In the layer cage industry, the choice of materials is crucial for ensuring the durability and safety of the equipment. Q235 steel has emerged as a top - choice material, offering a unique combination of mechanical properties, economic efficiency, and corrosion resistance.
Q235 steel has excellent mechanical properties. It has a yield strength of approximately 235 MPa, which provides sufficient strength to support the weight of the hens and the equipment itself. This high - strength characteristic ensures that the layer cages can maintain their shape and structure under normal operating conditions. For example, in a large - scale layer farm in the United States, cages made of Q235 steel have withstood the test of time, showing no signs of deformation even after several years of use.
From an economic perspective, Q235 steel is a cost - effective option. Compared with some high - end alloy steels, the price of Q235 steel is relatively low, which can significantly reduce the production cost of layer cages. A layer cage manufacturing company in Europe reported that by using Q235 steel, they were able to reduce their material cost by about 20% without sacrificing the quality of the cages.
Corrosion is a major concern in layer cage manufacturing. Q235 steel can be protected by two main coating methods: hot - dip galvanizing and aluminum - zinc alloy coating. Hot - dip galvanizing forms a thick zinc layer on the surface of the steel, which acts as a sacrificial anode to protect the steel from corrosion. Aluminum - zinc alloy coating, on the other hand, combines the advantages of aluminum and zinc, providing better corrosion resistance in some harsh environments. With these coating methods, the service life of layer cages can be extended to 15 - 20 years.
| Coating Method | Advantages | Expected Service Life |
|---|---|---|
| Hot - dip Galvanizing | Good corrosion resistance, thick zinc layer | 15 - 20 years |
| Aluminum - zinc Alloy Coating | Better in harsh environments, combines aluminum and zinc advantages | 15 - 20 years |
Products made of Q235 steel for layer cages often comply with international certification standards such as ISO9001, ISO14001, and CE. ISO9001 ensures the quality management system of the manufacturing process, while ISO14001 focuses on environmental protection. The CE mark indicates that the product meets the safety, health, and environmental protection requirements of the European Union. These certifications guarantee that the layer cages are of high quality and environmentally friendly.
In addition to the material selection, the structural design of layer cages also plays a vital role. A reasonable steel thickness and an innovative H - type structure design can significantly improve the overall stability of the cages and the safety of the breeding environment. For example, a layer farm in Australia found that by using cages with an H - type structure, the incidence of cage - related injuries to hens was reduced by about 30%, and the overall stability of the cages was improved.
In conclusion, Q235 steel is an ideal material for layer cage manufacturing, offering a series of advantages in terms of mechanical properties, economic efficiency, and corrosion resistance. The combination of proper coating methods, international certifications, and scientific structural design can ensure the long - term use of layer cages and create a safe and healthy breeding environment. If you are interested in learning more about layer cage material selection, click here to download our Layer Cage Material Selection Guide PDF.