TREX TALK: Shop Tour of Holster Production

Published on March 17, 2021
Duration: 73:51

This video provides an in-depth look at T.REX ARMS' transition from traditional Kydex holster production methods to advanced CNC machining. It details the historical process involving heat-forming Kydex around gun molds using presses and bottle jacks, followed by cutting and finishing. The presentation highlights the shift towards automation with CNC machines and vacuum forming, emphasizing improvements in efficiency, precision, and scalability. The content also touches upon material sourcing, the role of the development team, and the company's philosophy on growth and resilience.

Quick Summary

T.REX ARMS is transitioning its Kydex holster production from traditional heat-forming methods using t-shirt presses and bottle jacks to advanced CNC machines and vacuum forming. This shift aims to significantly improve efficiency, precision, and scalability, allowing for faster development and production of new holster models.

Chapters

  1. 04:45Introduction to T.REX ARMS Production Tour
  2. 05:20How Holsters Were Made Traditionally
  3. 06:38Heating and Forming Kydex
  4. 08:02Cutting and Drilling Holsters
  5. 09:31Buffing and Finishing Holsters
  6. 10:15Transition to CNC Production
  7. 12:10CNC Machines and Vacuum Forming
  8. 13:30CNC Cut Holster Halves
  9. 14:19Revamping Production Pipeline
  10. 17:42The Decision for Automation
  11. 20:48Haas Machine for Tooling
  12. 22:33Making New Molds and Tools
  13. 23:41Design Work with Fusion 360
  14. 24:42Molds for Different Firearm Models
  15. 30:12New Bending Jigs and Font Choice
  16. 31:24Q&A: Injection Molding and 3D Printers
  17. 36:38Local Manufacturing Capability
  18. 40:39Resiliency vs. Efficiency in Production
  19. 45:01The Role of the Dev Team
  20. 49:48Lessons Learned in Scaling
  21. 53:45Most Impactful Tool for Scalability
  22. 56:19Efficiency Expert Consultation
  23. 59:44Sourcing Materials Locally
  24. 60:39Raw Material Shortages
  25. 62:05Bringing Back Holster Models
  26. 64:36ETA on Light Bearing 43X MOS Holsters
  27. 66:12Sig Sauer P320 and Ragnaroks
  28. 67:39Holsters for Obscure Firearms
  29. 70:482020 Demand and Supply Chain Issues
  30. 71:40Focus on Product Improvement
  31. 73:03Future Production Line Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

How does T.REX ARMS make Kydex holsters?

T.REX ARMS heats Kydex to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, then forms it around a gun mold using a spongy foam and a bottle jack for pressure. The formed Kydex is then cut to shape, drilled for hardware, and finished with a buffing wheel.

What is the new production method at T.REX ARMS?

T.REX ARMS is transitioning to CNC machines and vacuum forming for holster production. This automated process aims to increase efficiency, precision, and scalability compared to their older methods.

What are the benefits of CNC machining for holster production?

CNC machining allows for faster development times, quicker production, and more consistent, precise holsters. It also enables the company to bring new holster models to market more rapidly.

How does T.REX ARMS handle scaling its production?

T.REX ARMS scales by investing in automation and advanced machinery like CNC machines, rather than just adding more manual labor. They also focus on building a resilient company, not just an efficient one.

What materials are experiencing shortages for holster manufacturing?

Currently, shortages are most notable in nylon-related materials such as Velcro, elastic, and Cordura. Kydex, hardware, and raw injection molding materials have been more consistently available.

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