Protective Case Manufacturer | OEM & ODM Cases

How to Choose a Protective Case Manufacturer for Custom Products

When it comes to the selection of a protective case manufacturer, there is so much more than just a factory that is capable of producing plastic covers. An effective manufacturing partner must have knowledge of product design, materials, tooling, protection needs, customization, quality control, and large-scale production.

• In the case of phones, tablets, laptops, or other devices for which the brand is creating cases, the appropriate manufacturer can assist in transforming an initial product concept into a repeatable model of production.
• Junchi is a manufacturer of custom protective cases and digital accessories, where in-house mold development and integrated production are used. It has a product line that consists of phone cases, tablet cases, laptop cases, and other 3C products.

Check Product Development and Design Capability

The process of developing a product with great protective cases starts even before a mold is created. The engineers are supposed to examine the model of the device, purpose, size, level of protection, materials, and functionality. The case design must also consider practical aspects like:

•          Dimensions and tolerances of devices.

•          Openings for the camera and speaker.

•          Buttons and ports

•          Wall thickness

•          Corner reinforcement

•          Shock absorption areas

•          Surface finish

•          Branding and artwork

In the case of a tablet case with a foldable stand, such as this, the stand cannot be added as an afterthought. Its hinge region, folding angle, load-bearing structure, and attachment to the main shell must all be in concert. The product catalogue of Junchi has a Heavy-Duty Clear TPU+PC Protective Case with Foldable Stand and Pencil Slot for iPad, which can be considered a helpful example of how a protective design can be used to cover the device and provide some useful features.

Assess Material and Manufacturing Expertise

Materials determine the feel, performance, and behavior of a case in the production process. TPU, polycarbonate (PC), silicone, ABS, EVA foam, and PU are common materials used as protective cases.

• TPU may offer flexibility and impact absorption, whereas PC is usually utilized when a rigid structure is required. Silicone may be used to provide a soft-touch feel and grip, and EVA foam may be used as an internal cushioning layer.
• This is the reason why the production of custom protective cases cannot be done with a simple choice of a material in a catalogue. The manufacturer must know the behavior of the material in molding and its suitability to the application.
• The information on manufacturing released by Junchi lists PC, TPU, silicone rubber, EVA foam, ABS plastic, and PU or synthetic leather as some of its case materials.

Inquire About OEM and ODM Support

When choosing between an OEM protective case manufacturer and an ODM protective case manufacturer, the difference between OEM and ODM support may be important.

• In an OEM project, a brand can supply its design, specifications, artwork, or product requirements. The manufacturer then designs the necessary tooling and production process based on those specifications.
• ODM projects may also entail the adaptation of existing design capacity or product structures of a manufacturer to meet the needs of a customer. It is also a good idea to find a manufacturer of a protective case in a private label that has experience in customization in case of brands that require custom colors, branding, materials, structural modifications, or packaging.

According to Junchi, it serves OEM and ODM projects and provides custom logos, brand graphics, patterns, illustrations, and complete back artwork.

The Importance of Tooling Capability

Look at Mold Development and then place a Bulk order. One of the most significant technical phases in the manufacture of protective cases is the development of the mould. The dimensional consistency, surface quality, fit, production efficiency, and reproducibility of the design depend on the quality of the mold.

• The elements that a manufacturer should be able to discuss include the mold cavity, core, parting line, draft angles, gates, ejector pins, cooling channels, wall thickness, and material flow.
• According to Junchi, structure, materials, and mould feasibility are considered by its engineering team prior to developing the sample. It also explains in-house mold development starting with structural design up to tooling fabrication. This may be especially handy in custom cases since once mass production has begun, tooling modifications become more challenging and costly.

Test the Quality System of the Manufacturer

Quality checks should be done during the manufacturing process and not just at the end of the manufacturing process by a professional protective case production company. Inbound material check is used to ensure that production begins with the approved material. Dimensional or molding problems can be detected in-process as they are being manufactured. This is followed by final testing to confirm the completed products to agreed specifications.

In the case of a protective case, quality inspection might include:

•          Dimensions and tolerances

•          Device fit

•          Surface defects

•          Color consistency

•          Printing quality

•          Assembly

•          Structural condition

•          Functional features

•          Packaging

According to Junchi, its quality process involves checking materials, in-process checks, and testing of finished products. The information it publishes also recognizes BSCI-audited facilities and quality systems based on ISO.

Take into Account Production Capacity and Communication

The supplier of a protective case manufacturer should be capable of supporting the project once the initial sample is approved. Inquire about the organization of production, the way repeat orders are processed, the person in charge of the project, and the way quality concerns are reported.

• According to Junchi, it has special production lines for individual projects and consistent bulk orders. It further states that customers are assigned a project manager who is the primary point of contact throughout the project.
• Such communication may be helpful in cases where a project includes multiple cycles of samples, artwork modifications, tooling modifications, or variations of product models.

Conclusion

The outcome of numerous intertwined decisions is a protective case. Molding is influenced by the choice of materials. Mold design affects dimensions. Dimensions affect fit. Fit affects protection. Appearance is influenced by surface treatment. Quality control influences uniformity throughout the completed order.

Ready to create a custom-made protective case? Discuss with Junchi your device model, materials, design requirements, tooling, branding, sampling, and production requirements with Junchi.