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Boaphile cage material?

SVT Snake

SVT Snake

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I have been trying to contact Boaphile for a couple weeks now but never get a response. Does anyone know what material they use to build their cages? If I can get my hands on some I will just build the cages myself.

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Not sure what they use, but a lot of cage manufacturers use 1/2" HDPE (high density polyethylene). It is the stuff that a lot of "plastic" kitchen cutting boards are made of.

Best of luck!
 
From what I gather, their exact material is kind of a "trade secret", but it is similar to PVC. I do know it is self-extinguishing, and will not burn unless directly exposed to a flame, which I found very cool.
 
This is an idea of what you can use and were to buy.

US Plastic

I have 10 cages from a different manufacturer, the PVC sheeting is really nice.
 
Boaphile cages still use one of several forms of expanded PVC. Their racks are another story, they are a HDPE product.

If I were to take an educaged guess, I would say they use Komatex expanded PVC for their cages since it is the best expanded PVC product for thermoforming. That is likely an important issue for them since they do high volume thermoforming. For the DIY guy/gal looking to make cages for themselves this is probably not as important.

If you're going with a 1/4" (6mm) product, I say get whatever you can find locally. You'll almost always save over shipping for a small order. I have found that thickness locally without any trouble.

If you're going to use 1/2", which I don't necessarily recommend, then you might be more picky. Many brands of expanded PVC go with a higher density product in 1/2" and they can get surprisingly heavy. I can't remember which product is lightest in 1/2", but I think it was Celtec 500. I might be able to look that up for you if you're really interested. Expect to pay a lot for 1/2" expanded PVC.

What method were you planning to use to join the material? Are you going to thermoform the main carcass or are you going to cut individual panels and attach them together somehow?
 
Then I would not worry about the exact brand. You might also consider some PVC corner angle to solvent weld or glue over each edge. This really strengthens the joint for those less than experienced with solvent welding this material. The big learning curve comes when the solvent causes the foamed interior to collapse and weakens the joint.

If you live in a big area call plastic suppliers and distributors and ask for expanded PVC.

If you don't live in a big area then call sign shops and ask for Sintra. Sintra is the most recognized brand of expanded PVC and they often sell other brands as Sintra.

Sort of like asking for Plexiglass and getting another brand of acrylic. Or shopping for a Jacuzzi when you really want a hot tub.

You get the idea.
 
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