Closed or perforated walls? At first glance, Euro containers look alike, but the walls decide what they are suitable for. Closed sides shield the contents at the sides, while perforated sides, according to the manufacturer, let air reach the goods. Using the basicline series by the manufacturer Bekuplast, this comparison shows when each type of wall is the better choice. You will find the whole series in our category EURO-NORM basicline.
Closed and perforated at a glance
We compare three formats that are available in both versions. All containers are made of PP-C (polypropylene copolymer) in grey 401.
| Criterion | Closed sides | Perforated sides |
|---|---|---|
| 400 x 300 x 120 mm | 11.2 l, internal height 117 mm, 690 g | 10.2 l, internal height 108 mm, 680 g |
| 400 x 300 x 220 mm | 20.8 l, internal height 217 mm, 1,010 g | 19.8 l, internal height 208 mm, 920 g |
| 600 x 400 x 170 mm | 35.6 l, internal height 167 mm, 1,390 g | 33.1 l, internal height 155 mm, 1,400 g |
| Sides | closed | perforated, for air circulation according to the manufacturer |
| Base per product properties | ribbed, perforated | ribbed, closed |
| View of contents | from above only | through the sides as well |
The values come from the product data. The external dimensions are the same for both versions; according to the product data, the volume of the perforated containers is slightly lower. For the base, the product properties and the description texts partly contradict each other – please check the base on the product page.
Closed containers: protection for the contents
What the closed wall does
For the 400 x 300 x 220 mm container, the manufacturer writes that the closed base and closed sides protect the contents from dust, moisture and other environmental influences. However, the product properties of the same item list the base as ribbed and perforated. What is documented for all closed containers is the closed side wall: nothing falls out through the sides. The Container basicline closed, handle closed, 400x300x120 mm, colour grey comes with closed handles.
The formats
For taller goods, there is the Container basicline closed, open handle, 400x300x220 mm, colour grey with a volume of 20.8 l. In the large base size, the Container basicline closed, open handle, 600x400x170 mm, colour grey holds 35.6 l.
Perforated containers: air and visibility
What the perforated wall does
According to the manufacturer, perforated sides allow air to circulate, and the contents remain visible. For the large 600 x 400 x 170 mm format, the manufacturer also mentions drainage and attributes it to a perforated base. The product properties of this item, however, list the base as closed, so drainage through the base is not documented. The Container basicline perforated 400 x 300 x 120 mm Colour: grey 401 holds 10.2 l.
The formats
The Container basicline perforated 400 x 300 x 220 mm Colour: grey 401 offers 19.8 l. In the 600 x 400 mm base size, there is the Container basicline perforated, open handle, 600x400x170 mm, colour grey with 33.1 l.
Which wall for which job?
Storage for small parts and packaging material
For screws, seals or small spare parts, closed sides are the obvious choice, because nothing can fall out through the wall. However, the product properties list the base of the closed containers as perforated. So check on the product page whether your smallest parts could pass through the base.
Production with damp or washed parts
For parts that need to dry after washing, perforated sides are worth considering, as the manufacturer says they allow air to circulate. That water also drains downwards is not documented: according to the product properties, the perforated containers have a closed base.
Workshop with quick access
Where you often want to see quickly what is in a container, perforated sides help. If the goods should be shielded at the sides, the closed version is the better fit.
Handles and handling
Apart from the walls, the containers differ in their handles. The 400 x 300 x 220 mm and 600 x 400 x 170 mm formats have open handles in both versions. According to the manufacturer, they make carrying easier, even when heavily loaded. The flat 400 x 300 x 120 mm format has closed handles that offer a secure grip. So the choice of wall does not change the type of handle, but the format does. For the closed 400 x 300 x 220 mm container, the manufacturer also mentions a stackable design that allows space-saving storage.
How to make the choice
- Check whether your goods are small enough to fall through openings.
- Consider whether the goods need air or must stay protected from dust.
- Compare the volume: according to the product data, perforated containers hold slightly less.
- Look at the handles: open or closed, depending on the format.
- Note the packaging unit, for example 80 pieces for the 400 x 300 x 220 mm format.
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Frequently asked questions
Do both versions have the same external dimensions?
Yes. For the formats compared, the external dimensions are identical. The product data show differences in internal height, volume and weight.
Are perforated containers lighter?
Not always. In the 400 x 300 x 220 mm format, the perforated container is lighter at 920 g; in the 600 x 400 x 170 mm format, it is slightly heavier than the closed one at 1,400 g.
What is the base like?
According to the product data, all containers have a ribbed base. The product properties list it as perforated for the closed containers and as closed for the perforated ones, while some description texts say the opposite. So please check the base on the respective product page.
Can I combine both versions?
As base size and series are the same, both versions can be used in the same shelving system. When stacking, check the specifications on the product page.
Conclusion
Closed sides shield the contents at the sides; perforated sides, according to the manufacturer, allow air to circulate and show what is in the container. Both versions are available with the same external dimensions. You will find the whole series in the category EURO-NORM basicline.