MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION
ZARGES cases are built from precision-welded 5005 aluminum alloy sheet — a metal frame with cast aluminum corners and stainless-steel hinges. SKB's core lines are rotomolded from a single piece of polymer. Both approaches produce a durable, sealed case; the difference shows up in weight, strength-to-weight ratio, and how each material ages over years of field use.
WEIGHT & INTERIOR VOLUME
| Characteristic | ZARGES (Aluminum) | SKB (Polymer) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 5005 aluminum alloy, welded frame | Rotomolded polymer |
| Weight vs. equivalent polymer case | Up to 50% lighter* | Baseline |
| Tensile strength | 2–7x greater than plastic* | Baseline |
| Interior volume, same footprint | 15–20% greater* | Baseline |
| Temperature range | Tested −65°F to +176°F | Varies by line; check the maker's spec |
| UV / long-term outdoor stability | No UV degradation — aluminum doesn't embrittle | Polymer can become brittle with prolonged UV exposure |
| Stacking load | 2,000 lbs | Varies by model |
| Repairability | Welded aluminum body, corner/hinge parts replaceable | Shell typically replaced as a unit |
| Government/military certification | CAGE 51YQ0, ITAR, CMMC 2.0, MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G on select lines |
*Comparisons based on industry-standard plastic cases of equivalent size, per ZARGES' published engineering metrics.
WHEN TO CHOOSE EACH
Choose an aluminum case like ZARGES when weight matters as much as protection — aerospace and drone payloads, field electronics carried long distances, or any application where every pound has a cost. Aluminum also holds up better across repeated extreme-temperature cycling and years of outdoor storage.
Polymer cases remain a reasonable choice for lower-budget, infrequent-use applications where absolute minimum weight and government-line certification depth aren't the deciding factors.
SUPERIOR
Protection.
Lightweight & Strong
- 50% lighter than plastic cases*
- 70% lighter than roadie cases*
- Rugged, fully-welded profile frame
- Will not warp or crack
Durability & Resistance
- 2-7x greater tensile strength than plastic cases*
- Tested from −65° to +176°F; UV, water, weather, and corrosion resistance
- Ergonomic spring-loaded handles
- Over 50 standard sizes available
Optimized Space & Security
- 15%-20% greater interior volume than plastic cases in a smaller footprint
- IP54 sealed against dust and splashing water as standard
- Locking options available for theft protection
Specialized Features
- IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) models available
- Cases constructed of extra strong 5005 alloy aluminum sheeting
*Comparisons based on industry-standard plastic and roadie cases of equivalent size.
