Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need to replace an acrylic hinged door for a 4-foot cage. The door warped, and cracked around the hinge bolts, very soon after I got the cage. It's been usable but I'm sick and tired of it.

I have other brand cages with acryliic doors that have lasted for years, so I'm wondering if this particular cage manufacturer just uses the cheapest stuff on the market. I never used anything but acrylic cleaner on it.

Is there a "best" type of acrylic that I can get cut and drilled to my door specs? Perhaps Lexan?

Bill

Bill,

Acrylic varies dramatically in quality. I don't know my brands as well as I used to, but I know some acrylics are better suited to withstanding the temperature differentials that a reptile cage door will experience. You get what you pay for with acrylic, IMO. I think Plexiglas is a pretty good brand and usually available. Note, however, that Plexiglass has become something of a generic trade name. Kind of like asking for a Jacuzzi when you really just want a spa style of tub. You know what I mean. When you purchase it make sure that the protective wrap says plexiglass. And tell the sales people you want an acrylic of plexiglass quality or higher.

Lexan is not a type of acrylic, it is a polycarbonate. It is likely the best choice for a cage door, but is very expensive. It should not crack like acrylic around the bolt holes. It will withstand the temperature differentials better than any cheaper acrylic.

I'm not sure what to tell you. I think it might be worth it to spend some time on google. Maybe find a distributor that carries several types of acrylic and see if their site has descriptions and/or they have a technical department that can help you.

Or maybe just price Lexan locally and forget about it.

I agree that you should consider using polycarbonate. It doesn't warp like acrylic and won't get cloudy. It is also very easy to drill. Lexan is a trade name for polycarbonate. Your local plastics shop may have a cheaper brand such as Sheffield.

If you want a good quality of acrylic(plexyglass) you should ask for "cast" acrylic. Most of the cheap acrylic is extruded acrylic, and that is the one that warp and bow easly. The "cast is more expensive, but wont warp.

Cast acrylic. Now if I could just remember some of the more common brand names.

I used to have piles of literature on this stuff but not anymore.

Now I know the right stuff to look for.

Bill