Phone Case Materials: Unveiling the Unsung Heroes of Device Protection

Take a look at your phone cover or case. There’s a high chance that it’s made of strong material and gives good protection for your device. If you’d looked at your phone a few years ago, it’s entirely possible that you’d have a less robust case on there, meaning a higher chance of damage to your phone. The reason is because phone case materials have come a long way in their design evolution. On top of that, we have access to a range of other useful accessories to keep phones safe. For instance, the best magnetic cases of iPhones are ideal for keeping your phone safe from falls with drop protection you can bank on. Basically, whatever you’re doing, there’s an accessory for you.

When choosing a phone case, to protect your device, knowing about the different materials and what they do is important. So, with that in mind, let’s take a whistle stop tour through the world of phone case materials. By the end, you’ll know exactly what type of case you want.

The first thing to talk about is what are phone cases made of. Well, today’s phone cases have much more impressive features compared to the first ones that emerged on the market. Let’s take a look at how they’ve changed in line with customer needs, our general environment, and technological advancements.

The first phone cases were made from basic plastic, which obviously isn’t the most durable of materials and it’s certainly not the best for the planet. However, a shift toward polycarbonate was a huge breakthrough in phone case technology, creating better durability and impact resistance. In fact, some of the best phone cases are now made of this material.

This is because polycarbonate offers 20 times impact resistance compared to regular plastic, and its optical clarity means transparent or translucent designs are possible. We can also talk about temperature, because polycarbonate cases can handle a wider range of temperatures; from -40°C to 135°C. If you’re wondering what are Rokform phone cases made of, it’s polycarbonate to give the highest quality, however, we combine this with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for extra durability and military-grade drop protection. Some of our cases also include other materials, such neodymium magnets and aluminum.

Silicone is another phone case material you’ll often see advertised and that’s because it has a strong level of shock absorption and grip. The material is quite soft and it has a comfortable feel in the hand, with an ability to stretch 700% before it breaks. Overall, silicone cases offer a high level of protection with style at the same time.

Cell phones have become a solid and ever-present part of our lives, so it makes sense that the focus on phone cases has increased too. Advanced phone case materials have developed that offer extra protection alongside functionality, while also looking attractive at the same time. Let’s explore some of these in greater detail.

High-end phone cases incorporate aerospace-grade aluminum into their design for a premium look and feel. In this case, the strength to weight ratio is balanced, giving a high level of protection with aesthetics thrown in for good measure. The other advantage of using aerospace-grade aluminum is that it can conduct and dissipate heat, helping to keep the phone at a solid temperature and improve performance.

Another common phone case material to discuss is carbon fiber composites. They are extremely strong and lightweight, so they’re a great choice for people who want extreme protection on-the-go. This material also has a sleek appearance so it gives a sophisticated look to your phone. As a side note, it can also provide electromagnetic shielding for sensitive electronic parts of your phone to keep it even safer.

There are different uses for phone cases; some people might just want a case that looks good, while others might want their case to withstand extremely rugged terrain. Of course, there are many different points in between. For this reason, there are many phone case materials that are suitable for specific uses because what most phone cases are made of.

Let’s explore specialized phone case materials and what makes them so unique.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all become more focused on health and hygiene than ever before. Phone case manufacturers are on board with this and have started to develop cases that have incorporated antimicrobial properties. What does this mean? It means that the materials make it extremely difficult (if not impossible) for bacteria to remain on the surface of the case. This effect is also long-term, which gives peace of mind to phone users who are particularly concerned with hygiene.

In general, antimicrobial materials use metal ions from silver or copper and organic compounds as their active agents. So, when you put your phone down on a table in a cafe, you can be sure that your phone isn’t harboring any dangerous bacteria that may transfer when you hold it to your ear to take a call.

Not only are we far more focused on hygiene these days, but we’re also more environmentally aware. Of course, these are both positive developments, and it comes as no surprise that manufacturers are taking these points into account. This means a growing trend toward sustainable materials in phone cases to reduce the impact on the environment. Overall, these types of phone case materials aim to minimize environmental consequences while still keeping a high level of quality and protection.

It’s reassuring to know that eco-friendly materials can drastically reduce your carbon footprint, by as much as 30-50% in some cases compared to regular plastic cases. Such materials are often derived from renewable sources, such as cellulose or plant starches, and many fully compose within 6-24 months.

For instance, if you’re wondering what Peak Design phone cases are made of , some fall into the eco-friendly bracket. Some Everyday Cases have a Versa Shell nylon, which is made of 100% recycling fibers.

Before you go, read our article on Rokform vs Peak Design phone cases for more insights.

When you have a phone case on your phone, it’s easy to overlook the ways that it actually arrived there. There is a whole chemistry story behind it and it’s interesting to delve into. In this part, let’s take a look at the chemical elements that help to influence how phone case materials behave and perform.

Are you ready for a science lesson? If so, let’s dive in!

One aspect that affects how strong a phone case material is depends on cross-linking in polymers. The degree to which this occurs can help to influence the resilience of a material and how it retains its shape after impact, e.g. if you drop your phone from a height.

In fact, it’s useful to learn about how impact protection ratings are measured because this helps you choose a material that gives you the best level of protection. Ultimately, it’s best to go for a material that has the highest impact level, protecting your device from the highest and heaviest of drops.

The table below gives some key insights into this:

Cross-linking Degree	Impact Resistance	Heat Resistance	Flexibility
Low	Moderate	Low	High
Medium	High	Moderate	Moderate
High	Very High	High	Low

Nano-particles can be incorporated into phone case materials to change their properties quite drastically. This can boost strength and improve thermal conductivity.

Biomimicry is a growing process that learns from nature and uses strategies to solve problems commonly faced by humans. In essence, it’s looking at living organisms and how they have adapted over millions of years in line with their environments. This information helps scientists and engineers create new and innovative answers to problems that are not only efficient but sustainable too.

Within all of this, natural materials and structures are being utilized in phone case design, giving new information into how we can make them as strong as possible. Let’s take a deeper look at this extremely interesting innovation.

Yes, you read that right. Bee honeycombs play a role in phone case design. In this case, the structure can be mimicked to create phone cases that have those iconic internal lattices, giving extra support and impact distribution. In fact, these types of structures can absorb up to 90% of energy from an impact, thanks to the hexagonal shape and its ratio of strength to ratio.

Hydrophobic coatings find their inspiration in lotus leaves. These cases have water-repellent surfaces that reduce the chance of stains and boost grip. Of course, this gives an aesthetic side to the equation but also means that the case is functional for much longer and reduces the chances of drops and scratches.

Many hydrophobic coatings remain effective for up to one year under normal usage.

As technology advances, new manufacturing techniques are coming to the fore. Many of these go beyond previously-imposed boundaries, giving hope for the most protective phone cases of the future.

Phone cases become a part of your phone but they’re also part of your personality. In fact, phone cases are a fashion item that can be customized to suit specific needs and trends. 3D-printed customization is one way to achieve that, creating personalized designs from a range of materials.

Injection overmolding is a complex process that integrates several materials seamlessly into one case, creating a very rigid structure that still has flexibility within.

We’ve talked about the different phone cases materials, now let’s talk about why Rokform’s materials stand out above the rest. We’re committed to total protection and functionality, and we make sure that we use the most up-to-date technologies in our products. For example, our Rugged and Crystal iPhone cases are made with dual-compound materials, with reinforced corners, and extra protection for your camera. That means they can handle drops, scuffs, and scrapes with no worries. 

It’s total peace of mind thanks to the polyurethane construction, that’s flexible and rubber-like so it offers the best shock protection with a comfortable grip. In fact, you’ll often find this material in police shields - that tells you a lot about how strong it is! We also add TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for the bumpers and edges, boosting grip comfort and shock absorption even more.

Our cases also feature an integrated MagSafe ring for super-quick magnetic mounting, made of neodymium and steel and reinforced with TPU for extra durability. You’ll find this in our Rugged range, along with our Crystal phone cases. While our RokLock twist-lock system means you can quickly and securely attach your phone to a range of different surfaces with ease.

Let’s talk about our neodymium magnets too, because we’re extremely proud of their strength and performance. These are integrated into our cases for secure mounting to magnetic surfaces and our extensive range of magnetic accessories. Of course, this is due to our MAGMAX technology, with magnetic strength up to three times stronger than standard MagSafe cases. We don’t do things half-way!

All of this together means that our cases are the best option if you’re looking for durability and functionality combined. 

We’ve come to the end of our whistle-stop tour of phone case materials, and it’s clear that there are some fantastic options currently and some exciting ones on the horizon. From the most basic plastics that formed the earliest case to the advanced composites and smart materials we’re seeing today, phone cases have undergone quite the journey. Of course, it’s not just about improving protection, as important as that is, but also about functionality, how the case looks, and the impact it has on the environment. With that in mind, there are many innovative manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing and overmolding, to take phone case design to a more customized and sophisticated level.

Here at Rokform, we’re focused on performance, durability, and aesthetics, all rolled into one. Our phone cases utilize the highest quality materials to give you the best level of protection possible. For instance, our Rugged Series combines impact-resistant polycarbonate with shock-absorbing TPU. What does this mean? Military-grade drop protection without affecting the overall sleek, lightweight design. After all, we know you want your phone to look good and perform well at the same time.

Let’s be honest, all of this is what makes us your go-to choice - especially if you want something reliable that protects your phone for the long-haul. For military-grade drop protection and phone case materials that ROK, check out our most durable cell phone cases out there.

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