KYDEX is a thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride material made by Sekisui Polymer Innovations, LLC. It is often used to manufacture such things as luggage storage bins, medical equipment, and aircraft bulkheads.

KYDEX features a plastic rigidity which allows it to be thermoformed into many different shapes. Its most considerable value comes from combining acrylic’s rigid and forming properties with polyvinyl chloride’s durability and chemical resistance.

Another characteristic that makes KYDEX an excellent material for many applications is its relative hardness for a thermoplastic—boasting a 90 on the Rockwell R scale. It also features a grained surface which increases its abrasion resistance.

KYDEX is a lightweight polymer that is easily formed when heated. It is highly durable and comes in a range of patterns, colors, textures, and grades. It can be vacuum-formed to exact specifications and yield a thinner profile than its injection-molded counterparts. KYDEX has excellent dimensional stability and can be cleaned easily with no staining or fading. KYDEX product lines are also manufactured to meet demanding fire, smoke, and toxicity specifications.

Uses for KYDEX

KYDEX is an ideal material for a range of applications. Some of its most popular uses include the following.

Automotive and Aerospace

KYDEX sheet is easy to shape and doesn’t weigh much, making it perfect for industries where lightweight construction and aerodynamics are essential, such as automotive manufacturing and aerospace engineering. KYDEX is often used for trim and interior panels because they are both light and durable at the time time. Its ability to be shaped easily makes it perfect for vehicle storage bins and dashboards as well.

Decorative Wall Coverings

Walls in homes and businesses with a lot of foot traffic can suffer from a lot of wear. KYDEX sheet can cover the walls in these places to make them look better and last longer. By covering a KYDEX sheet with a paper or decorative vinyl cover, designers can make decorative additions without dealing with vinyl wall graphics and wallpaper. Walls in high-traffic areas enjoy increased durability and will be more fade-resistant.

Medical Equipment and Furniture

For patient safety, medical carts, equipment, and furniture need to be easy to sanitize effectively. KYDEX is an excellent material to use in medical settings as it can withstand cleaning with harsh chemicals and not stain or fade. It’s also exceedingly durable, so equipment, furniture, and other items can withstand the frequent use and traffic found at a busy hospital or medical office.

Prosthetic Devices

Due to its light weight and flexibility, KYDEX is a perfect material for prosthetic and orthotic devices. While it is usually used to strengthen prosthetics, KYDEX sheet can also be placed over soft plastic foam to help with proper fitting and make the prosthetic more comfortable and durable.

Further Advantages of KYDEX

KYDEX comes with several features that make it ideal for various applications.

• Can be easily cut and machined with conventional woodworking and sheet metal shop tools.
• Can be used with a variety of adhesives and fasteners without cracking or chipping.
• Waterproof and easy to clean.
• Dries quickly.
• KYDEX does not need to be broken in, does not retain moisture and sweat, and does not sag or deform with age.
• Low friction coefficient.
• Inexpensive to work with.

KYDEX at Piedmont Plastics

KYDEX can be used in a wide variety of applications from individual or mass transit vehicles, aircraft interiors, protective coverings, and anything with a surface that needs protection from heavy use.

Piedmont stocks KYDEX offers a wide selection of grades, sizes, textures, and colors. Custom orders and cut-to-size options are available upon request.

Contact our materials team today for ordering information and to discuss how KYDEX can help with your manufacturing needs.