Hard-shell and soft-shell
If trolley suitcases are classified according to the shell, they can be divided into hard-shell and soft-shell. Hard-shell suitcases are more resistant to falls and pressure, while soft-shell ones are lighter in weight and have elasticity. There are many types of materials. The current mainstream materials mainly include ABS, PC, aluminum alloy, leather and nylon. In addition, there are also EVA and canvas, etc.
ABS luggage
In terms of hardness, ABS stands out due to its high density, but at the same time it also increases the weight and has relatively poor compressive resistance. Once deformed, it cannot be restored and may even burst.
PC luggage
PC is regarded as the most suitable material for trolley suitcases at present and is also called “polycarbonate”. It is a tough thermoplastic resin and is also the main material for aircraft cockpit covers. Its greatest feature is its lightness. It has greater toughness than ABS, is stronger, more resistant to heat and cold, and can return to its original shape after being dented by impact. The world’s best PC material suppliers are Bayer in Germany, Mitsubishi in Japan and Formosa Plastics in Taiwan.
Aluminum luggage
Aluminum alloy has been very popular in recent years. In fact, the raw material price is similar to that of high-end PC, but the metal material looks more high-end and has a high premium.
Leather luggage
Leather suitcases are quite interesting. Cowhide suitcases are the most expensive and are the favorites of many wealthy people and a symbol of status. However, in terms of practicality, their toughness and durability are relatively the worst. They are afraid of water, abrasion, pressure and being scratched by sharp objects. They seem to be the choice of those who have a lot of wealth.
As for soft suitcase materials such as nylon and canvas, they have stronger elasticity and are more resistant to scratches. They are also more resistant to falls due to their elasticity. However, on the one hand, their waterproof performance is relatively poor, and on the other hand, they provide relatively weak protection for the inside. It is worth mentioning that Oxford cloth is the most wear-resistant among soft suitcase materials. The disadvantage is that the colors are basically the same. When picking up checked luggage after getting off the plane, it is often difficult to tell which one is one’s own.
Wheels
Wheels are one of the most important components of trolley suitcases. The early wheels were all one-way wheels. Although they are suitable for various road conditions, they are not conducive to turning. Later, people invented universal wheels that can rotate 360 degrees and then derived airplane silent wheels. Later, trolley suitcases with four wheels appeared. Besides being dragged, people can also push them.
Locks
Locks are also crucial. There was a demonstration on the Internet before that an ordinary suitcase zipper could be easily opened with a ballpoint pen. So, besides zippers, are there any other options? Aluminum frame suitcases are a good choice as they have better anti-theft performance. Of course, if someone really wants to pry open the suitcase, the aluminum frame can’t stop them either.
Zippers
Since zippers are lighter than aluminum frames, mainstream companies are still used to making improvements on zippers, such as using double-layer explosion-proof zippers.
Pull rod
The pull rod, as the core of the invention of trolley suitcases, was originally external. Because it is prone to damage, it has been eliminated from the market. At present, all the products you can see on the market are built-in pull rods, and aluminum alloy material is the best, being light and strong. Generally speaking, pull rods are set in double. Some manufacturers also produce single-rod suitcases for the sake of appearance. Although they are unique and full of fashion sense, they are actually not very useful, especially in terms of maintaining balance.
Post time: Dec-10-2024