PEEK Plastic (Polyetheretherketone) Selection Guide
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. In this web page, we will explore the different types of PEEK, its numerous advantages and disadvantages, and the diverse industrial applications where PEEK plays a crucial role.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) rapid manufacturing, & custom molded parts are available now!
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Common names include: PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), Trade Names:
Victrex® PEEK, Ketron® PEEK, TECAPEEK®, Vestakeep®, Semitron® PEEK, KetaSpire® PEEK, SustaPEEK.
PEEK Part Options
Custom PEEK Parts
Discover custom PEEK parts tailored to your specifications for use in aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and industrial applications. Learn about the benefits of PEEK’s strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.
PEEK 3D Printing
Explore PEEK 3D printing, delivering strong, heat- and chemical-resistant parts for aerospace, medical, and industrial uses. Learn about its benefits, applications, and why it’s ideal for advanced manufacturing.
PEEK Machining Profiles
Explore PEEK machining profiles, tailored for precision and durability in extreme conditions. Learn about custom PEEK components for aerospace, medical, and industrial use, and how they meet exacting specifications.
PEEK Fasteners
Discover PEEK fasteners engineered for strength, chemical resistance, and lightweight performance. Learn how PEEK screws, bolts, and washers excel in aerospace, medical, and semiconductor environments.
PEEK Gears and Bearings
Explore PEEK gears and bearings, engineered for strength, low friction, and durability in high-performance applications. Learn how PEEK outperforms traditional materials in aerospace, automotive, and industrial systems.
Medical Grade PEEK
Discover medical grade PEEK, a high-performance, biocompatible polymer ideal for implants, surgical instruments, and medical devices. Learn about its properties, certifications, and uses in advanced healthcare.
PEEK Raw Material
Discover PEEK raw material, known for its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability. Learn about its properties, forms, and uses in aerospace, medical, and industrial manufacturing.
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Advantages
- High Temperature Resistance: PEEK can withstand high temperatures, maintaining its properties even at temperatures above 250°C (482°F).
- PEEK can be 3D printed. Learn more here!
- Mechanical Strength: PEEK has exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance.
- Chemical Resistance: PEEK is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.
- Electrical Insulation: PEEK is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for electrical and electronics applications.
- Low Friction: PEEK has a low coefficient of friction, making it useful for applications where reduced wear and friction are important.
- Biocompatibility: PEEK is biocompatible and often used in medical implants and devices.
Disadvantages
- Cost: PEEK is relatively expensive compared to many other thermoplastics, which can limit its use in cost-sensitive applications.
- Processing Challenges: PEEK can be challenging to process due to its high melting point and high viscosity, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
- Not Suitable for High-Radiation Environments: PEEK may degrade when exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation.
Common Applications of PEEK
- Aerospace: PEEK is used in aerospace applications for components like engine parts, seals, and aircraft interiors due to its lightweight nature and high temperature resistance.
- Medical: PEEK is employed in medical devices and implants, such as spinal implants and dental instruments, because of its biocompatibility and chemical resistance.
- Oil and Gas: PEEK is used in the oil and gas industry for downhole equipment, seals, and connectors due to its chemical resistance and high pressure/temperature capabilities.
- Automotive: PEEK is used in automotive components like bushings, bearings, and seals due to its mechanical strength and wear resistance.
- Electronics: PEEK is used for manufacturing electrical connectors, insulators, and semiconductor equipment due to its electrical insulating properties.
- Chemical Processing: PEEK is employed in chemical processing equipment, including pumps, valves, and gaskets, due to its chemical resistance.
- Food and Beverage: PEEK is used in food processing equipment, such as seals, bearings, and conveyor components, due to its low friction and resistance to food-related chemicals.
- Mechanical Engineering: PEEK is used for precision mechanical components like gears, bearings, and thrust washers due to its low friction and wear resistance.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Types of PEEK
PEEK can come in different variations, depending on its composition and intended use. Some common types of PEEK include the following.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Unfilled PEEK
This pure form of PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) offers excellent mechanical and chemical resistance. It's widely used in demanding applications like aerospace, automotive, and medical implants due to its high strength, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. Unfilled PEEK is also known for its ease of machining and insulation properties.
Glass-Filled PEEK
Reinforced with glass fibers, Glass-Filled PEEK provides enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. It's ideal for industrial components requiring high rigidity and dimensional stability, such as precision bearings, piston parts, and pump housings. The glass fibers also improve its load-bearing capacity.
Carbon-Filled PEEK
Infused with carbon fibers, this variant offers increased strength and stiffness, along with superior wear and thermal resistance. Suitable for high-performance applications like aerospace components and high-stress mechanical parts, Carbon-Filled PEEK is also known for its lightweight and fatigue resistance.
Bearing Grade PEEK
Specifically designed for high-wear and friction applications, Bearing Grade PEEK includes additives like graphite, PTFE, or carbon fibers to enhance its bearing and wear properties. It's commonly used in high-speed bearings, seals, and gears where low friction and long service life are crucial.
Electrically Conductive PEEK
This type is modified to provide electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications in the electronics industry, where static dissipation is essential. Electrically Conductive PEEK is used in semiconductor manufacturing, electronic packaging, and anti-static components.
Medical Grade PEEK
Meeting stringent biocompatibility requirements, Medical Grade PEEK is used in medical and dental applications. It's ideal for implants, surgical instruments, and orthopedic devices due to its radiolucent properties, compatibility with medical imaging, and resistance to sterilization processes.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Manufacturing Options for PEEK
PEEK parts can be manufactured using several methods, each suitable for different applications and part complexities.
Each of these methods has its own advantages, limitations, and cost implications. The choice of manufacturing technique usually depends on factors like the complexity of the design, required precision, material properties, and production volume.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
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