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Hamster Plastic Cage

Description

Built to accommodate a variety of rodents, this larger size plastic cage comes with a full 144 square inch floor. Available in your choice of 2 plastic resins – Polycarbonate (PC) or Polysulfone (UD).

Features include:

  • 144 square inch floor space
  • Available in 2 plastic resins – Polycarbonate (PC) or Polysulfone (UD)
  • Large size cage to accommodate a variety of rodent species

Polycarbonate – Part # – RC86D-PC

Polysulfone – Part # – RC86D-UD

Floor Space – 144 square inch floor, 929.0 sq. cm floor

Cage Dimensions –  10.25″ W x 18.75″ D x 6″ H, 26.0 cm W x 47.6 cm D x 15.2 cm H

Case Quantity –  10 cages

IMPORTANT: Washing, Disinfecting & Autoclaving Plastic Cages
All components of Alternative Design caging must be cleaned prior to being put into service. Plastic caging can be washed in a rack or tunnel washer and autoclaved. Standard polycarbonate is not recommended for autoclaving. Cleaning solutions containing high levels of chlorine are not recommended for polycarbonate, polysulfone and stainless steel parts such as cage grommets.

Washing
Plastic cages and bottles should be washed in hot, softened water. Consult with your cleaning agent manufacturer for the recommended product and dilution. Be sure to also follow the detergent manufacturer’s time and temperature range settings for the wash, rinse and sanitize cycles. Washing plastics in hard water may cause a milky-gray discoloration on the surface after frequent washing. If an alkaline detergent is used, it is recommended to use a short acidic rinse cycle followed by a final fresh water rinse. Be sure all residue is removed from the cages and bottles after the final rinse. This is especially important if autoclaving is to follow. The extreme heat of an autoclave could cause any residue to be baked on the plastic resulting in the loss of clarity and gradual deterioration of the plastic. To help prolong the life of your plastic materials, consult your cage wash supplier to ensure that the cycle times and temperatures are correct for the plastics you are using.

Disinfecting
There are many disinfectants that can harm plastics. Check with your disinfectant supplier regarding the use of their products for your particular plastic materials. NEVER heat cages that contain a disinfectant residue.

Autoclaving
It is important that plastic cages and bottles be washed, thoroughly dried, and free from any residue before autoclaving. Effective autoclaving depends upon proper temperature controls and appropriate steam supply. Autoclaves should be regularly checked and serviced to ensure effectiveness. While polycarbonate (PC) is considered autoclavable, it will begin to deteriorate after only a few autoclave cycles. It is not recommended that PC cages be autoclaved. Autoclaving Alternative Design polycarbonate cages will void any warranty that may apply.

Autoclaving Polysulfone
Polysulfone’s properties make it extremely resistant to heat and it therefore maintains its durability after repeated autoclave cycles. It can withstand repeated autoclaving at 134°C/273°F. However, it must be noted that the potential for product damage does exist during the autoclave process. Not so much the heat but from the chemicals used to condition the steam. A variety of chemicals are used in the steam to protect the generation/distribution system. There are Phosphate/Polymers for Scale prevention. There are Alkalinity Builder Chemicals used to increase the alkalinity of the boiler water that in turn enhance the efficiency of the Phosphate/Polymer chemical. Another set of chemicals are used for condensate treatment. Many of these chemicals attack and damage polysulfone, specifically the Amine class – morpholine, cyclohexylamine, diethylhydroxylamine. There are other treatment chemicals that are safe such as ammonia and monoethanolamine. There are many different chemicals used; those listed are some of the most common. Alternative Design recommends the research facility to check with their physical plant and verify damaging chemicals are not used within the steam system. There are several reference lists for chemical compatibility and chemical resistance online by just searching “polysulfone”. If there are chemicals used you are unsure about contact your chemical provider or our Customer Service Department.

Alternative Design offers a 2-year warranty on all Polysulfone plastic caging products. These products are warrantied to be free from material and workmanship defects during this period. The warranty period will begin from the date of delivery. Our Polysulfone products will have a 2-year prorated warranty*.

Please note – Polycarbonate caging is not recommended for autoclaving and any warranty will be voided if autoclaved.  

The 2-year warranty includes:

  • Polysulfone plastic caging products or components

* Plastic caging materials that show physical, chemical or heat damage will not be covered under warranty.