PLA or PETG for pet cage accessories?

[BrokenBiker]

Tried to Google but get conflicting info.

Want to make a few bits for the inside of a guinea pig cage, some steps, maybe a see saw and potentially a small hut that can be broken down for cleaning because everything available off the shelf is basically junk that falls apart.

Some sites say PLA is fine, others says it's a hazard, some say PETG is safe for chewing, others say it's dangerous...

I'm just throwing money at these things at the moment and they aren't lasting a month before falling apart due to just being terribly designed or made from poor materials so if I can print stuff then it would be cheaper, easier and available on demand rather than having to go out and buy stuff...and recyclable when it's replaced

 

[Kram]

PLA is far less resistant and might taste nice to a guinea pig, I would be choosing PETG for this but you'll get less choice of colours.

Another option may be to print negatives and pour two part silicone/TPU casts.

 

[sako243]

Wood...

Just because nearly everything can be 3d printed doesn't mean it should.

 

[Screwdriver]

Tried to Google but get conflicting info.

Want to make a few bits for the inside of a guinea pig cage, some steps, maybe a see saw and potentially a small hut that can be broken down for cleaning because everything available off the shelf is basically junk that falls apart.

Some sites say PLA is fine, others says it's a hazard, some say PETG is safe for chewing, others say it's dangerous...

I'm just throwing money at these things at the moment and they aren't lasting a month before falling apart due to just being terribly designed or made from poor materials so if I can print stuff then it would be cheaper, easier and available on demand rather than having to go out and buy stuff...and recyclable when it's replaced

Don't forget you can 3d print a fusion of parts. For example, I am using some 4mm acrylic sheet to make up a tank and just 3d printing the joins (I'll post a thread). I do everything in PETG largely for its superior heat and UV resistance. I believe PETG can be "food safe" but not all of it due to manufacture method (I assume).

Another great option is to pick up a few of those stainless steel straws from the pound shop. They are 6mm reinforcing rods or connectors and used in a design can provide incredible stength and durability.

<edit> or indeed use odd bits of wood and just 3d print the mechanism, joins, pivots or print a template for repeatability.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Wood...

Just because nearly everything can be 3d printed doesn't mean it should.

Wood is the main material I am trying to avoid...they have plenty of wood to chew on and play with, I'm trying to make something that lasts a bit longer between needing to be replaced...we have had them 9 months and they have gone through 11 wooden huts, and at 15-22 quid a go, if I can make something more resistant, safe and cheaper than that's the option I'm taking.

 

[sako243]

Try painting them in cribox? It's a paste thing made to stop horses chewing trees, posts etc. Maybe it'll work on guinea pigs, maybe try a piece outside first just to be sure there's no smell you don't want. We've only used it outside so can't tell.

 

[BrokenBiker]

PLA is far less resistant and might taste nice to a guinea pig, I would be choosing PETG for this but you'll get less choice of colours.

Another option may be to print negatives and pour two part silicone/TPU casts.

Colour isn't a massive worry, I've got some nice green, blue, yellow and red spools in PETG at the moment and there were a few more to choose from when I ordered

 

[ukracer]

Speak to Robert (Director) at 3DQF.co.uk.
If you email SALES@3dqualityfilaments.co.uk it will quite likely be Robert who replies to you.

They manufacture it in the UK so he will know exactly what is in it.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Speak to Robert (Director) at 3DQF.co.uk.
If you email SALES@3dqualityfilaments.co.uk it will quite likely be Robert who replies to you.

They manufacture it in the UK so he will know exactly what is in it.

Amazing, thanks

 

[Beanwood]

. If only there was a method of joining metal to form different shapes..

 

[Kayos]

. If only there was a method of joining metal to form different shapes..

You might even be able to find a forum on the subject

 

[hotponyshoes]

. If only there was a method of joining metal to form different shapes..

If it was my kids' pets, I would (begrudgingly) make it once out of stainless and never worry about it again.

To the op,
There are a variety of orthopedic and dental filaments that are safe.
A better solution might be a nylon or teflon type that is abrasion resistant. put rounded edges on everything and it will probably be too slippery for them to bite onto.

Or just poke a selection of pieces of raw filament through the cage and see which ones they don't eat?

 

[BrokenBiker]

. If only there was a method of joining metal to form different shapes..

ive already looked into that route, have made some bits out of ali, the ramp to the top tier of the cage, a hay feeder, and a small hiding area, however ali and stianless are more expensive and more time consuming than a print thaqt can run while im doing other things

 

[Onoff]

PET.....it's in the name surely.....

 

[BrokenBiker]

PET.....it's in the name surely.....

i was waiting for that

 

[Onoff]

PLAtypus...

(I'm done).

 

[BrokenBiker]

so, had a look on thingaverse and printables, and there are a fair few designs that use PLA and PETG, so as ive got the colours i want in PETG i think im just going to use that for now.

ive got some PLA on the way but thats for a chess set for my father initially, although i should have a fair bit left over

 

[hotponyshoes]

Just print one of these and make the rest of the stuff out of whatever you like...

 

[Kram]

PLAtypus...

(I'm done).

https://makerworld.com/models/556965

Looks a bit like a turd..

 

[Onoff]

https://makerworld.com/models/556965

Looks a bit like a turd..

Richard the Platypoos then.