Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have been looking into different materials for building my new cage. I am not sure why it had not occurred to me before to look into polycarbonate. I have seen Lexan(a polycarbonate brand) used as "bullet-proof glass" for years, so I think it can hold up to my lizards. I am thinking of using it for either just the doors of my cage or using it for all sides. I am leaning towards a frame type cage into which I can insert panels of polycarbonate, or whatever material I end up using. I have seen people in the monitor forum use it, so I know it is plenty scratch resistant. I have been to a couple of websites about the technical information of polycarbonate, and I am impressed.
Has anyone ever worked with polycarbonate? What thickness would be best? Is there a particular brand or distributor that is the best? Is it a common enough product for local glass or plastic store to carry it? THanks for all of the help, Josh

>>I am leaning towards a frame type cage into which I can insert panels of polycarbonate, or whatever material I end up using.

You might try to go ahead and learn the nuances of solvent welding. The cutting and edge preparation of polycarbonate is much easier than acrylic (plexiglass), although there are fewer options for cutting it. Don't remember what they are, however.

>>I have seen people in the monitor forum use it, so I know it is plenty scratch resistant.

Really? That's good to know. I've always heard it is fairly scratch resistant but that when it does get scratches they don't buff out easily. But if they're monitor resistant you should not have to worry about that.

>>I have been to a couple of websites about the technical information of polycarbonate, and I am impressed.

On paper is it impressive stuff but it is quite expensive.

>>Has anyone ever worked with polycarbonate?

Yes, but very little. It does seem brutal on router bits which is how I cut it, I believe.

>>What thickness would be best?

For framed construction I'd imagine 1/8" as the stuff is so rigid. But test it first.

>>Is there a particular brand or distributor that is the best?

Lexan is the most common brand.

>>Is it a common enough product for local glass or plastic store to carry it?

Check both glass and plastic shops. I have found plastic sheet material to almost always be cheaper if you can buy it locally.
-----
Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)