Standard warehouse cages are a few fixed sizes a maker keeps on hand — off-the-shelf, short lead time; non-standard custom designs dimensions, load and surface treatment to the customer's actual conditions. The price gap can reach 30% or more; first judge whether the working conditions are standard.
Standard models suit general turnover: machined parts, standard parts, packaged goods, with warehouse aisles, forklifts and pallets all of conventional size. Standard cages typically deliver in 3–7 days, at a low unit price with common after-sales parts — good for first-time purchases, line trials and replenishing stock.
Non-standard models suit special conditions: over-long or over-heavy material, integration with automated-line AGVs, embedding into rack positions, corrosion and high-temperature resistance, or tow/caster needs. In these cases standard cages don't fit or lack load, so dimensions and reinforcing structure must be customized, with lead time typically 15–30 days.
To decide whether you need custom, ask yourself three questions: can my existing pallet hold it? Do stacking layers exceed the standard 4? Does the material need anti-corrosion, high-temperature or anti-static treatment? If all no, choose standard. Tongnuo supports non-standard sampling; standard cages are kept in stock, and non-standard is quoted by drawing.
Decision: first run a line with standard cages, and once it runs smoothly, buy in volume; only go non-standard when size, load and environment truly don't match, to avoid paying a customization premium for perfect fit. Standard cages' short lead time also helps later stock replenishment and replacing damaged parts.