Understanding the key features of Polycarbonate Hard Shell

Choosing the right luggage is always a tough one. Currently, the luggage styles on the market are different, the materials are different, and even the subdivision of the use, commercial use, travel use, and moving use. In this article, we will focus more on materials, which are most common in hard luggage industry -  Polycarbonate and ABS.

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Polycarbonate is more flexible than ABS and has a higher impact resistance. As a result, it makes for a stronger suitcase. ABS suitcases are cheaper than Polycarbonate ones, but they are often heavier and do not last as long.

Here are even more details about each material.

Polycarbonates

Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed.  Because of these properties, polycarbonates become the ideal material for hardside luggage. It also has high degree of hardness and impact resistance making for durable luggage. Polycarbonate is also highly temperature resistant and has some nice self-extinguishing properties. All good things for luggage, right?

This also means it can be moulded pretty easily into different luggage shapes, making it very flexible and able to take a beating during travel. 

Moreover, Polycarbonate is so popular thanks to its low weight ratio. It can bend and dent and will easily go back to its original shape. It is almost impossible to break and has the highest level of strength of all luggage materials.

ABS

ABS is a mixture of three kinds of plastics, each with their own unique characteristics:

• Acrylonitrile provides chemical and fatigue resistance, hardness, and melt strength.

• Butadiene provides good impact resistance. 

• Styrene provides heat resistance, processability, color and hardness

Together, ABS is great for impact resistance (ie. luggage handlers), easier processing (making into shapes) and has great mechanical properties: high heat distortion temperature, and gloss property.

This makes ABS ideal for a broad field of applications, including piping and fittings, instrument and appliance housings, tool housings such as hand drills, electric screw drivers, automotive instrument panels and home appliances.

Link to Shengtailuo Case &Bag

In luggage, ABS is the cheapest hard material used. It's also very light and makes ABS luggage cheaper than most, but unfortunately it's also not the most durable. For most luggage makers, however, they use ABS combined with other materials to make a stronger suitcase overall. Be on the lookout for this in the product descriptions or specifications.

So which is the right luggage for you?

Understanding the differences between ABS and PC, we - Trimmers always investigate and consult customers to choose the best materials for their products. For instance, the best choice will be Polycarbonate for a frequent traveler. It will be a complete waste of money if invested in pure ABS luggage as chances will be high to make replacement very often. ABS and polypropylene luggage for kids can be a good choice but not for adults for frequent traveling. 

Currently, we produce bottom compartment mainly used PC plastic, which gives more durability for any luggage. You may be interested in our series - Locomo and Akita. 

There really is no best material for any one piece of luggage. The important thing is that you undestand demands and needs of your end-customers, and we are here to help you to make best iconic luggage for your brand.

Are you in the market for a new hard cover luggage? With so many materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is right for you.

In this ultimate guide, we'll break down the differences between some of the most popular hard cover luggage materials on the market, including ABS, PP, PC, ABS/PC Composite, PET, and aluminum, to help you make an informed decision.

Find the luggage material that suits your needs

Make comparison between ABS, PP, PC, ABS/PC Composite, PET, and aluminum

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common thermoplastic polymer used in hard cover luggage. It is lightweight and durable, but not as strong as other materials. Due to the non-flexible nature of ABS, these suitcases have a higher tendency to develop cracks in the hard case. ABS is also prone to scratching and scuffing. ABS luggage is usually the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.

PP (Polypropylene)

PP (polypropylene) is another lightweight and durable material. It is known for its resistance to impact and temperature changes, but not as durable as other materials. PP luggage is slightly more expensive than ABS, with prices ranging from $100 to $200.

PC (Polycarbonate)

PC (polycarbonate) is a premium material used for hard cover luggage. It is extremely lightweight, yet strong and durable. The first thing that you would probably notice is that a PC luggage is really flexible, which makes it much more resistant to cracks and durable. With that said, the weight difference is only very minimal (only 12% heavier than the lightest luggage plastic &#; polypropylene). No doubt that PC is the material of choice for many high-end luggage brands, and for good reason. Prices for PC luggage typically range from $200 to $400.

LAX Bric Collection is made with German Bayer Makrolon® Polycarbonate Hard Shell material, it is a triple-layered hard shell technology built for extra (or 3x extra) durability. This lightweight yet durable shell lets you pack and protect even more.

ABS/PC Composite

ABS/PC Composite is a blend of ABS and PC, offering the benefits of both materials. The combination results in a more durable and lightweight luggage option, while still being scratch-resistant. This material is somewhat durable (not as durable as polycarbonate, but more durable than regular ABS).Prices for ABS/PC composite luggage range from $100 to $300.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a newer material used for hard cover luggage. It is eco-friendly, as it is made from recycled plastic bottles. In terms of durability, it&#;s comparable to ABS, which means that it isn&#;t really too durable. PET is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly luggage choice. Prices for PET luggage range from $100 to $250.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most durable material out of all and scratch-resistant. However, it is the heaviest material used in luggage (37% more than polycarbonate) and not as impact-resistant as other materials. As aluminum luggage is easily dented and expensive, it's not as popular as polycarbonate for luggage. Aluminum luggage is often associated with luxury brands and a sleek, stylish look. Prices for aluminum luggage typically range from $550 &#; $, with an average price of $.

LAX Bric Collection - in yellow and white

Luggage Material for the Frequent Travellers

When it comes to choosing the best hard cover luggage material, we recommend polycarbonate. It offers the best combination of durability, strength, and lightweight design. It is also scratch-resistant, making it a great option for frequent travelers. While PC luggage may be more expensive than other materials, the added durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, choosing the right hard cover luggage material is an important decision when it comes to traveling. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget when making your choice, and keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of each material. With this ultimate guide, you'll be well-equipped to make the best decision for your next adventure.

For more PC Luggage Supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.