T.REX Holster Manufacturing Inside Look

Published on December 16, 2023
Duration: 13:18

This guide outlines the manufacturing process for T.REX ARMS Kydex holsters, detailing steps from Kydex thermoforming and CNC machining to final assembly and quality control. The video highlights the evolution of their tooling and processes over 10 years, emphasizing precision and efficiency. Instruction is provided by engineering and development leaders within the company, showcasing expert knowledge.

Quick Summary

T.REX ARMS employs advanced manufacturing techniques for Kydex holsters, including precise thermoforming, CNC machining with tight tolerances (e.g., +/- 0.001 inches for Sidecar 2.0), and proprietary heat press technology for consistent material heating. Over 10 years, they've evolved tooling and implemented conveyor systems to significantly reduce lead times and enhance production efficiency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Manufacturing Process Montage
  2. 00:13Kydex Thermoforming Process
  3. 00:29CNC Machining & Assembly Prep
  4. 00:57Manufacturing Scale & Repetition
  5. 01:05Why T.REX ARMS Makes Holsters
  6. 01:28Ten Years of Holster Experience
  7. 02:00Evolution of Holster Molds
  8. 02:39Mold Development Improvements
  9. 03:00Issues with Old Blue Gun Molds
  10. 03:39New Advanced Mold Development System
  11. 04:47Improving Thermoforming Tooling
  12. 05:09Limitations of Old Heat Presses
  13. 05:34New Proprietary Heat Press Prototype
  14. 06:03Evolution of Cutting and Drilling
  15. 06:56Barcode Scanners for Precision
  16. 07:20Conveyor Belt System & Speed
  17. 08:11New Bin Plate System Efficiency
  18. 09:09Sidecar 2.0 and Precise Notches
  19. 09:57Holster Assembly & Quality Control
  20. 11:12Expanding Product Line & Core Values
  21. 12:28Future of American Manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

How does T.REX ARMS ensure precision in their Kydex holster manufacturing?

T.REX ARMS utilizes advanced CNC machines like ShopBots and Haas, coupled with precise CAD/CAM designs from software like Fusion 360. They also employ strict quality control measures, including tolerances as tight as +/- 0.001 inches for specific components like those on the Sidecar 2.0, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability.

What advancements has T.REX ARMS made in their holster production tooling?

Over 10 years, T.REX ARMS has evolved from crude methods to sophisticated vacuum-forming molds based on manufacturer CAD data. They've developed a proprietary heat press prototype for consistent Kydex heating and implemented advanced CNC machining for precise cuts, alongside conveyor systems to speed up production.

What are the key stages in T.REX ARMS' Kydex holster manufacturing process?

The process begins with heating Kydex sheets, followed by vacuum forming them into holster shapes. These are then precisely cut and drilled using CNC machines. Finally, holsters are assembled with hardware, undergo fit testing with firearms, and are packaged.

How has T.REX ARMS improved efficiency in holster production?

T.REX ARMS has implemented conveyor belt systems that reduce lead times from weeks to days. They also use advanced tooling, including precise CNC machining and a new bin plate system with locator pins and aluminum cooling, to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle times.

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