[ARSCLIST] The STiL Case

[Mike Richter <mrichter@xxxxxxx>]

I'd all but given up hope in the months since I was offered a sample of 
this archival case for optical discs, but it arrived in today's mail. 
The design is fascinating and I'm happy to report my reaction to it.

The case is a single piece of polypropylene ingeniously molded and 
folded. Within the outer dimensions of a standard jewel case, it does 
suspend the disc solidly without risk of contact between the sensitive 
surface and the case itself. Insertion requires firm pressure but 
release imposes no stress on the disc.

The only apparent limitation of the design is dealing with 
documentation. There is no tray for a traycard, less than the usual 
space for an insert, and no obvious way to record on the spine - which 
flexes to open the case, making it unlikely that any labelling would 
survive repeated access.

Some properties unique to the STiL case may limit its use. In addition 
to the usual edge vents, the design of the retainer leaves extra spaces 
where the tray would seal a conventional case. Closure requires that the 
snap of the polypropylene be retained over use and case integrity 
depends on durability of the hinge. For some purposes, the translucency 
of the case may be a drawback; given the documentation problem, an 
opaque case might not be viable

Neither the insert in the sample nor M. Pion's included business card 
offered a URL, but the e-mail addresses brought me to
  http://www.STiLDesign.com/
where additional information (including pricing) may be found.

Mike
--
mrichter@xxxxxxx
http://www.mrichter.com/