Which materials are commonly used for short-term protection of equipment from handling and shock?

Bubble wrap and plastic bags are effective materials for short-term protection of equipment from handling and shock. Bubble wrap, with its air-filled bubbles, provides cushioning that absorbs impacts and prevents scratches, while plastic bags help to guard against dust, moisture, and minor physical damage during transportation or storage.

The lightweight and flexible nature of bubble wrap makes it easy to conform to the shape of the equipment, ensuring that it receives adequate protection during handling. Meanwhile, plastic bags serve as a barrier against environmental elements, offering an additional layer of defense.

Other materials mentioned may not provide the same level of impact resistance or moisture protection. For instance, cardboard and paper lack sufficient cushioning and can be easily crushed, while foam peanuts and cloth may not secure items as tightly or uniformly as bubble wrap. Styrofoam also has some insulating properties; however, when combined with bubble wrap, it usually caters to more structural support rather than direct contact protection like bubble wrap does.