When you are shipping fragile items such as works of art or museum pieces, using crate shipping in Fort Worth is the first line of defense against any type of shipping hazard.
There is a significant difference between the skills of a carpenter and the skills of a professional crate builder. Finding an experienced crate builder is not simple, but you will be glad you eventually did. When crate shipping is used and the crate was manufactured in accordance with recognized standards it can be a good investment as it can be reused many times as the object is shipped from display to display.
The concept of re-usable shipping crates is also applicable to companies who exhibit their products in trade shows across the country or around the world. Well designed and constructed crates can last many years, with only minor repairs to damage inflicted during transport.
How to make a wooden crate:
The panels used in crate shipping in Fort Worth should be a minimum of 3/8” thick, although many of the better manufacturers will use ½”, the panels are flatter, easier to work with and the cost differential is minimal for a superior product.
Crates are designed with certain features such as handles and skid boards which makes moving the crate easier when using either manual means or fork-lift trucks. Positioning of the lifting handles is important as improper positioning can easily cause a back injury while lifting.
When the wooden crate is completed, the interior can be further protected by installing a layer of polyethylene which has been coated with aluminum. This material is adhered to the case walls using an ordinary iron, the interior layer will:
1. Stop the ingress of water
2. Act as a barrier against any compounds released from the wood
3. Allow for the crate to be stored in an area that is not climate controlled
4. Enhance the thermal performance of the wooden crate
If product is going to be stored in the crate for an extended period of time, such as show material for trade shows, prior to putting in the polyurethane, it is advisable to paint the wooden walls with an acrylic latex paint. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the paint to dry before using it.
There are certain paints that should not be used as they give off chemicals and compounds that can affect the delicate contents. Never use oil-based paints, alkyd or oil-cured polyurethane coatings.
If the contents are not going to be stored in the crates for an extended period of time, the objects can be wrapped and the inside of the case can be left untreated. The makers of crate in Fort Worth recommend, however, that interior linings be used to eliminate water and pests.
