NANUK Hard Cases FAQ

What does NANUK mean?
NANUK is Inuit for Polar bear, an animal that thrives in the harsh arctic environment.

Who is the manufacturer of NANUK?
NANUK instrument and equipment cases are manufactured by Plasticase inc.

Where are NANUK durable cases manufactured?
All NANUK hard sided cases are manufactured at Plasticase’s factory in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada

How many sizes of NANUK transportable cases are there?
As of 2016, there are currently 17 distinct Nanuk sizes available. We are always developing new designs so new sizes of transportable cases will be added every year.

What colors are available for NANUK?
All NANUK industrial cases are available in seven colors: Black, graphite, silver, white, olive, orange and yellow. Custom colors can also be developed with a minimum order.

Which NANUK size should I purchase?
The NANUK protective cases for your application should take into account the size of your components and allow for a layer of foam between 1 and 2 inches all around to adequately protect your equipment. Highly sensitive equipment should allow for more foam to allow for extra protection.

What are NANUK tough cases made of?
Plasticase developed the NK-7 resin specifically for Nanuk. This resin is a polypropylene based material that has been enhanced with several performance additives that increase toughness, impact resistance while remaining lightweight. The NK-7 resin has been engineered to perform in the harshest of environmental extremes, making these great military, industrial and medical equipment cases.

What is a Powerclaw latch?
The PowerClaw latches clamp the waterproof cases tightly closed using compressive force while the integrated slide lock prevents the case from opening during transport or when dropped. The super tough nylon construction ensures your precious items remain safely inside the protective cases no matter where the journey takes you.

How does the automatic pressure release system work?
Changes in altitude and geographic location create a vacuum which can effectively seal watertight cases shut. NANUK’s integrated auto-pressure valve equalizes this atmospheric pressure difference. Using state-of-the-art technology, the micro vent allows air to pass through while preventing water from entering. Our products using the automatic pressure release system make excellent dive cases.

Do you have larger instrument or equipment cases with wheels and a pullout handle?
Yes we do! The Nanuk 935, 950 and 960 all have wheels and pullout handle. These are our new big sellers and fans love them! The Nanuk 990 and 995 also have wheels for easy carrying.

What is the standard foam supplied with NANUK tough cases?
NANUK tough cases can be purchased with or without protective foam. The optional high-quality polyurethane foam is multi-layered to ensure easy customization. The multi-layered set of customizable inserts includes a pre-scored removable foam layer. This layer consists of foam squares that can be removed in various configurations to accommodate the contents of the case.

Can I get my foam custom cut to fit my components precisely?
Our team of case interior specialists can work with you to develop a custom foam insert for your application using the right type and density of foam. If you require custom foam for an OEM application or to protect complex or intricate components, contact us to see how we can help you.

What are some other options available with the NANUK protective cases line?

  • Shoulder strap
    The optional stretchable neoprene comfort shoulder strap reduces fatigue when transporting your case. The shoulder strap can easily be attached to all NANUK hard sided cases without any additional hardware.
  • TSA padlocks
    TSA padlocks offer the security of a padlock but can easily be opened and inspected by airport security and then locked again. A visual indicator lets you know when the case has been opened with a TSA key.
  • Padded dividers
    If you require compartmentalized protective organization of your components or equipment, our padded dividers are the right choice. Easily tailored to your needs with repositionable tongue and groove fasteners, our padded dividers are designed to easily organize and protect your equipment.
  • Waterproof panel kit
    A panel kit can easily be added to any of our industrial cases thanks to our integrated bezel system. Included in our waterproof panel kit is a contoured 3/16" thick polycarbonate panel with mounting screws and an adhesive backed die-cut waterproofing gasket. You can have your very own dive cases in minutes.

What is the warranty for NANUK equipment cases?
All NANUK cases from medical equipment cases to photographic equipment cases are guaranteed for life. Click here to view the warranty information.

What makes NANUK’s gasket unique?
The waterproof seal used in all Nanuk equipment cases is custom designed to fit our cases. The hollow core design prevents material deformation or fatigue of the seal to ensure a watertight seal that will last.

What tests or specifications do the NANUK equipment cases meet?
NANUK equipment cases have been tested and certified by an independent laboratory for the following specifications; 

  • Categories
  • Impact
  • Drop
  • Vibration
  • Rainfall
  • Immersion
  • Ingress protection
  • UV protection for color and material
  • Description of tests and procedures
  • ATA Specification 300 Category 1
  • Airline transportable cases suitable for a minimum of 100 airline trips
  • Impact - Dart weighing 6kg(13.22lbs) dropped on weakest point of case from a height of 0.5m(19.68”)
  • ASTM D-4169 DC-18
  • Level 1 Schedule A Handling (Manual)
  • Drop tests - a series of drops on each edge, corner and face of the protective cases from a height of no less than 48cm(19”) and with loads of 6.8-31.8kg(15-70lbs)
  • ASTM D-4169 DC-18
  • Level 1, Schedule F loose load vibration
  • Vibration - The protective cases are tested using test method D-999 to determine the ability to withstand the repetitive shocks occurred during transportation of loose loads.
  • ASTM D-4169 DC-18
  • Level 1, Schedule H Environmental Hazard
  • Rainfall - Simulated rainfall for 20 minutes per side of case at a rate of 10cm/hr (4”). Second test ; 4hr test on top only at a rate of 10cm/hr (4”). 
  • MIL-STD-810F
  • Method 512.4
  • Immersion - The watertight cases are submerged in a basin of water to a depth of 1 meter (3.28 ft) to the top most part of the case for 30 minutes. The case is heated to 10 degrees F higher than the temperature of the water.
  • IP 67 ingress protection
  • 6- Total protection from dust
  • 7- Protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm(5.9”) and 1m(39.37”)UV color and material protection
  • NANUK protective cases are manufactured using UV resistant resin to protect against discoloration and material degradation

What is the integrated bezel system?
All NANUK instrument cases come standard with an integrated bezel system. This detail on the lower portion of the case allows a panel kit to be easily installed without having to install a secondary bracket or drill holes in the side of the case. The optional NANUK waterproof cases panel kit can easily installed into any of the 7 NANUK case sizes.

What are typical applications for the integrated bezel system?
The integrated bezel system is perfect for users who need to mount electronic, measurement and test equipment inside the protective cases. The case can then be used as an independent mobile test or control unit.

What kind of glue will adhere to the inside of the NANUK equipment cases?
For bonding multiple layers of foam we recommend 3M Spray 90 adhesive.
For bonding foam to the inside of the case we recommend 3M Spray 90 adhesive. Flame treatment of the case is recommended to increase the strength of the bond. Do not flame treat the foam.