1. How many grades of KYDEX® are there?
More than 40, including variants optimized for forming, chemical resistance, fire safety, texture, gloss, and compliance across regulated industries.
2. What’s the first thing I should consider when choosing a KYDEX® grade?
Start with the application environment—heat, chemicals, impact, and compliance requirements. The environment drives the spec.
3. Which KYDEX® grades are best for aviation interiors?
KYDEX® 100, 5555, and 6565 are commonly used and meet FAR 25.853 flammability and smoke/toxicity requirements.
4. What about medical carts or lab cabinetry?
KYDEX® 115 and 160 are ideal—they withstand daily disinfection with bleach, peroxide, and quats, and qualify for ISO 14644 Class 5–7 cleanrooms.
5. Which grades are used in mass transit or rail interiors?
KYDEX® 6200, 6200 LTR, and 6565 meet FRA and FTA flammability/smoke standards and offer excellent impact and graffiti resistance.
6. Can KYDEX® be used in public restrooms or infrastructure?
Yes. Grades like KYDEX® HD and 130 resist moisture, abuse, and vandalism—perfect for doors, partitions, and wall protection.
7. Is there a grade for branded or aesthetic fixtures?
KYDEX® 152 and WG (woodgrain) grades are designed for high-end surfaces—used in retail, commercial furniture, and kiosks.
8. How do I choose a grade for vacuum forming?
KYDEX® 100 and 130 offer high elongation and strength for deep-draw applications with minimal thinning.
9. Which grades work best with pressure forming?
KYDEX® 6185 gives you high surface detail with structural integrity and minimal deformation.
10. What about membrane pressing or lamination?
KYDEX® 152, 6200, and WG grades are well-suited for membrane pressing onto MDF or phenolic cores.
11. Can KYDEX® be miter-folded?
Yes. KYDEX® 130 and HD are commonly used for V-groove and heat folding in cabinetry, kiosks, and seamless enclosures.
12. Is KYDEX® suitable for CNC machining?
Absolutely. It cuts cleanly with standard tools and produces crisp, color-matched edges thanks to its homogeneous structure.
13. Are KYDEX® sheets color-through?
Yes. The surface color and texture are extruded throughout the sheet—no coatings or laminates needed.
14. What surface textures or gloss levels are available?
From ultra-matte (6 GU) to semi-gloss, plus textures like leather grain, brushed metal, carbon fiber, and woodgrain.
15. Can KYDEX® be printed or branded?
Yes. It supports hot stamping, screen printing, digital graphics, and engraving—ideal for logos, icons, and signage.
16. What compliance certifications are available?
KYDEX® grades meet FAR 25.853, UL 94 V-0, ASTM E-84, RoHS, REACH, ISO 14644, and more.
17. Is documentation available for certification and sourcing?
Yes—MSDS, EPDs, HPDs, batch traceability, and VOC data are available for all major KYDEX® grades.
18. How does KYDEX® compare in lifecycle cost?
While the upfront sheet cost may be higher than ABS or HIPS, you save on fabrication, rework, post-finishing, and field replacement.
19. What sheet thicknesses are available?
KYDEX® is offered in gauges from 0.028″ to over 0.5″, depending on grade and structural requirements.
20. Can it be bonded to substrates or other plastics?
Yes. KYDEX® bonds well with adhesives, rivets, mechanical fasteners, and even supports thermal welding.
21. How do I choose the right color or finish?
You can specify by Pantone/RAL, gloss level, texture, and surface durability. KYDEX® supports aesthetic and functional customization.
22. Is KYDEX® available with recycled content?
Yes. Several grades include post-industrial recycled content and are produced in ISO 14001-certified facilities.
23. Can I prototype before committing to full production?
Yes. KYDEX® works well in low-volume runs and rapid prototyping—ideal for testing material behavior and geometry.
24. Are there limitations on outdoor use?
Some grades offer UV resistance for semi-exposed use, but prolonged outdoor exposure may require special formulations.
25. Where can I get help choosing the right KYDEX® grade?
Consult an experienced KYDEX® fabricator or application engineer who understands both design intent and manufacturing constraints.
Need help selecting, forming, or scaling the right KYDEX® solution?
RapidMade partners with engineers and OEMs to specify and fabricate optimal KYDEX® components for aerospace, healthcare, transit, retail, and infrastructure.
Visit rapidmade.com or email [email protected]
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