PEEK for Medical Applications
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance, biocompatible thermoplastic increasingly used in the medical device industry for both implantable and non-implantable components. Known for its mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and sterilization resistance, PEEK offers a compelling alternative to metals and traditional plastics in advanced medical applications. Brands such as Invibio® have developed medical-grade PEEK formulations optimized for use in orthopedics, dental procedures, and surgical instruments. At Canyon Components, we supply and machine medical-grade PEEK parts tailored for critical applications in compliance with global healthcare standards.
Check with one of Canyon’s helpful product engineers for an expert material and manufacturing recommendation.
Keywords: PEEK raw material, high-performance thermoplastic, PEEK plastic resin, PEEK granules, medical-grade PEEK, industrial PEEK polymer, unfilled PEEK, carbon-filled PEEK, bearing-grade PEEK
PEEK Key Features
Medical PEEK offers a range of performance benefits that make it ideal for healthcare applications:
- Biocompatibility: Fully compliant with USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards
- Sterilization Compatibility: Resists degradation from repeated autoclave, gamma irradiation, and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization cycles
- Chemical Resistance: Inert to body fluids and most disinfectants
- Radiolucency: Allows for clear imaging during and after implantation, unlike metals
- Mechanical Strength: High tensile and flexural strength for load-bearing applications
- Low Wear and Friction: Especially when filled with PTFE, carbon, or other additives for enhanced durability
PEEK Applications
PEEK is used across a wide array of medical applications due to its versatility and performance:
- Spinal Implants: Interbody fusion devices, rods, and cages
- Orthopedic Implants: Joint replacement components and fixation systems
- Dental Devices: Temporary and permanent frameworks, crowns, and bridges
- Surgical Instruments: Lightweight, reusable instruments that withstand repeated sterilization
- Wearable and External Medical Devices: Biocompatible housing for sensors, monitors, and other diagnostic tools
- Catheter Components: Thin-wall tubing and connectors requiring dimensional precision and chemical 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.
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Grades & Variants
Canyon Components offers a wide range of medical-grade PEEK materials:
- Virgin Medical PEEK: Unfilled grades with high purity and certification for implant use
- Carbon-Filled PEEK: Enhanced strength and fatigue resistance for long-term implantables
- PTFE-Filled PEEK: Reduced friction for articulating components
- Glass-Filled PEEK: Increased rigidity and dimensional stability
- Radiopaque PEEK: Tailored for X-ray visibility while retaining mechanical properties
Each variant is available in rod, sheet, or custom-machined form, and many are suitable for injection molding or extrusion.
Why Use PEEK?
Compared to metals like titanium or stainless steel, PEEK is lighter, non-metallic, and does not interfere with imaging techniques such as MRI or CT. Unlike traditional plastics, PEEK maintains strength at high temperatures and does not degrade with sterilization. Its fatigue resistance and wear performance make it suitable for load-bearing implants and articulating surfaces. PEEK is also less likely to trigger allergic reactions and offers superior patient comfort due to its lower modulus and thermal insulation properties.
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