We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze site traffic and improve your experience. By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of these technologies. Privacy Policy
When fire performance is non-negotiable — aviation interiors, mass transit panels, healthcare enclosures — Kydex is the material that meets the certification. We thermoform Kydex into parts that comply with FAR 25.853, ASTM E162/E662, and the most demanding fire-smoke-toxicity standards worldwide.
FAR 25.853
Aviation Compliant
5+
Kydex Grades
UL 94 V-0
Flame Rating
200+
Colors Available
Why Choose Kydex
Kydex is a thermoplastic acrylic-PVC alloy engineered specifically for thermoforming. It's the industry standard when fire performance, durability, and aesthetics must coexist.
Kydex is the benchmark for fire-rated thermoforming materials. From FAR 25.853 for aviation to ASTM E162/E662 for mass transit — Kydex grades meet the most stringent flammability, smoke, and toxicity requirements worldwide.
Color goes all the way through the sheet — not just a surface coating. Scratches, chips, and abrasion don't expose a different color underneath. This is critical for high-traffic applications like transit interiors and public kiosks.
Kydex resists a wide range of chemicals, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. In healthcare and food service environments, this means parts can be aggressively cleaned without degradation.
Kydex absorbs impacts without cracking or shattering. In transit and aviation applications, this means panels survive passenger abuse, luggage impacts, and maintenance handling without replacement.
Kydex was specifically engineered for thermoforming. It has a wide processing window, forms at lower temperatures than PC, and reproduces fine textures and details with exceptional fidelity.
As a branded, specification-controlled material from Sekisui Kydex, every batch meets published specifications. No surprises, no variation — critical for regulated industries like aviation and healthcare.
Kydex Grade Selection
Each Kydex grade is engineered for specific regulatory requirements. We help you select the right grade for your application's compliance needs.
| Grade | Key Properties | Applications | Compliance | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kydex 100 | General purpose, excellent formability, wide color range, Class A surface | Equipment enclosures, point-of-purchase displays, kiosk housings, general industrial | UL 94 V-0 | 1.5–6mm |
| Kydex T | Thermoplastic alloy, superior impact resistance, chemical resistant, textured finishes | Medical device housings, laboratory equipment, healthcare furniture, cleanroom enclosures | UL 94 V-0 | 1.5–6mm |
| Kydex 6565 | FAR 25.853 compliant, low smoke, low toxicity, meets OSU 65/65 heat release | Aircraft interiors, seat backs, galley panels, overhead bin liners, lavatory walls | FAR 25.853, OSU 65/65 | 1.5–4mm |
| Kydex FST | Fire, Smoke, Toxicity rated for mass transit, meets ASTM E162, E662, SMP 800-C | Bus interiors, rail car panels, metro station cladding, ferry interiors | ASTM E162/E662 | 1.5–6mm |
| Kydex Infused | Through-body color and pattern, scratch-resistant, no surface coating to chip or peel | High-traffic surfaces, retail fixtures, architectural panels, elevator interiors | UL 94 V-0 | 2–6mm |
Kydex Applications
From aircraft cabin interiors to hospital equipment housings — Kydex is the material of choice when fire certification, durability, and aesthetics are all required.
Kydex 6565 meets FAR 25.853 and OSU 65/65 heat release requirements — the gold standard for aircraft interior materials. Seat backs, galley panels, overhead bins, and lavatory walls.
Bus interiors, metro car panels, and rail station cladding. Kydex FST meets ASTM E162/E662 flammability and smoke density requirements mandated by transit authorities worldwide.
Kydex T is the material of choice for medical device housings, diagnostic equipment enclosures, and healthcare furniture. Chemical resistant, easy to disinfect, and available in antimicrobial formulations.
Self-service kiosks, ATM housings, and point-of-sale enclosures. Kydex's through-body color won't chip, peel, or fade — critical for high-traffic public installations.
Wall panels, column wraps, elevator interiors, and retail fixtures. Kydex Infused patterns provide wood, stone, and metallic finishes without the weight, cost, or maintenance of natural materials.
Dashboard panels, sidewall liners, and interior trim for buses, ambulances, and specialty vehicles. Kydex's impact resistance and flame retardancy meet commercial vehicle safety standards.
Material Comparison
Both are excellent thermoforming materials, but they serve different markets. Here's when Kydex is worth the premium.
| Property | Kydex | ABS | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Rating | FAR 25.853, ASTM E162/E662 | UL 94 HB (standard), V-0 (FR grades) | Kydex |
| Smoke & Toxicity | Low smoke, low toxicity (OSU 65/65) | Higher smoke generation | Kydex |
| Through-Body Color | Yes — color throughout | Surface only (requires painting) | Kydex |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (wide range) | Good (sensitive to some solvents) | Kydex |
| Cost | Higher (premium material) | Lower (commodity material) | ABS |
| Color Range | Extensive (custom colors available) | Extensive (custom extrusion) | Both |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Both |
| Regulatory Compliance | Aviation, transit, healthcare | General industrial | Kydex |
The simple rule: if your application requires fire certification (aviation, transit, healthcare), specify Kydex. For general industrial applications where fire rating isn't mandated, ABS offers the same formability at lower cost.
Compliance Expertise
Working with fire-rated materials for aviation and transit requires more than just forming capability — it requires documentation, traceability, and process control. Formpack provides the complete compliance package.
Full lot traceability from Sekisui Kydex raw material certificates through to finished parts. Every sheet is tracked with batch numbers and test certificates.
Documented forming parameters, quality inspection records, and first-article inspection reports. We provide the paperwork your compliance team needs.
We can arrange third-party fire testing (FAR 25.853, ASTM E162/E662) on finished parts when required by your certification program.
Serving aviation MRO facilities, transit OEMs, and medical device companies in USA, Europe, Middle East, and India with export documentation.
Related Resources
Send us your drawings, compliance requirements, and target volumes. We'll recommend the right Kydex grade, provide a DFM review, and quote your project — typically within 48 hours.