working with polystyrene, also questions about Vision

[ross2k]

I'm pondering building some enclosures (and maybe a small rack) from high impact poly styrene. A 4X8 sheet is 58 bucks from the local plastic store, making it just over double melamine. But I think the resistance to water and the difference in weight make that worth while. I also found out theres a cement material that can be used to join it. The store also offered to make cuts for me, presuming those aren't too expensive I imagine its the way to go. It can also be bought by the square foot.

So I'm thinking of building a bunch of these enclosures, to start I'd build a few 3 foot enclosures for my BPs. Then when my BRBs grow and need more than a rack I'll build them some. I'm hoping to stack these. But when I asked the guy at the plastic shop he said even with 1/8" thick 4 foot boxes would bow from the weight. I believe vision cages are made from 1/16" thick high impact polystyrene which would of course be more likely to bow/bend. I also notice that many are used in stacking situations. I'm sure that building a "box" style enclosure without much folds or supports would take away from the strength. So I'm looking for any advice either from those who have worked with similar materials or those who own Visions and can recommend anything.

TIA,
Rosco

[Linds]

Visions are made from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). I have been researching over the past year, materials and ways of building plastic caging for myself as well. In my research the best material was (like the visions) HDPE. It is also very economical at only $38/sheet. I've consulted with a plastic manufacturer that also does projects for factories as well as personal contracts. To build the box formations, you need to have welded supports inside the cage. I wish it was as easy as just having some precut peices and chemcially welded together on the sides, but theres alot more to it, which is why they fetch such a price when you buy them. I'm not sure what the differences (maybe they are the same?) between High Impact Polystyrene and High Impact Styrene are, but in my research I found that styrene has been found to contribute to serious health problems in humans. Hope this helped :)

[ross2k]

linds,

I suppose I was mistaken. Appearantly Visions are made from polyethelyne. 38/sheet isn't bad at all. What thickness is that?

I've noticed that many cages are made by bending this stuff, I'm sure a plastic shop could be paid to do that, I'm wondering if thats the sort of thing that a tool could do if I purchased it. If I could inexpensively produce these things I would cage everything I had in them!

Have you any other info linds?

[Linds]

The $38 sheet was in 1/2" or 1/4" thickness I believe - sorry it was a while ago and I have a terrible memory. The equipment for thermoforming the plastic is VERY costly, and cannot be substituted. The place I consulted with will do the work for a fee. A 4x2x2 cage ended up costing about $350, materials were very cheap, but it was the labour that cost alot. Hope this helped :)

[ross2k]

Your numbers sound different than mine. I went ahead and called the plastic store again (poor guys). They're very helpful though. Prices for 4 X 8 sheets of HDPE:

1/4" thick: $105
1/2" thick: $240

I mentioned making enclosures of about 24" X 24" 12" tall (for some BPs) and the guy said that bending wouldn't be the ideal option. He said that just cutting the sheets to size and getting metal corner fasteners from the hardware store, drilling, and using nuts and bolts would be stronger. This would of course not make the tanks lay flush on one another when stacking, but that has its advantages too. I've never really thought of a good way to give belly heat in stacking cages without heating the roof of the cage below and thus being slightly less accurate. But if there was a gap there then it would be less heat for the cage below. Anyhow if I can squeeze two enclosures out of a 105 dollar sheet then I'll most likely go for it. I'll have to wait until after I get a digital camera so I can take pictures and document the process. I'll definetly be posting about my findings through the process.

Thank you linds for pointing me in the right direction!

[Linds]

Wow! That's a really huge difference! Wonder why :confused: Those were similar to the prices I was given for PVC sheets. HDPE was dirt cheap though. Two very different stories indeed! Well, good luck with your project, and please keep us updated! :thumbsup: