Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there a performance difference between PVC and PVCX in an open rack system? The PVCX is considerably less expensive.

And everything I read concerning PVC/PVCX discusses welding techniques. Does this mean the material is inappropriate for simple drill holes and screws?

Thanks In Advance,
Chris
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mean people suck

The difference between the two materials is this:

PVCX has a thin solid PVC skin on both sides of the sheet, with the middle being PVC foam. The result is a very light-weight material that flexes a little without cracking. It also insulates pretty well due to the foam core. It cuts easily, bends easily with a heated bending tool, and is just plain easy to work with compared to many other materials. But it isn't wood. Besides, would you use screws into the edge of 1/4" thick material? Probably not.

PVCX can hold a screw for only light-duty applications. If you dado the joints, screws may work better if trying to hold sides together, but otherwise glue works the best for the main structure of the cage/rack. You can also weld, but the glue seems alot easier and is as strong as the material itself if not stronger. If you weld, you have to know what you're doing otherwise you'll get weak joints or ruined material. Glue is forgiving: you slap it on, clamp the pieces together and let the glue cure.

Solid PVC sheets are more expensive but incredibly strong because they are solid PVC instead of foam. I think the material costs too much to make a cage when PVCX is available and is so easy to work with.

My opinion on racks is that you want the shelves to not flex if housing slender colubrids or small hatchlings. PVCX flexes. Maybe fine for large boid babies and ball python babies, but a hatchling Mexican milk for example can slip right out unless the boxes are in so tight that you spill the water dish everytime you slide the box out. My opinion is that for slender, agile colubrids, use wood racks that don't flex much at all. You can line the shelves and ceilings with thin PVCX if you want, but use strong wood for the structure.

Good luck.

>>Is there a performance difference between PVC and PVCX in an open rack system? The PVCX is considerably less expensive.
>>
>>And everything I read concerning PVC/PVCX discusses welding techniques. Does this mean the material is inappropriate for simple drill holes and screws?
>>
>>Thanks In Advance,
>>Chris
>>-----
>>mean people suck

Thanks. I guess I'm stuck with plywood. LOL

Chris
-----
mean people suck

Chris,

I believe you are a BP guy exclusively. For BPs, even hatchlings, I believe 1/4" PVCX can work fine. I have a few solutions in mind, but just don't have the time to respond right now.

Feel free to send and e-mail.