What is Peek Plastic?

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Standing at the “pinnacle” of plastics, why PEEK plastic material is so exceptional?  PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with outstanding physical and mechanical properties, it can even replace traditional materials like metals and ceramics in many specialized fields, and is widely used in aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and other industries.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a new type of thermoplastic engineering plastic, characterized as a semi-crystalline, thermoplastic aromatic polymer. It is available in a natural or black color, with excellent properties such as high-temperature resistance, self-lubrication, ease of processing, and high mechanical strength. It can be processed into various mechanical components, such as automobile gears, oil screens, and shift-start discs; parts for aircraft engines, automatic washing machine rotors, etc.

peek plastic

Peek Plastic Material Properties

PEEK has comprehensive properties, exhibiting greater rigidity than the vast majority of special engineering plastics while also possessing toughness, demonstrating excellent overall mechanical performance. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well in terms of heat resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. As a result, PEEK is recognized as one of the best-performing thermoplastic materials globally.

1.High Temperature Resistance

PEEK materials exhibit outstanding high-temperature performance, capable of long-term use at temperatures up to 260°C, and even maintaining excellent mechanical properties at temperatures as high as 300°C.

2. Wear Resistance

PEEK polymers and their composites demonstrate excellent wear resistance in extreme environments, including high temperatures, high loads, and strong corrosion.

3. Self-Lubrication

PEEK has a low coefficient of friction, enabling oil-free lubrication and making it suitable for long-term operation in mediums such as oil, water, steam, and weak acids and bases.

4. Corrosion Resistance

PEEK is insoluble in common solvents and exhibits good corrosion resistance to various organic and inorganic chemical reagents.

5. High Strength

PEEK has the best mechanical strength among plastics, along with high rigidity and surface hardness.

6. Easy Processing & Hydrolysis Resistance

PEEK products can continuously operate for thousands of hours in steam or high-pressure water above 250°C without significant performance degradation. They have low water absorption in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, unlike general plastics such as nylon, which can undergo noticeable dimensional changes due to moisture absorption.

7. Flame Retardancy

PEEK has excellent flame-retardant properties, with a flammability rating of UL94 V-0, and produces low smoke and toxic gas emissions when burned.

8. Dimensional Stability

PEEK materials have good dimensional stability, making them suitable for various application environments. The dimensional stability of plastics refers to the ability of engineering plastic products to maintain their dimensions during use or storage. Changes in dimensions are mainly due to increased activation energy of polymer molecules, causing some level of chain segment curling.

Three Methods To Process Peek Plastic

PEEK can be directly processed into parts by injection molding and other processes, ‌ and easy to be milling, ‌ drilling, ‌ and other post-processing. ‌

peek

PEEK CNC Machining

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a precise manufacturing process used to create complex parts and components from a variety of materials, including PEEK. The machining process can include operations such as milling, turning, drilling, and grinding, all controlled by computer software to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

PEEK 3D Printing

PEEK materials can be 3D printed using various methods, including SLA and FDM. When selecting 3D printing materials for PEEK, factors such as flowability, shrinkage rate, and strength need to be considered. Commonly used PEEK 3D printing materials include PEEK G-950 and PEEK PA66 G-4450 H.

PEEK Injection Molding

The peek injection molding process can produce high-precision, high-strength parts that are suitable for high-performance and repeatable applications. The process involves material preparation, mold preparation, injection, cooling, ejection, and post-processing. Factors such as temperature, pressure, mold design, and material handling must be controlled, and specialized equipment should be used to ensure part quality.

Comparison of PEEK Plastic Material with Special and Common Engineering Plastics

PEEK stands out among both main and special engineering plastics due to its exceptional combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. Here are some final thoughts on the comparison:

PropertiesPeekPTFEPPSPOMPA66
Tensile Strength90-100MPa33-333MPa32-220MPa70MPa80MPa
Impact Strength 3.5 4.5284.5
Heat Resistance250°260°220°115°95°
Wear-resisting0.40.150.50.520.5
Corrosion resistance9.279.99.337.587.25
Electrical property2411182027

The comparison of PEEK with major engineering plastics and specialty engineering plastics shows that PEEK has comprehensive performance. It excels in rigidity compared to most specialty engineering plastics while also possessing toughness, demonstrating a well-rounded mechanical performance. Additionally, it performs excellently in terms of heat resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Therefore, PEEK is recognized as one of the best-performing thermoplastic materials in the world.

Ultimately, the choice between these materials will depend on specific performance requirements, including intended application, environmental factors, and budget considerations.

 Experience the Guantai Advantage! Our professional team excels in CNC machining high-quality engineering plastics. Whether it’s PEEK, Delrin, or Polycarbonate, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch for a custom quote now.

FAQ:

1. Is peek plastic expensive?

Yes, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is considered one of the more expensive engineering plastics available. Its cost is attributed to the complex manufacturing processes and the high-performance characteristics it offers, including excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. While it may have a higher upfront cost compared to other plastics, its durability and performance can reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs in some applications.

2. Is peek as strong as steel?

PEEK has impressive strength and rigidity, but it does not possess the same ultimate tensile strength as steel. However, it maintains good mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures and can be engineered to perform effectively in many applications that require high strength.

3. What are the disadvantages of peek material?

PEEK is significantly more expensive than many other engineering plastics, and has limited color options, peek plastic is generally available in natural or black color.