated steel version • Robust spring-loaded drop handle with rubber grip • Dimensions: 140 x 40 x 15 mm • : Description: carrying handle...

€6.00 *

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Adam Hall 19" Parts 872213 19" U-Rackblende 1 HE für 12 Buchsen

Adam Hall 19" Parts 872213 - 19" U-Shaped Rack Panel 12 Sockets 1 U

19" U-Shaped Rack Panel 12 Sockets 1 U 1 U rack panel with punched holes for 12 universal „D" type XLR sockets. : Product type: 19" Rack Panels • Material: Steel...

€7.13 *

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Adam Hall 19" Parts 87408 V 19" Leergehäuse 2 HE mit Lüftungsschlitzen

Adam Hall 19" Parts 87408 V - 19" Housing 2 U rackmount with Vent Slots

19" Housing 2 U rackmount with Vent Slots 19" Housing, with ventilation slots in top panel • Flat-packed with screws • : Product type: 19" Rack Accessories • Material:...

€62.46 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 1650 - Square Hole Turnlock

Square Hole Turnlock : Product type: Catches • Type: Turning Locks • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Mounting hole diameter: 4.5 mm • Lockable: no • Width: 20...

€8.51 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 17202 2 HE Butterfly Verschluss

Adam Hall Hardware 17202 - 2 U Butterfly Latch

2 U Butterfly Latch : Product type: Catches • Type: Butterfly Latches • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Mounting hole diameter: 4.2 mm • Lockable: no • Dish...

€7.75 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 17250 LS Butterfly Verschluss groß gefedert abschließba

Adam Hall Hardware 17250 LS - Butterfly Latch large with Spring lockable non cranked 14 mm deep

Butterfly Latch large with Spring lockable non cranked 14 mm deep Large butterfly spring catch with a shallow cylinder lock in the wing, mounted in a 14 mm deep dish. Provides tidy security and a...

€20.05 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 17250 SP Butterfly Verschluss groß gefedert ungekröpft

Adam Hall Hardware 17250 SP - Butterfly Latch Large with Spring non Cranked 14 mm Deep Padlockable

Butterfly Latch Large with Spring non Cranked 14 mm Deep Padlockable Butterfly large, with eyelet for a padlock. The closing mechanism of the butterfly is equipped with a counter pressure spring to...

€12.32 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 17370 C Butterfly Verschluss klein ohne Schale ohne Sch

Adam Hall Hardware 17370 C - Butterfly Latch small without Dish without Keeper

Butterfly Latch small without Dish without Keeper : Product type: Catches • Type: Butterfly Latches • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Mounting hole diameter: 3.5 mm...

€4.34 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 2801 Aktenkofferinlett

Adam Hall Hardware 2801 - Briefcase Insert

Briefcase Insert : Product type: Flightcase Accessories • Color: Black • Material: PVC • Material thickness: 15 mm • Width: 436 mm • Length: 290 mm • Weight: 0,35 kg...

€17.45 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 37500 S Eckaufbaurolle mit weichem Rad 75 mm

Adam Hall Hardware 37500 S - Corner Mount Castor with soft Wheel 75 mm

Corner Mount Castor with soft Wheel 75 mm with soft wheel with ball bearing • silent running • : Product type: Castors • Type: corner-mount castor • Wheel diameter: 75 mm...

€14.61 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 37501 S Eckaufbaurolle mit weichem Rad 75 mm

Adam Hall Hardware 37501 S - Surface Mount Corner Castor with soft Wheel 75 mm

Surface Mount Corner Castor with soft Wheel 75 mm with soft wheel with ball bearing • silent running • : Product type: Castors • Type: corner-mount castor • Wheel diameter: 75...

€16.80 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 4026 Ecke zweischenklig vernickelt mit Abkantung

Adam Hall Hardware 4026 - Case Corner two-leg nickel-plated with wrapover

Case Corner two-leg nickel-plated with wrapover Third leg bent inward for max. 20mm wood thickness. Third leg bent inward for max. 20mm wood thickness. : Product type: Corners • Type: Ball...

€0.75 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 4026 BLK Ecke zweischenklig schwarz mit Abkantung

Adam Hall Hardware 4026 BLK - Case Corner two-leg black with wrapover

Case Corner two-leg black with wrapover Third leg bent inward for max. 20mm wood thickness. Third leg bent inward for max. 20mm wood thickness. : Product type: Corners • Type: flat corner...

€1.15 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 8734 Ausziehbare Rasterschiene 5 Raster

Adam Hall Hardware 8734 - Telescopic Support 5 Stops

Telescopic Support 5 Stops : Product type: Telescopic Supports and Drawer Slides • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Length: 140 - 210 mm • Height: 30 mm • Width: 10...

€8.37 *

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Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Hardware 1650 K Steckschlüssel für 1650

Adam Hall Hardware 1650 K - Square T-Key for 1650

Square T-Key for 1650 : Product type: Catch Accessories • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Weight: 0,043 kg •

€8.84 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 2605 Klavierband Stahl vorgebohrt

Adam Hall Hardware 2605 - Piano Hinge steel pre-drilled

Piano Hinge steel pre-drilled Piano hinge - punched at 76 mm centres : Product type: Hinges and Lidstays • Type: hinges • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Material...

€16.73 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 3401 Griffschale Kunststoff schwarz

Adam Hall Hardware 3401 - Insert Handle plastic black

Insert Handle plastic black : Product type: Handles • Type: Insert Handles • Material: Plastic • Surface: nature • Color: Black • Material thickness: 2 mm • Handle...

€1.84 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 3405 Schalengriff für Kantenmontage schwarz

Adam Hall Hardware 3405 - Bar Handle for Edge Mounting black

Bar Handle for Edge Mounting black Recessed steel Bar Handle for top edge mounting. : Product type: Handles • Type: Insert Handles • Material: Steel • Surface: Powder coated...

€8.03 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 37042 Lenkeinbaurolle mit Kunststoffrad

Adam Hall Hardware 37042 - Swivel Castor with plastic Wheel

Swivel Castor with plastic Wheel The ball bearing-free castor consists of impact-resistant PA (Polyamide). This castor is mounted on a 10 mm deep, galvanized steel fitting. The overall height after...

€9.17 *

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Adam Hall Hardware 4071 EXT Kunststoff Kantenschutz

Adam Hall Hardware 4071 EXT - Plastic Case Angle

Plastic Case Angle : Product type Profiles • Type case angles • Material Plastic • Surface nature • Color Black • Length 2000 mm • Leg length 41 mm • Material...

€1.39 *

Content: 1 m

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Details

Adam Hall Hardware 41143 Kugelecke klein mit integrierter L-Ecke 37 mm gek

Adam Hall Hardware 41143 - Ball Corner small cranked 22 mm with integrated Corner Brace 37 mm

Ball Corner small cranked 22 mm with integrated Corner Brace 37 mm : Product type: Corners • Material: Steel • Surface: galvanized • Color: silver • Material thickness: 1.2 mm...

€0.75 *

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