Cages & Frames
Protective frames and cage assemblies for IBC containers - standard, heavy-duty, collapsible, and custom options
Industrial IBC Cages
The steel cage is the backbone of an IBC container, providing critical protection for the inner bottle and enabling safe stacking, handling, and transport. Our selection includes standard galvanized cages, heavy-duty options, collapsible designs, and premium stainless steel models.
Whether you need to replace a damaged cage, upgrade to a more durable option, or outfit a new facility, we have the right cage solution. All our cages are manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards and are compatible with standard IBC bottles and pallets.
Starting at
$150
Available Cage Types
Choose from our range of IBC cages designed for different applications and requirements.
Standard Steel Cage
The industry-standard galvanized steel cage for protecting HDPE IBC bottles. Ideal for general warehouse and industrial applications.
Key Features:
- Hot-dip galvanized finish
- Forklift compatible from 4 sides
- Stackable design with locking corners
- Standard 40x48" footprint
Best for: General warehouse storage, standard applications
Heavy-Duty Cage
Reinforced cage construction for demanding industrial environments where extra protection and durability are required.
Key Features:
- Thicker gauge steel construction
- Enhanced corner protection
- Reinforced bottom frame
- Impact-resistant design
Best for: Heavy industrial use, frequent handling, outdoor storage
Collapsible Cage
Space-saving design that folds flat for efficient storage and transport when containers are empty.
Key Features:
- Folds flat for storage
- Quick assembly (under 1 minute)
- Full protection when deployed
- Reduces return shipping costs
Best for: Return logistics, limited storage space, shipping cost reduction
Stainless Steel Cage
Premium corrosion-resistant cage for food processing, pharmaceutical, and clean room environments.
Key Features:
- Full corrosion resistance
- FDA/USDA compliant
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- No galvanizing to flake
Best for: Food/beverage, pharmaceutical, clean room applications
Powder-Coated Cage
Color-coded cages with durable powder coat finish for product identification and organization.
Key Features:
- Custom color options
- Durable powder coat finish
- UV-resistant coating
- Easy product identification
Best for: Product segregation, corporate branding, visual organization
Custom Cage
Tailored cage solutions designed to your specifications for non-standard bottles or special requirements.
Key Features:
- Custom dimensions
- Special materials available
- Engineered to specifications
- Various finishes available
Best for: Non-standard bottles, unique requirements, special applications
Cage Comparison
Compare key features across our most popular cage types to find the best fit for your needs.
| Feature | Standard | Heavy-Duty | Collapsible | Stainless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Durability | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Stacking Capacity | 2-high full | 3-high full | 2-high full | 2-high full |
| Weight | 65-85 lbs | 95-120 lbs | 70-90 lbs | 55-75 lbs |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Food/Pharma Suitable | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Storage Efficiency | Standard | Standard | Excellent | Standard |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 15-20 years | 10-15 years | 20-30 years |
Technical Specifications
Standard Cage Specifications
| Overall Dimensions | 40" x 48" x 46-53" (varies by bottle size) |
| Grid Pattern | 2" x 2" or 2" x 4" welded wire mesh |
| Wire Diameter | 0.177" to 0.250" (5-6.5mm) |
| Frame Tube Size | 1.5" x 1.5" square tube |
| Corner Post Size | 1.5" x 1.5" or 2" x 2" square tube |
| Fill Opening | 6" (150mm) diameter |
| Valve Opening | 4" x 4" or larger access |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 |
| Zinc Coating | Minimum 1.4 oz/ft² (427 g/m²) |
| Corrosion Warranty | 10-15 years typical |
Heavy-Duty Cage Specifications
| Overall Dimensions | 40" x 48" x 46-53" (varies by bottle size) |
| Grid Pattern | 2" x 2" welded wire mesh |
| Wire Diameter | 0.250" to 0.312" (6.5-8mm) |
| Frame Tube Size | 2" x 2" square tube |
| Corner Post Size | 2" x 2" reinforced tube |
| Fill Opening | 6" (150mm) diameter |
| Bottom Frame | Reinforced with cross members |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 |
| Zinc Coating | Minimum 2.0 oz/ft² (610 g/m²) |
| Impact Rating | Up to 2x standard cage |
Cage Components
Individual replacement components for cage repair and maintenance.
Top Frame Assembly
Complete top frame including fill opening collar, hinged lid, and corner connectors.
Standard 40x48" or 44x48" sizes
Side Panels
Individual mesh side panels for cage repair or replacement.
Welded wire mesh, various patterns
Corner Posts
Vertical corner tubes that provide structural support and stacking capability.
1.5" or 2" square tube
Bottom Frame
Base frame that connects to pallet and supports the IBC bottle.
Integrated bottle support ring
Fill Opening Ring
6" diameter collar for the fill opening with gasket groove.
Standard 6" ID, various materials
Hinged Lid
Flip-open lid for the fill opening with locking mechanism.
Includes hinges and latch
Stacking Cones
Corner guides that ensure proper alignment when stacking.
Molded or welded construction
Valve Guard
Protective cover for the bottom discharge valve.
Hinged or removable styles
Understanding Cage Finishes
Learn about different protective finishes and their applications.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Parts are dipped in molten zinc at 840°F, creating a metallurgically bonded coating.
Advantages:
Electro-Galvanizing
Zinc is electroplated onto steel in a bath, creating a thin uniform coating.
Advantages:
Powder Coating
Electrostatically applied polymer powder baked to form a durable finish.
Advantages:
Industry Recommendations
Chemical Manufacturing
Heavy-duty cages protect containers during harsh chemical handling environments.
Recommended: Heavy-Duty or Stainless Steel
Food & Beverage
Stainless steel and food-grade coated cages meet sanitary requirements.
Recommended: Stainless Steel or FDA-Compliant Coated
Pharmaceutical
Clean room compatible cages with smooth surfaces and minimal particle generation.
Recommended: Stainless Steel (Electropolished)
Logistics & Distribution
Collapsible cages reduce return shipping costs and storage requirements.
Recommended: Collapsible or Standard
Agriculture
Durable galvanized cages withstand outdoor exposure and rough handling.
Recommended: Heavy-Duty Galvanized
Automotive
Color-coded cages help organize different fluid types and products.
Recommended: Powder-Coated
Cage Repair Services
Professional cage repair and reconditioning services to extend the life of your IBC containers.
Corner Post Repair
Weld repair or replacement of damaged corner posts.
Complete Refurbishment
Full cage restoration including repairs and new finish.
Custom Modifications
Add features or modify dimensions to meet new requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do galvanized IBC cages last?
Hot-dip galvanized IBC cages typically last 15-25 years in normal industrial environments. Lifespan depends on exposure to corrosive chemicals, outdoor weather, and handling practices. Indoor use with minimal chemical exposure can extend life beyond 25 years. Regular inspection and prompt repair of coating damage maximizes service life.
Can damaged cages be repaired?
Yes, most cage damage can be repaired cost-effectively. Bent frames can be straightened, damaged panels replaced, and worn galvanizing restored. Repairs typically cost 30-50% of replacement price. We offer professional repair services with quick turnaround. Only severely damaged cages with multiple structural failures should be replaced.
What is the stacking capacity of IBC cages?
Standard galvanized cages can typically stack 2 containers high when full (up to 5,000+ lbs per container) and 4 high when empty. Heavy-duty cages allow 3-high stacking when full. Always verify the specific cage rating and ensure the bottom container is on a solid, level surface. Never exceed manufacturer stacking recommendations.
Do you offer cages for non-standard IBC sizes?
Yes, we can supply or manufacture cages for non-standard IBC bottles including 330-gallon, 550-gallon, and custom sizes. Custom cages require bottle dimensions, weight when full, and any special feature requirements. Lead time for custom cages is typically 4-8 weeks depending on quantity and complexity.
What is the difference between hot-dip and electro-galvanizing?
Hot-dip galvanizing produces a thicker, more durable zinc coating (2-5 mils) by dipping parts in molten zinc. It provides superior corrosion protection and is self-healing. Electro-galvanizing applies a thinner coating (0.2-1 mil) electrochemically, resulting in a smoother finish but less protection. Hot-dip is preferred for industrial IBC cages.
Are stainless steel cages worth the extra cost?
Stainless steel cages are worth the investment for applications requiring: FDA/USDA compliance, corrosion resistance to aggressive chemicals, clean room compatibility, or elimination of zinc contamination concerns. While costing 2-4x more than galvanized cages, they can last 20-30+ years and meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Can cages be customized with company branding?
Yes, we offer several customization options including: powder coating in custom colors (RAL/Pantone matching), company logos via silk screening or laser etching, and custom labeling systems. Minimum quantities typically apply for custom finishes. Contact us with your branding requirements for a quote.
How do collapsible cages compare to standard cages?
Collapsible cages offer 70-80% space savings when empty (folding to 6-8" height) and reduce return shipping costs significantly. However, they have more moving parts, slightly lower durability, and higher initial cost than standard cages. They are ideal for applications with frequent empty container returns or limited storage space.
Need Cage Repair or Custom Solutions?
Damaged cage? We offer professional cage repair and reconditioning services. Often more cost-effective than replacement, our repairs restore structural integrity and extend the life of your IBC containers.