Kydex
 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (October 2013) |
Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials manufactured by Sekisui SPI.[1] It has a wide variety of applications, including for aircraft bulkhead (partition)s, firearm holsters, sheaths, and for knives.
Similar acrylic polyvinyl chloride material (IPK Acrylic-polyvinyl chloride) is manufactured by Emco Plastics and Interstate Plastics, which carries nearly identical properties with an added layer for screen printing.[2]
Development
Kydex sheet was originally produced in 1965 by Rohm and Haas, having been designed for use in aircraft interiors. In 1987, the product line was purchased by Kydex, LLC, formerly Kleerdex Company, LLC, which manufactures the material under the name Sekisui SPI at a location in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
Characteristics
It is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite engineered for thermoforming fabrication, and combines properties of both the acrylic and the polyvinyl chloride components. From acrylic, it obtains rigidity and formability; from PVC, toughness, chemical resistance and good interior finish ratings. Sheet thickness ranges from .028 to .500 and can be thermoformed, post formed, brake formed and laminated.[2]
- modulus of elasticity in flexure is 330,000 psi.
- parts formed from sheet will be rigid and will see moderate deformation when loaded. This is of particular importance in deep formed parts with thin wall sections.
- relatively hard thermoplastic, with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. This hardness, combined with a grained surface, increases its abrasive resistance.
- low flammability, UL 94 classification V-0
For some applications it is used as replacement for leather, where it has the following advantages:
- waterproof
- scratch resistant (Rockwell "R" hardness of 90)
- holds its shape better, and will not stretch or shrink under normal conditions
- lower friction.
Applications
- Springs and tensioners
- Firearm holsters
- Knife sheaths
- Equipment housings
- Instrument consoles
- Truck cargo liners
- Lavatory pans
- Door liners
- Kick plates
- Seat backs
- Aircraft pull-down trays
- Truck fenders
- Trays and tote boxes
- Motor covers
- Safety helmets
- Aircraft fairings
- Air exhaust systems
- Rapid prototyping of systems
- Custom insulators for electronic equipment
- Clean rooms[3]
- Armour for SCA heavy combat
- Telescope tubes
- Autonomous marine vehicles
References
- ^ Esposito, Frank. "Kydex, Allen Extruders joined under Sekisui SPI name". Plastics News. Crain Communications. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Kydex® Technical Data Sheet" (PDF). Kydex Thermoplastics.
- ^ Kydex Sheet Applications