Kydex is a higher-end colored thermoplastic sheet stock. This material has a very good flame rating and a high chemical resistance level. The substrate chemicals for Kydex are acrylic and PVC. Acrylic provides a harder surface and PVC gives Kydex its high resistance to chemicals. Typically you’ll always find Kydex with a textured finish on it. There are a wide variety of finishes available.
Kydex Facts, Specifications, Grades, and More
What surface textures are available for Kydex?
- Smooth nap
- Cashmere
- Level Haircell
- Velour Matte
- Suede
- Haircell
- Smooth
- Seville
How strong is Kydex?
Kydex is scratch resistant, durable, and impact resistant
How is Kydex recycled?
Kydex is easily recycled. Given its thermoplastic characteristics, Kydex waste is heated and reformed into sheets all while retaining its properties well. Learn more about our sustainability programs at Traco here.
Is Kydex FDA compliant?
Kydex is not FDA compliant. Therefore, this material is not certified to come into contact with any food.
Is Kydex UV resistant?
Kydex T and Kydex 100 are UV resistant.
Is Kydex an antimicrobial plastic?
For high touch surfaces, there is a grade of Kydex sheet material that is
Does Kydex do well in the elements outdoors?
Kydex is used predominately for indoor products.
What are the colors available in Kydex sheets?
Kydex comes in a variety of colors including black/pavement, cadet blue, Calcutta black/black watch, pewter, gray/bayou, dark gray/iron safe, polar white/goal post, beige/blotter, pinstripe/veranda, snowflake/cumulus, Monterey, flesh, green, white, etc. This material also comes in many wood-grained looks.
It’s worth noting here that Kydex material is colored solidly throughout the sheet. So, when a sheet is cut, there is not an uncolored center.
We can also order Kydex in a custom color to fit your next Kydex project.
Can Kydex be injection molded?
No. Due to the vinyl content of Kydex, it cannot be injection molded.
What type of products are made with Kydex?
You’ll see Kydex being used on the interior of airplane cabins in both vacuum-formed panels and seat tray tables and in other modes of mass transportation. This material can also be found in medical workstations, subassembly workstations for an assembly line. A side panel that would fit into a metal frame for a cubicle in an office setting or parts of a kiosk might be made of Kydex. Finally, you can purchase gun holsters made of Kydex.
The benefits of using Kydex for the products listed above are that they are easily sanitized, have an aesthetically pleasing look and feel to them, and they are long-lasting.
Specs and Data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Friction Rating | – |
| Impact Rating | – |
| Machining Speed | – |
| Difficulty to Machine | – |
Strengths and Benefits
Scratch resistant and durable
Can be easily recycled
Vast array of colors and finish textures available
Drawbacks
Not FDA compliant or suitable for use in the food industry
Alternatives
–
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TRACO OFFICES
585.343.2434
EMAIL CONTACT
info@tracomfg.com
WORKING HOURS
7:30am – 3:30pm
TRACO OFFICES
585.343.2434
EMAIL CONTACT
info@tracomfg.com
WORKING HOURS
