Many Canyonwest cases are available foam-filled. Depending on the case, the foam interior may be made up of Pick-N-Pluck (Cubed) foam or solid layers of foam. Here are some tricks on how to modify the foam for your equipment..
The bottom of the case is filled with layers of Pick-N-Pluck (Cubed) foam and the case lid has one layer of convoluted (egg-crate) foam. The number of foam layers will vary from case to case.
- Place your equipment on top the foam. Distribute until you have a suitable arrangement. Leave adequate space between each piece of equipment.
- Delicate light weight items (e.g. cameras, laptops) suggested separation: 1" to 1-1/2"
- Medium weight items (10 to 20 lbs.): 2" of separation.
- Heavier items: consider using a firmer material (closed cell Polyethylene foam) or a combination of open cell Polyurethane with a cap of closed cell Polyethylene foam. Call for custom foam prices
- Hint: For reference, you may want to stick toothpicks in all corners of foam plug to be removed. Carefully remove whole plug in one piece.
- Insert equipment into designated areas. Items should fit snugly in all directions. With smaller pieces of equipment, save removed foam plugs; cut to correct height and glue in place with spray contact adhesive, 3M™ Super 77 Spray Adhesive. This adhesive can also be used to correct mistakes.
SOLID FOAM
There are several advantages to solid foam protection. Solid foam tends to last longer, the cavity can be cut closer for a tighter fit, and the cavity can be more intricate and complicated if needed.
Cutting solid sheets of foam is easier than many people first suspect.
- Step One: Remove the foam layers EXCEPT for the bottom layer and the lid layer. You will not modify these.
- Step Two: Place your equipment on the first layer to be modified. Outline with a Sharpie or sharp piece of chalk. Doing more than one case? Make a template on cardboard.
TIPS: Leave at least one inch between pieces of equipment and sides. The fit should be snug, but you should not need to compress the foam to get equipment to fit. Don’t forget about accessories – you may want to create a cavity for accessories.
- Step Three: Cut the foam at your outline. Electric carving knifes work great, but any sharp knife with a serrated edge can be used.
TIPS: Slice, don’t saw. A steady smooth slicing action will give you the smoothest edge. Sawing motion will create a jagged edge. An assistant holding the foam edges tight will make it easier to slice through the foam.
TIPS: Corners last. Don’t start at the corner. Start in the middle and work toward the corner – you will get a sharper edge.
- Step Four: Test and Repeat. If layer one works, use it as a template for the other layers. Cut these layers as well.
- Step Five: Assemble and Glue. Use a hot glue gun or spray adhesive (3M™ Super 77) and glue each layer together. Place the glued layers back in your case. You’re good to go. Gluing the layers together creates more protection and increases the durability of the foam. Wait for the glue to dry before installing your equipment.
It’s easy to repair foam. Use some of the foam you removed and glue it in where necessary.
If you have any questions please give us a call. We can also customize foam interiors to meet you exact needs. Minimum quantities apply.
