Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about getting the equipment needed to weld and bend the Plastic Sheeting used in some of the Cage and Rack Systems. I need to know from someone who is willing to share the info, what type of material is best to use?
Thanks......
Chris

Are you interested in plastic for 1) building cages for profit, 2) weight savings, or 3) ultimate ease of cleaning and durability, or 4) some combination of the above three?

Many people assume that light weight and durability are inherent to all plastic building products. They are not. In fact, some plastic products are heavier than wood and are several times the cost.

Regardless, I think there are plastics that can be used by the do-it-yourselfer without the steep learning curves associated with thermal welders and thermal benders/forming rods.

If I were to build my own plastic cages I would only pay extra cost to save weight. If I wanted ultimate durability I would use plywood and epoxy and save money over plastics.

For weight savings 1/4" Expanded PVC is the way to go. It is a difficult material to join, however. I have experimented with different solvents and mechanical fasteners (mainly rivets) but have never found a combination I was 0 comfortable with.

In my opinion the best way for the do-it-yourselfer to join this material is with the use of 1"x1" PVC corner angle. This product can be solvent-welded along all the edges, thereby creating a very strong joint.

If you're looking to produce cages/racks in large numbers this changes things a bit.

I am looking to build durable and easy to clean platic cages. This is primarily for personal use, I am not truely looking to get into sales. I was told about using HDPE, due to its ease with working and welding. I am just tring to find the most cost effective way to produce my own Boa Cages and Ball Racks.
Thanks,
Chris

I have heard of mixed results when it comes to HDPE and ease of cleaning. Some have claimed that snake feces/urates "sticks" to it and it difficult to get up. But HDPE is known to vary from manufactuer to manufacturer so I'm sure that explains those results. Note that none of the complaints said "impossible" to clean, but just not as easy as anticipated.

The nice thing about HDPE is how well it holds up to various disinfectants. Acrylic, PVC, styrene, and ABS are all known to react poorly to certain disinfectants.

I don't think you need to invest in a thermal welder for HDPE. Instead learn the basics of rabbet and dado joints if you don't already and assemble your cages with screws and silicone. You'll need to use 1/2" material for these types of joints, IMO.

I'm still not sure what advantage HDPE will offer you for racks, but these techniques will work there as well.

I just re-read your previous reply. The first time I read it I was on the phone and did not catch your "most cost-effective" comment.

HDPE will hardly be cost-effective. Neither will any 1/2" plastic.

Not sure what to recommend to you.

If you're afraid of wood for some reason remember that one can build aquaria out of plywood sealed with epoxy. I know of such tanks that have held saltwater for over 20 years.

Of course if you live in or near a large city you might be able to fine 1/4" expanded PVC for less than what a sheet of epoxy sealed plywood will cost you.