Custom foam inserts are a vital addition to hard-shell cases, as they help to prevent breakages and vibration damage by keeping your items firmly in position during transit.

But should you opt for an expertly manufactured tailored interior, or can you make one yourself?

Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for your needs.

What are pre-cut custom foam inserts?

Pre-cut custom foam inserts are made-to-order padded interiors for cases, which are produced by industry professionals according to your requested specifications and requirements.

These accessories can be shaped and cut to fit any case size and house virtually any item.

The pros of pre-cut custom foam inserts

They ensure dimensional accuracy

Thanks to the technology used to create them, pre-cut custom interiors are much more precise than DIY ones, eliminating human error.

The cushioned holders for your items are created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, ensuring an accurate fit for your tools or devices.

They’re of professional quality

Custom foam interiors are precisely cut using advanced techniques such as CNC machining, water jet cutting or press-cutting to guarantee crisp lines and a first-class finish.

This differs from DIY inserts, which can end up with imperfections and rough edges due to lacerations made by hand.

They use the best-suited foam

If you order a pre-cut custom foam insert, an expert boasting years of trade experience will select the most appropriate foam material for your application.

Not only will this save you the hassle of deciding for yourself, but you can also relax knowing expensive equipment, tools or goods are safe from the impacts expected in your environment.

The cons of pre-cut custom foam inserts

They’re typically more expensive

As these inserts are produced using specialist software and equipment, they tend to be more expensive than DIY ones. However, can you really put a price on the protection and presentation of your delicate and costly belongings?

There may be a wait time

Providing your item descriptions, drawings or images and designing and manufacturing your bespoke interior takes time, which is reflected in their wait period.

While you’ll likely be waiting on a custom foam insert longer than you would the alternative, it’s not usually an excessive period, so it’s worth it if you want a top-quality product.

What are DIY foam inserts?

As the name suggests, a DIY foam interior is a case insert that you shape yourself. There are different styles of DIY foam, such as plain foam, that you can cut using a knife.

Or, there are ‘pick and pluck’ interiors, which are pre-scored into cubes that can be ‘plucked’ out to meet the dimensions of your gear.

What are the advantages of DIY foam inserts?

DIY inserts are very affordable

If you plan on making your interior yourself, you’ll only have to pay for a plain foam block, which shouldn’t cost you too much. The only factors affecting price will be the size of your case and the foam material you select.

You can gain a new interior in days

A standard foam insert can be ordered, dispatched and delivered within days – this differs to

pre-cut custom foam inserts, which go through a lengthier CAD layout and manufacturing process first.

What are the disadvantages of DIY foam inserts?

They’re a hassle to make

Foam inserts that you cut by yourself take time to make and require focus. If you don’t spend enough time getting your measurements right, you could make a mistake and have to buy a new foam block.

You can save yourself the fuss by leaving it to the professionals and ordering a pre-cut interior instead!

They may not offer adequate protection

The slightest inaccuracies in the shape or size of the foam pockets could result in items failing to sit securely and eventually falling out of place.

Ultimately, this leaves the insert redundant and makes it a pointless addition to your case.

DIY inserts don’t look as businesslike

The hand-crafted nature of DIY interiors increases the likelihood of imperfections such as scratches, incorrect incisions and tears.

This won’t do you any favours in terms of reputation, so this option may be worth avoiding if appearances are critical, especially if you’re in sales.

Which option is best for me?

If keeping your belongings securely in place and making an excellent first impression are essential to your career, you need a professional-looking pre-cut custom foam insert. Even if your craft skills are first-rate, only CAD interiors guarantee unparalleled precision and a premium finish.

However, if you need your bespoke insert within a few days, you may have little choice but to opt for a DIY insert, as the wait time is shorter.

Speak to the experts about custom foam inserts

Enhance your hard case set-up with a bespoke foam interior crafted by our experienced team!

Whatever you need to store, we utilise the latest techniques and technology to produce accurate and finely cut custom foam inserts that meet your specifications.

Request a tailor-made case interior today by calling us on 01452 309782 or messaging us online, and we’ll get the order process started.