Kydex

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KYDEX is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride alloy sheet grades. It is frequently used as an alternative to leather in the production of firearm holsters and sheaths for knives. KYDEX® Thermoplastic Sheet is a registered trademark of KYDEX, LLC and is the only manufacturer of this material.

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 at a location in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Characteristics as a holster material

KYDEX® sheet is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride alloy produced by KYDEX, LLC. Engineered for thermoforming fabrication, KYDEX® sheet, combines the advantageous properties of both the acrylic and the polyvinyl chloride components. From acrylic, it obtains superior rigidity and formability; from PVC, outstanding toughness, chemical resistance and good interior finish ratings.

The combination of strength properties of KYDEX® sheet places it at the highest level among thermoforming materials. Its modulus of elasticity in flexure is 330,000 psi - 50% higher than many other sheets.

Parts formed from KYDEX® sheet will be much more rigid and will deform less when loaded. This is of particular importance in deep formed parts with thin wall sections. KYDEX® sheet offers rigidity along with a high degree of toughness and resilience.

KYDEX® sheet is a relatively hard thermoplastic with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. This hardness, combined with its grained surface, increases its abrasive resistance .

KYDEX® sheet has a UL classification of 94 V-0.

Applications

• 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 fairing
• Air exhaust systems

Some members of the Society for Creative Anachronism use KYDEX® sheet to make plastic armor for Heavy Weapons Fighting, a form of simulated medieval armed combat.

KYDEX® sheet is a non-porous material, which is easily molded into shape by heating, forming, and cooling the material. KYDEX® sheet is used in Obsession Telescopes and by other telescope makers. Typically it is supplied in sheets of varying thickness, which can be cut into shape and formed. Kydex sheet is advertised to have a number of advantages over leather in forming holsters and other similar items, including:

• waterproof
• scratch resistant with a Rockwell "R" scale hardness of 90
• holds its shape
• will not stretch or shrink under normal conditions
• low friction

References

• Kydex, LLC website
• "Pros and Cons of Kydex"
• Report on the durability of Kydex at low temperaturesi Podus Boots (RCAI type)]