Finding the best kydex sheet suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Plastics 2000 - KYDEX Sheet - 0.080" Thick, Black, 8" x 12", 4 PACK
Feature
Higher breakage resistance than competitive thermoplastics as measured by the Notched Izod testAmong the most rigid of thermoforming materials with a modulus of elasticity of 2,482 MPa (360,000 psi)
Easy to form with excellent part definition and deep-draw characteristics
Great for knife sheaths and gun holsters
Made in USA
Description
KYDEXKYDEX sheet has excellent forming properties, which results in uniform wall thicknesses and crisp detail. KYDEX sheet forms to deep draws with low forces when heated to the upper end of the forming temperature range. Unlike many other thermoforming sheets, KYDEX sheet has unusually high resistance to hot tearing.
Forming Guidelines
- Oven temperatures should be set differently than the settings used for ABS or FR-ABS.
- Typical heater settings (percentage timers) are 30% - 50% top heaters and 50% - 70% bottom heaters.
- The most frequent problem is trying to heat the sheet too quickly, particularly on the primary surface.
- Cycle times will vary depending on the oven conditions and grade of KYDEX sheet being formed.
- When forming KYDEX sheet, it is better to rely on the sheet appearance during heating than on fixed cycle times.
- Forming temperatures - Guidelines: (Sheet should not exceed 204C (400F).
165 - 177C (330 - 350F) for < 1.50mm (0.060").
182 - 196C (360 - 385F) for 1.50mm to 3.20mm (0.060" to 0.125").
196 - 204C (385 - 400F) for > 3.20mm (0.125")
- Ideally the core sheet temperature should be within 10F of the surface temperature.
Sheet Appearance During Heating
As KYDEX sheet is heated, the inherent stresses in the sheet will relax.
Stage I: The heating is marked by wide undulations and softening.
Stage II: The material will start to form small ripples (known as oil canning). .
Stage III: The material will start to smooth out and sag (KYDEX sheet will generally sag less than other thermoplastics due to its high melt strength. .
Stage IV: The ripples will have smoothed out indicating that most stresses have been removed. 10 to 30 seconds afterwards the sheet is ready to form.
2. 2 Pack Kydex Plastic Sheet Black 12" X 12" X 1/16" (0.060")
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyKydex s more concealable.
Kydex has no break-in period.
Kydex is weather-proof.
ALWAYS IN STOCK AT SIBE AUTOMATION
Description
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS CALCUTTA BLACK, ALWAYS IN STOCK AT SIBE AUTOMATION3. KYDEX V - Black 12" x 12" x 0.125" pack of 1 sheet
Description
KYDEX V KYDEX V sheet has excellent forming properties, which results in uniform wall thicknesses and crisp detail. KYDEX V sheet forms to deep draws with low forces when heated to the upper end of the forming temperature range. Unlike many other thermoforming sheets, KYDEX V sheet has unusually high resistance to hot tearing. Forming Guidelines - Oven temperatures should be set differently than the settings used for ABS or FR-ABS. - Typical heater settings (percentage timers) are 30% - 50% top heaters and 50% - 70% bottom heaters. - The most frequent problem is trying to heat the sheet too quickly, particularly on the primary surface. - Cycle times will vary depending on the oven conditions and grade of KYDEX V sheet being formed. - When forming KYDEX V sheet, it is better to rely on the sheet appearance during heating than on fixed cycle times. - Forming temperatures - Guidelines: (Sheet should not exceed 204C (400F). 165 - 177C (330 - 350F) for < 1.50mm (0.060"). 182 - 196C (360 - 385F) for 1.50mm to 3.20mm (0.060" to 0.125"). 196 - 204C (385 - 400F) for > 3.20mm (0.125") - Ideally the core sheet temperature should be within 10F of the surface temperature. Sheet Appearance During Heating As KYDEX V sheet is heated, the inherent stresses in the sheet will relax. Stage I: The heating is marked by wide undulations and softening. Stage II: The material will start to form small ripples (known as oil canning). . Stage III: The material will start to smooth out and sag (KYDEX V sheet will generally sag less than other thermoplastics due to its high melt strength. . Stage IV: The ripples will have smoothed out indicating that most stresses have been removed. 10 to 30 seconds afterwards the sheet is ready to form.4. 4 Kydex Plastic Sheets Black 12" X 12" X .080"
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyDescription
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS CALCUTTA BLACK5. Kydex T Sheet, P3 Velour Matte Texture, Calcutta Black, Meets UL 94V0 and 945V Specifications, 0.080" Thickness, 12" Width, 12" Length
Feature
Kydex T is a durable, easy-to-form plastic that is highly resistant to impact and abrasionKydex T has a higher impact strength and is more moisture resistant than fire-retardant ABS/PVC (FR-ABS)
Meets UL 94V0 and 945V specifications for flame retardance
P3 velour matte texture provides mar and abrasion resistance
Calcutta black color
Description
The Kydex T sheet has a P3 velour matte texture and a Calcutta black color, and meets UL 94V0 and 945V specifications for flame retardance. Kydex T is a tough, durable plastic that is easily formed and extruded. It offers high impact strength and abrasion resistance and is more resistant to impact and moisture than fire-retardant ABS/PVC (FR-ABS). One side has a P3 velour matte texture, and the other side is smooth. The P3 velour matte texture is less rough and less visible than a P1 haircell texture, but still provides mar and abrasion resistance. The textured side cleans with a soft cloth.
Plastic refers to a group of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that have been engineered to achieve specific properties. The most notable characteristics of plastic are its low weight, machinability, corrosion resistance, and typically good thermal and electrical insulating properties. Depending on their properties, certain plastic grades can be used as alternatives to metal, glass, and ceramic. Some grades also offer optical clarity, a low-friction or self-lubricating surface, or exceptional impact resistance. Unlike metal, plastic may experience creep, which is deformation caused by longtime exposure to a constant load.
Tensile strength, used to indicate the materials overall strength, is the peak stress it can withstand before it breaks. Corrosion resistance describes the material's ability to prevent deterioration caused by atmosphere, moisture, or other medium. Wear resistance indicates the ability to prevent surface damage caused by contact with other surfaces. Toughnessdescribes the material's ability to absorb energy before breaking, while hardness (commonly measured as indentation hardness) describes its resistance to permanent surface deformation. Impact resistance is the measure of a materials ability to absorb a shock of energy before breaking.
Kydex manufactures thermoplastic sheets. The company, headquartered in Bloomsburg, PA, meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards 9001 and 14001.
6. Black Chicago Screw - Binding Post Kit 1/4” or 3/8” Open Slotted Back Fasteners- Neoprene Rubber Washers & Phillips Truss Heads by QuickClip Pro for Kydex or Leather Gun Holster & Knife Sheath Making
Feature
Quick Clip Pro- Open End Slotted Back Chicago Screws w/Flat Tip 1/4" x 8-32 Black Oxide Steel Binding PostPhillips Truss Screws & Black #8 Neoprene Washer - .062" Thickness x .5" Outside Dia x .187" Inner Dia
Heavy Duty, Won't strip like the Aluminum style; Perfect for Leather, Kydex or Custom Hybrid Holsters, Sheaths, Straps and Cases
Made in USA; includes Lifetime No B.S. Warranty! Available in 10 or 100 pack sets
Description
Quick Clip Pro- Open End Back w/Flat Tip 1/4" x 8-32 Black Oxide Steel Phillips Truss Screws & Black #8 Neoprene Washer - .062" Thickness x .5" Outside Dia x .187" Inner DiaHeavy Duty, Won't strip like the Aluminum style; Perfect for Leather, Kydex or Custom Hybrid Holsters, Sheaths, Straps and CasesMade in USA, they include a Lifetime -No-B.S. Warranty...so take your holster to the next level with Quick Clips Pro Chicago Screws!7. 4 Pack Kydex Plastic Sheet Black 8" X 12" X .080"
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyKydex s more concealable.
Kydex has no break-in period.
Kydex is weather-proof.
Kydex is easier to clean and keep clean.
Description
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS CALCUTTA BLACK8. Kydex T, P1 Haircell Finish, 8" x 12" x .080", Olive Drab, 2 Sheets
Feature
Kydex T with P1 Haircell TextureTwo 8"x12"x.080" Sheets
The best material for making holsters and knife sheaths
Free Shipping!
Description
Our high quality Kydex sheet stock is perfect for the hobbyist or professional sheath and holster maker.9. Kydex Holster GS 8-8, 1/4", Black Eyelets, 100 Count Bag
Feature
100 Count BagGS 8-8 Black Brass Eyelets
Seats in 1/4" holes, Will join materials up to .205" total thickness
Made in the USA
Free Shipping!
Description
These are U.S. made blackened brass eyelets. These will fit into 1/4" diameter holes. The 8-8 size is perfect for joining two layers of .060 or .080 material together. They will also allow you to join up to .080 to .125 materials. They are not long enough to join .125 to .125 materials10. KYDEX V Sheet - 0.060" Thick, Calcutta Black, 12 x 12 8PACK
Feature
Kydex V is a recycled grade of Kydex 100 and Kydex THigher breakage resistance than competitive thermoplastics as measured by the Notched Izod test
Among the most rigid of thermoforming materials with a modulus of elasticity of 2,482 MPa (360,000 psi)
Easy to form with excellent part definition and deep-draw characteristics
Great for knife sheaths and gun holsters
Description
KYDEX VKYDEX V sheet has excellent forming properties, which results in uniform wall thicknesses and crisp detail. KYDEX V sheet forms to deep draws with low forces when heated to the upper end of the forming temperature range. Unlike many other thermoforming sheets, KYDEX V sheet has unusually high resistance to hot tearing.
Forming Guidelines
- Oven temperatures should be set differently than the settings used for ABS or FR-ABS.
- Typical heater settings (percentage timers) are 30% - 50% top heaters and 50% - 70% bottom heaters.
- The most frequent problem is trying to heat the sheet too quickly, particularly on the primary surface.
- Cycle times will vary depending on the oven conditions and grade of KYDEX V sheet being formed.
- When forming KYDEX V sheet, it is better to rely on the sheet appearance during heating than on fixed cycle times.
- Forming temperatures - Guidelines: (Sheet should not exceed 204C (400F).
165 - 177C (330 - 350F) for < 1.50mm (0.060").
182 - 196C (360 - 385F) for 1.50mm to 3.20mm (0.060" to 0.125").
196 - 204C (385 - 400F) for > 3.20mm (0.125")
- Ideally the core sheet temperature should be within 10F of the surface temperature.
Sheet Appearance During Heating
As KYDEX V sheet is heated, the inherent stresses in the sheet will relax.
Stage I: The heating is marked by wide undulations and softening.
Stage II: The material will start to form small ripples (known as oil canning). .
Stage III: The material will start to smooth out and sag (KYDEX V sheet will generally sag less than other thermoplastics due to its high melt strength. .
Stage IV: The ripples will have smoothed out indicating that most stresses have been removed. 10 to 30 seconds afterwards the sheet is ready to form.
11. Kydex Plastic Sheet Black 12" X 12" X .080"
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyDescription
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS BLACK12. 4 Kydex Plastic Sheets Black 12" X 12" X 1/16" (0.060")
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyDescription
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS CALCUTTA BLACK13. 5 Kydex Plastic Sheets Black 12" X 12" X 1/16" (0.060")
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloy molds very well when used with a vaccum forming machine from SIBE AUTOMATIONDescription
ONE SIDE IS LIGHT HAIRCELL ( P3 FINISH) TEXTURED AND THE OTHER SIDE SMOOTH COLOR IS CALCUTTA BLACK ALWAYS IN STOCK AT SIBE AUTOMATION14. Gourd 3 Pack Kydex Plastic Sheet Black 12" X 12" X 1/16"
Feature
Sold in a set (3 pieces per set)Great for knife sheaths and gun holsters
Kydex is easier to clean and keep clean.
Easy to form with excellent part definition and deep-draw characteristics
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloy
Description
Produces excellent mold definition15. Infused Kydex USA: 1 Sheet of 8" x 12" x .080" Kryptek Neptune Kydex Material
Feature
Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloyOne 8" x 12" x .080" Sheet
Great material for making holsters and knife sheaths
Does not rot, shrink or stain