Thermoforming KYDEX Thermoplastic
What is KYDEX Thermoplastic?
KYDEX® Thermoplastics is a thermoplastic producer of numerous brands of thermoplastic material formulations and is a subsidiary of global chemical company SEKISUI Chemical. KYDEX thermoplastic materials are used for many industrial and commercial applications and can be processed into project components with plastic thermoforming, plastic fabrication, and other forms of plastic manufacturing. Well regarded for its versatile, durable, lightweight, and industry compliant material options, KYDEX can be an ideal thermoplastic for a wide variety of industries.
What are the Benefits of Using KYDEX in Plastic Thermoforming Projects?
- Industry Specific Materials – KYDEX offers thermoplastic material formulations that are specifically engineered to meet regulatory requirements and enhance material performance characteristics that are desirable for certain industry applications such as mass transit, aviation, and medical devices.
- Sustainability – Thermoplastic materials are recyclable, reusable, and do not contain VOCs.
- Brand and Design Friendly – KYDEX offers integral color material options with brand color matching and the thermoforming process is capable of producing affordable complex design geometry.
- Durability – Thermoplastic options are available with high impact resistance, UV resistance, and will not dent or ding like other materials such as fiberglass or metal.
- Chemical and Stain Resistant – Many KYDEX thermoplastics possess chemical and stain resistant surface properties
- Lightweight – Thermoplastic material is approximately 30-40% lighter than fiberglass and 6 times lighter than steel
The Different Types of KYDEX Used in Plastic Thermoforming
KYDEX produces a wide variety of thermoplastics that are engineered for specific applications and industries. From medical device to transportation interiors, thermoforming KYDEX materials are available with properties and performance characteristics that make them suitable for those applications and meet the stringent requirements of even the most demanding markets. Below are just a few examples of the most versatile and top industry thermoplastic performers that Productive Plastics uses for OEM part production.
- KYDEX T – High Impact Fire-Rated ABS/PVC Sheet
- KYDEX 110 – Fire rated (Passes UL® Std 94 V-0, 5V)
- KYDEX 510 – Weatherable and Decorative Sheet (UL Std 94 V-0 rating)
- KYDEX 2200 LT – Mass Transit Applications (SMP800 and BSS7239 Compliant Sheet/ Meets 49 CFR 238)
Detailed technical information is available on the Thermoplastic Material Data Sheets page.
The Process of Manufacturing with KYDEX Thermoplastic
Thermoforming KYDEX material into a repeatable, high quality, and accurately dimensioned 3D part is a unique process that requires an experienced thermoforming manufacturer. It’s not just about heating the material and molding it into shape – there are many other steps involved in the heavy gauge plastic manufacturing process.
- Selecting the right type of thermoplastic material to meet design and application requirements
- Utilizing the appropriate thermoforming manufacturing technique
- Engineering and machining the precise tooling trim fixtures required
- Accurately trimming formed parts to specification
- Applying high quality surface finishing and branding elements
- Adding secondary assembly components such as bonded attachment points, assembly brackets, electronic components, etc.
These are just a few of the manufacturing services performed at Productive Plastics as part of our thermoforming design product development process when using KYDEX or other thermoplastic materials to maximize the advantages of plastic thermoforming.
How to Choose the Right KYDEX Thermoplastic for Your Project?
Productive Plastics is a custom thermoforming manufacturer with over 65 years of experience. We provide product development and thermoforming manufacturing expertise to help you choose the right thermoplastic material for your custom components. Our team of experts have decades of experience thermoforming with KYDEX and other thermoplastic material products and will work with you and your team to determine the best material selection for your project, ensuring that you get the best solution for your project needs. Contact us and let us start adding to the success of your next project.
KYDEX® is a registered trademark of SEKISUI KYDEX, LLC.