Published by Margaret
For those new to the never ending, highly challenging rollercoaster ride of metal game case collecting I thought this guide to the main basic variants may help...
Steelbook
Steelbook is frequently used as a generic term for a metal game case but Steelbook is, in fact, a single variant and is a trademark registered by Scanovo.
SteelBook is by popularity the most sought after, best packaged, and best made.
What is a SteelBook?
As defined by Scanavo, manufacturer of SteelBook, "A SteelBook is the new, innovative, exclusive packaging for high profile music, video & games releases. Steelbook consists of a metal exterior and an inner core of plastic with the same dimensions of a standard DVD or Blu Ray style case and designed for high volume automated packaging equipment."
Creative deisgn is a vital element of these metal works of art and SteelBook can offer various manufacturing techniques. They may include these elements:
1) Print
Using high-tech printing techniques they are able to design and create an almost infinite array of images. They print in offset quality using up to 6 colours. Printing on metal creates a premium photographic quality.
2) Lacquering
A combination of matt and glossy lacquers can be used to create special design effects.
3) Embossing / Debossing
Embossing is indented and debossing stands proud of the surface and are unique ways to create extra appeal. While creating an eye-catching, stylish finish it also allows further emphasis for logo, release title , images etc.
Enter the competitors...
Due to the popularity of the Steelbook product competition soon emerged in the form of Ironpacks and Star Metalpaks
Iron Pack
Iron Pack is generally found in US and Canada and the overall quality is lesser than that of a Steelbook.
The major differences between IronPacks and Steelbooks are:
1) The Ironpack spine is made of metal where the steelbook spine is plastic with a metal artwork strip overlay
2) The Ironpacks are slightly shorter and wider than steelbooks
3) In the Ironpack discs are not held as firmly on the spindle and the cases open very easily - too easily - not the pleasing definite closure of a steelbook
4) The metal used on Ironpacks is generally lesser quality than steelbooks making them easier to scratch or dent
Star Metalpaks
Star Metal Paks (more frequently referred to as, simply, Metal Paks are fine on the outside but the hinges and the cut spine for the hinges are of very poor quality
While MetalPak is a great product it lacks the quality and buyer appeal of SteelBooks
The main difference between Metalpaks and Steelbooks is the Spine:
Steelbook
Steelbook is frequently used as a generic term for a metal game case but Steelbook is, in fact, a single variant and is a trademark registered by Scanovo.
SteelBook is by popularity the most sought after, best packaged, and best made.
What is a SteelBook?
As defined by Scanavo, manufacturer of SteelBook, "A SteelBook is the new, innovative, exclusive packaging for high profile music, video & games releases. Steelbook consists of a metal exterior and an inner core of plastic with the same dimensions of a standard DVD or Blu Ray style case and designed for high volume automated packaging equipment."
Creative deisgn is a vital element of these metal works of art and SteelBook can offer various manufacturing techniques. They may include these elements:
1) Print
Using high-tech printing techniques they are able to design and create an almost infinite array of images. They print in offset quality using up to 6 colours. Printing on metal creates a premium photographic quality.
2) Lacquering
A combination of matt and glossy lacquers can be used to create special design effects.
3) Embossing / Debossing
Embossing is indented and debossing stands proud of the surface and are unique ways to create extra appeal. While creating an eye-catching, stylish finish it also allows further emphasis for logo, release title , images etc.
Enter the competitors...
Due to the popularity of the Steelbook product competition soon emerged in the form of Ironpacks and Star Metalpaks
Iron Pack
Iron Pack is generally found in US and Canada and the overall quality is lesser than that of a Steelbook.
The major differences between IronPacks and Steelbooks are:
1) The Ironpack spine is made of metal where the steelbook spine is plastic with a metal artwork strip overlay
2) The Ironpacks are slightly shorter and wider than steelbooks
3) In the Ironpack discs are not held as firmly on the spindle and the cases open very easily - too easily - not the pleasing definite closure of a steelbook
4) The metal used on Ironpacks is generally lesser quality than steelbooks making them easier to scratch or dent
Star Metalpaks
Star Metal Paks (more frequently referred to as, simply, Metal Paks are fine on the outside but the hinges and the cut spine for the hinges are of very poor quality
While MetalPak is a great product it lacks the quality and buyer appeal of SteelBooks
The main difference between Metalpaks and Steelbooks is the Spine:
Metalpak Spine
Ironpack Spine
Steelbook Spine
Closer look at the Steelbook spine