Has anyone thought about using this to build a cage?

[jn3825]

HDPE (high density polyethylene). I have been looking around to see what kind of sheet plastics are used to build cages and what types of plastics could be used. I think it might be viable because it is rigid and light, FDA approved (so no bad stuff for the snake, right?)and cheap. it is cheaper than pvc sheet or polypropylene like some of the major brand cages are built with. the working tempature of it is 185 degrees c. it seems like a simple plastic welding job too. Can anyone come up with a reason not to use this stuff?

[jn3825]

also its resistant to most chemicals except some solvents. it also comes in various colors.

[jn3825]

and completly water resistant.

[Stormyva]

I believe that is the material that animal plastics uses on the cages they make.

[BWSmith]

No it isn't Stormy. They use Controlled Density PolyPro. I looked at all the spec sheets fro the different materials and HDPE is slightly lower quality than PolyPro for aboutt he same price. But it all depends on how you are fabricating it and what you are looking for in a material. You can also look into Polystyrene (Precision Caging). It comes thicker than Precision.

[kasper22]

This guy is using HDPE to make cages http://www.randysreptiles.com/

[jn3825]

well alright. thats some good info.

now another question for ya. which would be better, the hdpe or polypropylene. here's a data sheet on the hdpe, http://interstateplastics.com/products/spec/hdpe.htm and on the polypropylene, http://interstateplastics.com/produc.../polyprona.htm mabey someone can tell which would be better from those better than me. they run about the same price. 5 2'x4'x1/4" sheets run $120 shipped from us plastic. thatd be enough to make a 4'x2'x2' cage. now all i need is someone who can weld plastic :P

thanks for the input

[BWSmith]

There are special adhesives. And that is highway robbery for the plastic.

[jn3825]

really? do you have any sources on better prices for the plastic? and the adhesive for that matter. i didnt think there was for the hdpe and pp.