When it comes to protecting high-value equipment, customized injection molded cases are one of the most reliable and versatile options available. Engineered for precision and performance, these cases deliver exceptional durability, full submersibility and buoyancy for on or near-water applications. Designed with a balance of refined consumer aesthetics and pure tactical functionality, they are ideal for OEMs across industries such as medical, industrial, aerospace, and defense.
What Are Injection Molded Cases?
Injection molding is a process where molten plastic is injected into a precision-engineered mold under high pressure. Once cooled, the case forms a seamless, rigid shell that provides consistent wall thickness and strength throughout. The result is a highly durable, impact-resistant case that can be watertight, dustproof, and compliant with IP or MIL-SPEC standards.
The majority of today’s injection molded cases are made from polypropylene, chosen for its balance of strength, chemical resistance, and light weight. Many carry IP67 ratings, meaning they’re fully protected against dust and can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes without damage.
Why OEMs Choose Injection Molded Cases
For OEMs, selecting a protective case is about ensuring reliability, efficiency, and presentation. Here’s why injection molded cases often stand out:
- Consistency and Repeatability: The molding process ensures every case produced meets the same dimensional and structural specifications, vital for scalable manufacturing.
- Superior Protection: Cases can be made airtight and watertight, protecting sensitive components from impact, moisture, and environmental exposure.
- Professional Appearance: Sleek exterior finishes and customizable branding make these cases ideal for medical devices, diagnostic tools, or field service equipment where first impressions matter.
- Longevity and Warranty: Many leading brands, such as Pelican™ and Nanuk™, offer lifetime warranties.
The Customization Advantage
The real value of injection molded cases lies in how they can be customized to your exact specifications. CH Ellis and Chicago Case specialize in tailoring off-the-shelf or fully custom designs for OEM partners, offering modifications such as:
- Custom Foam Inserts: Precision-cut foam interiors made from polyethylene or polyurethane protect components and streamline organization.
- System Integration: Built-in electronics, displays, or power sources can be installed so equipment functions while housed in the case.
- Hardware Options: Latches, hinges, and handles can be swapped for heavy-duty or ergonomic alternatives.
- Branding and Identification: Options include laser engraving and UV cured-to-film transfers for permanent, professional finishes.
For OEMs, these customization options allow the case to become part of the product experience—not just packaging. A well-designed case reinforces brand quality, simplifies deployment, and enhances end-user confidence.
Comparing Top Injection Molded Brands
CH Ellis partners with top-tier manufacturers to deliver the best-in-class customized solutions for every application:
- Pelican™: The industry benchmark for military and law enforcement applications. Made in the USA with a limited lifetime warranty, Pelican cases are built for extreme environments and meet stringent MIL-SPEC and IP ratings.
- Nanuk™: Manufactured in Canada, Nanuk cases provide similar durability to Pelican but stand out for their modern aesthetics, color variety, and ergonomic designs, ideal for customers seeking a unique look.
- Gemstar Sentinel™: A USA-made alternative with a lighter, softer aesthetic that appeals to commercial or consumer-facing OEMs. Excellent for watertight applications and system-integrated cases.
When Injection Molding Is the Right Choice
Injection molded cases are best suited for:
- Medical Devices: Clean, precision-built enclosures for diagnostic or therapeutic equipment.
- Field Service Tools: Rugged portability with consistent protection and long service life.
- Aerospace & Defense Gear: Certified impact, dust, and water protection for mission-critical components.
- Premium OEM Product Packaging: Custom-fit, brand-enhancing cases that elevate perceived product value.
For applications requiring extreme durability or larger case sizes, rotomolded or vacuum-formed options may be more economical. However, for most small-to-medium-sized equipment requiring high precision, injection molding delivers the best balance of protection, scalability, and brand presentation.
Partnering with CH Elli
For decades, CH Ellis has helped OEMs engineer custom case solutions that balance performance, protection, and presentation. Whether you need to customize a Pelican case or develop a fully integrated injection molded solution, our team will collaborate from design through production—ensuring your case protects your innovation as well as it represents it. Let’s build your best-case scenario.