SEKISUI KYDEX manufactures high-performance thermoplastic sheet. Below, we answer the most common questions about our materials, applications, and how to get started.
Material Basics
What is KYDEX® Thermoplastics?
KYDEX® Thermoplastics are proprietary, high-performance thermoplastic sheet materials manufactured by SEKISUI KYDEX. They are used where durability, formability, chemical resistance, and design flexibility need to work together. Because color, texture, and performance can be considered together, KYDEX® materials support both functional requirements and design intent.
Are KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials plastic?
Yes. KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials are rigid thermoplastic sheets that can be heated, formed, and finished into durable parts for performance-driven applications. It is selected when a project requires more than a basic plastic sheet, including durability, appearance, and repeatable forming performance.
What is KYDEX® sheet made of?
KYDEX® Thermoplastics are produced without plasticizers, using technology based on natural gas and salt, which are abundant, stable, and low-impact raw materials.
Is KYDEX® sheet recyclable?
Yes. KYDEX® sheet can be recycled, and SEKISUI KYDEX can provide guidance for production scrap and recycling programs. Recycling options may depend on the material grade, application, and how the scrap is collected or processed.
Is KYDEX® material safe for regulated environments?
Yes, KYDEX® materials are engineered for regulated environments, including aerospace, mass transit, and medical applications. Requirements vary by grade, part design, and end use.
Material Comparisons
What is the difference between KYDEX® Thermoplastics and ABS?
ABS is often used for general-purpose formed parts. KYDEX® Thermoplastics are considered when applications require a stronger balance of durability, chemical resistance, surface quality, flame-resistant options, and design flexibility.
Can KYDEX® material replace painted metal, leather, or other traditional materials?
In many applications, yes. KYDEX® Thermoplastics can offer a durable, formable alternative with integrated color and texture, helping reduce issues such as chipping, peeling, corrosion, or surface wear.
How is KYDEX® different from fiberglass?
Product Portfolio: KYDEX® and ALLEN® Thermoplastics
Does SEKISUI KYDEX manufacture materials beyond KYDEX® Thermoplastics?
Yes. SEKISUI KYDEX also manufactures ALLEN® Thermoplastics, a complementary portfolio of ABS, PC/ABS, and TPO sheet materials. This gives customers additional options when a program includes different performance, forming, aesthetic, or cost requirements.
What is ALLEN® Thermoplastics?
ALLEN® Thermoplastics is SEKISUI KYDEX’s portfolio of ABS, PC/ABS, and TPO sheet materials for applications that require a different balance of performance, forming, and cost.
Can KYDEX® Thermoplastics and ALLEN® Thermoplastics be specified together?
Yes. A single program can use both material families when different components have different performance, forming, aesthetic, or cost requirements. SEKISUI KYDEX can support material selection conversations when both product families are being evaluated for the same platform or program.
Start with the application. KYDEX® Thermoplastics are typically used for higher-performance applications, while ALLEN® Thermoplastics may be suitable for applications requiring ABS, PC/ABS, or TPO performance.
Applications & Compliance
What industries use KYDEX® and ALLEN® Thermoplastics?
KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials are used in aviation interiors, mass transit, medical equipment, security and tactical applications, industrial equipment, and other performance-driven markets. These applications often require materials that balance durability, cleanability, formability, compliance, and appearance.
Do KYDEX® materials meet aerospace requirements?
Select KYDEX® formulations are engineered for aviation interiors and may support requirements such as FAR 25.853 and related OEM specifications. Compliance should be confirmed by grade and application.
Do KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials meet mass transit standards?
Select KYDEX® and ALLEN® sheet grades can support mass transit requirements such as NFPA 130 and FMVSS 302, depending on the material, part design, and application.
Can KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials be used in medical devices?
Yes. Select KYDEX® and ALLEN® materials are used in medical equipment housings where durability, cleanability, formability, and appearance are important.
Is KYDEX® material antimicrobial?
KYDEX® material is durable and cleanable. For applications requiring antimicrobial-treated surfaces, ask about KYDEX® Ion Technology
Design, Color & Customization
What is Infused Imaging™ Technology?
Infused Imaging™ Technology integrates color, imagery, and special effects into thermoplastic material. It helps designers create durable surfaces with built-in visual expression rather than relying only on secondary processes.
What is KYDEX® Lumina™?
KYDEX® Lumina™ is an opaque material that reveals embedded imagery when backlit, giving designers a material-driven way to add visual depth and brand expression.
Forming, Fabrication & Innovation Center Support
How are materials formed into finished parts?
KYDEX® and ALLEN® sheets can be thermoformed using various techniques, including vacuum forming, pressure forming, and membrane pressing, then cooled and trimmed into the finished part.
What colors, textures, and finishes are available?
SEKISUI KYDEX offers standard and custom color, texture, and finish options, with additional design development support available through the designLab® Innovation Center. If you can imagine it, they can create it.
What sheet thicknesses does the material come in?
KYDEX® and ALLEN® sheets are available in a range of gauges. The right thickness depends on the application, forming process, performance requirements, and finished part design.
How do I get a sample or color match?
Complete the online sample request form found at the top of each page.
What are the SEKISUI KYDEX Innovation Centers?
The SEKISUI KYDEX Innovation Centers include appLab™ and designLab®, collaborative spaces that support application development, prototyping, color, material, finish, and design exploration.
Samples, Sourcing & Getting Started
Where can I buy KYDEX® and ALLEN® sheets?
KYDEX® and ALLEN® sheets are available through SEKISUI KYDEX and authorized distributors. Contact the sales team to identify the right channel for your order volume and location.
Who manufactures KYDEX® and ALLEN® Thermoplastics?
KYDEX® and ALLEN® Thermoplastics are manufactured by SEKISUI KYDEX, a SEKISUI Chemical company, and the sole manufacturer of authentic KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet.