Editing Road case (section)

== Construction ==
[[File:Event-Mischpult mit Box für Multicore IMGP6377.jpg|thumb|A large road case used to transport an [[audio multicore cable]]]]
Most cases are fabricated from panels joined by metal or plastic extrusions, molded plastic, or metal. Fabricated cases are typically made from panels constructed of two layers. An outer layer of [[acrylonitrile butadiene styrene|ABS]] or [[fiberglass]] laminate is adhered to a middle layer of lightweight {{convert|3/16|to|1/2|in|adj=on}} [[cabinet (furniture)|cabinet]]-grade [[plywood]] such as [[birch]], [[Populus|poplar]], or [[maple]]. These two layers are known as [[laminate panel]], and high-grade cases are made from composite material. Inside the case, an internal shock-absorbing filler such as [[polyurethane]] or [[polyethylene]] foam has cavities that correspond to the shape of the components it is preserving. Alternate shock protection methods include mounting the case contents to racks or panels attached to the case walls with shock isolators. The corners of fabricated cases are commonly reinforced with stamped sheet steel case corners commonly finished in [[zinc]], [[nickel]], [[chrome plating|chrome]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prosoundweb.com/getting-rock-to-roll-a-history-of-the-development-of-road-cases/|title=Getting Rock To Roll: A History Of The Development Of Road Cases - ProSoundWeb|last=Karch|first=Katie|date=2023-05-24|website=Pro Sound Web|language=en|access-date=2023-05-24}}</ref> 

The term ''ATA case'' is frequently used to describe cases that resemble those that comply with ATA Specification 300 category I or II, but have not been certified by the independent testing defined in ATA Specification 300. Category I and II cases are required to be tested both as a pre-production prototype and as a sample selected from the first production lot. Tests include stackability, drop or impact, water resistance, vibration (category I only), and penetration (category I only). Of these, the drop test, stackability, and vibration tests are probably the most severe. For cases under {{convert|50|lb}} gross (loaded) the drop test requires 160 face drops from {{convert|30|in}}, 80 edge drops from {{convert|36|in}}, and 40 corner drops from 36 inches. The face drop distance is reduced to {{convert|21|in}} up to {{convert|100|lb}}, {{convert|18|in}} {{convert|150|lb}}, {{convert|16|in}} {{convert|200|lb}} or more. Category II cases are dropped one-tenth as many times from {{convert|22|in}} and {{convert|27|in}} at 50 pounds, and proportionally for heavier cases. The stackability test requires every case face over {{convert|0.37|m2}} to support {{convert|135|kg}} centered on {{convert|0.09|m2}} of the face for 24 hours. The vibration test searches for the four strongest resonances between 5 and 50&nbsp;Hz, and then tests each at {{convert|0.5|g0}} for 2 hours on each principal axis. The penetration test is a 6-kilogram steel bar 3.2 centimeters in diameter with a hemispherical end dropped 0.5 meters on the weakest point. For all tests no degradation or functional damage is allowed.<ref>{{cite web|title=ATA 300 Specification for Packaging of Airline Supplies|url=http://www.anvilcase.com/pdfs/ATA300SPECRev2008.pdf|website=Internet Archive|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308045616/http://www.anvilcase.com/pdfs/ATA300SPECRev2008.pdf|archivedate=2014-03-08}}</ref>

[[Caster|Caster wheels]] are often built into or attached to the case for ease of transit, and may be removable to prevent damage to other containers or to the airframe.

Molded cases are typically made of [[polyethylene]] or [[polypropylene]] plastic by injection molding or rotational molding and may be gasketed for splash protection. They typically have similar interior and wheel options as fabricated panel cases. The ATA specified performance temperature range {{convert|−40|to|130|F}} tends to exclude thermoplastic cases large enough to be subject to the stackability test.

Cases may be further customized by adding a [[power adapter]] and a [[computer fan]]. Thus certain equipment may operate in transit or at destination without leaving the protection of the case.