Kydex FAQs

How does KYDEX® compare to ABS and PC (Polycarbonate)?

Kydex® sheet provides:

• Greater chemical resistance than ABS and PC
• Higher impact resistance than ABS.
• More uniform wall thickness than ABS and PC in deep drawn thermoformed parts, allowing down gauging of thickness in certain applications.
• Lower moisture absorption. Kydex® sheet is less hydroscopic than ABS and PC, reducing or eliminating the need to dry the sheet prior to thermoforming.

What is the Flammability rating of KYDEX®? Does it meet the UL Std. 94 V-O rating?

KYDEX® sheet, depending on the grade used, offers various flammability ratings and is used for applications requiring extremely stringent flammability requirements.

What are the thermoforming temperature ranges for Kydex® sheet?

Please refer to the Kydex® Thermoforming Guide for information on thermoforming temperature ranges, mold characteristics (draft angles, radius, mold shrinkage, etc.) for make and female molds.

What is the impact resistance of Kydex® sheet?

The impact resistance of the Kydex® sheet is grade dependent, per the following examples:

GRADE	FT-LBS/IN	IMPACT RESISTANCE
Kydex® T	15 ft-lbs/in	801 J/m
Kydex® 100	18 ft-lbs/in	953 J/m
For impact values and other physical properties of any Kydex® sheet grade, call our customer service department.

What is the low temperature impact of Kydex® sheet?

The low temperature impact of Kydex® sheet is grade-dependent, per the following examples:

	GRADE	TEMP	IMPACT RESISTANCE
Kydex® T	+73° F +23° C -40° F -40° C	15 ft-lbs/in .865 ft-lbs/in	666.705 J/m 46.170 J/m
Kydex® 100	+73° F +23° C -40° F 40° C	18 ft-lbs/in .545 ft-lbs/in	937.600 J/m 29.029 J/m

What is the Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of Kydex® sheet?

The HDT of Kydex® sheet is grade dependant, per the following examples:

GRADE	HDT
Kydex® 100	173° F (78.33° C)
Kydex® T	168° F (75.56° C)
Kydex® 6185	185° F (85° C)
For HDT values and other physical properties of any Kydex® sheet grade, contact our customer service department.

Does Kydex® sheet meet Class 1/A Surface Burning Characteristics?

Yes, Kydex® 150 sheet meets the Class 1/A up to 0.050″ gauge and Kydex® 160 sheet meets Class 1/A up to 0.093″ (UL recognized) and 0.125″ (Independent testing).

Can Kydex® sheet be screen printed?

Yes, for the screen printing ink types and mixtures recommended contact Emco Plastics.

What is the chemical resistance of Kydex®?

Kydex® sheet has outstanding chemical resistance and resistance to a large range of cleaners.

Can Kydex® sheet be laser cut or hot gas welded?

Yes, for safety and health issues involving laser cutting and hot gas welding of Kydex® sheet, please refer to Tech Brief 137 for details.

What European fire specifications does Kydex® sheet meet?

See the following table:

SPECIFICATION	DESCRIPTION	WHAT PASSES
BS 476 (part 6 class 1)	Fire tests on Building Materials and Structures – method of test for fire propagation for products.	Kydex® 100, Kydex® T
BS 476 (part 7 class 1)	Method for Classification of the surface spread of flame of products.	Kydex® 100, Kydex® T, Kydex® V100
BS 476 (part 7 class 1Y)	Method for Classification of the surface spread of flame of products	Kydex® 510, Kydex® T (1-6mm), Kydex® 100 (1-6mm)
EC 95/28/EG Directive	Burning behaviors of materials used in interior construction of certain categories of motor vehicles
DIN 5510-2	Classification of burning behavior	Kydex® T 0.7mm S4, ST2, SR2, 6.2mm S4, ST2, SR1; Kydex 100 0.9mm S4, ST1, SR2, 6.5mm S4, ST1, SR2; Kydex 6200 0.9mm S4, ST2, SR2, 6.8mm S4, ST2, SR2
DIN 4102-B1	Behavior of building materials, classification of burning	Kydex® 100 (0.7mm only); Kydex® 200 (0.7mm only); Kydex® 6200 (0.7mm only)
M	French Epiradateur Test – Ignitability (Classification or reaction to fire)	Kydex® 161 (0.7-6.4mm) M1; Kydex T (0.7mm) M1; Kydex® T (3.2- 6.4mm) M2
RIPH	Royal Institute of Public Health Conformance to Standard of Hygienic Merit