Custom Cases for Medical Devices: What to Check Before You Order

A medical device often costs more than the case it travels in by a factor of a hundred. When the case fails, the real cost is a damaged device, a missed appointment or a sales demo that can’t go ahead.

That’s why medical device companies tend to ask sharper questions than most buyers. This checklist covers the points they check most often before signing off on a sample.

The 8-Point Checklist

1. Can the Foam Be Cleaned?

Closed-cell foams like EVA and PE don’t soak up liquids, so they can be wiped down. Open-cell foam, the soft spongy kind, absorbs liquid and is hard to keep clean. For anything used near patients, closed-cell foam is usually the safer choice.

2. Will Your Cleaning Products Harm the Case?

Ask your team which wipes and sprays they use. Alcohol-based wipes are generally fine on aluminum and ABS panels. Strong chlorine or bleach products can mark or corrode aluminum over time. If your cleaning routine is strict, test it on the sample before the bulk order.

3. Does the Device Sit Still?

A custom die-cut or CNC-cut foam insert holds each part in its own cavity. Probes, cables and handpieces don’t knock against each other. Ask for a finger-pull cut-out next to each item, so staff can lift it out without pulling on cables.

4. Is There a Place for Every Accessory?

List everything that travels with the device: chargers, sensors, spare tips, cleaning kit and quick-start card. A missing slot means loose items, and loose items cause damage.

5. Who Carries It, and How Far?

A field rep carries a case through airports and into clinics. A hospital team may only move it between rooms. That changes the answer on weight, wheels, handle style and shoulder straps. Tell your manufacturer the full weight once the case is packed.

6. Does It Need to Lock?

Combination locks or keyed latches stop casual opening. For devices with patient data or controlled parts, ask about lockable latches and how many keys come with each case.

7. How Will Staff Know What’s Inside?

Printed labels, a logo plate or a colour-coded trim help staff grab the right case fast. Some teams also print a parts list inside the lid, so missing items are spotted at a glance.

8. Does the Case Match Your Brand?

For sales and demo cases, the case is part of the first impression. A clean finish, your logo and your brand colours make the device look ready for professional use.

A Note on Rules and Approvals

The carry case is usually not the regulated part. Your device and its labelling are. Still, check with your regulatory or quality team before you order. They may have rules on materials, labels or cleaning that the case must follow. A good manufacturer will work with those rules rather than around them.

What MSACase Can Offer for Medical Device Cases

• Custom-sized aluminum cases built around your device.
• Die-cut EVA, EPE and CNC-cut foam inserts.
• Lockable latches and combination locks.
• Logo branding by silk screen, UV print, embossing, debossing or laser.
• CE and RoHS documents for EU and North American customs.
• Sample cases in 3–5 days for simple designs, so you can test fit and cleaning first.
• Production videos on request, so you can follow your order.

Frequently Asked Questions