PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its outstanding resistance to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, high strength, and self-lubrication. With a broad range of specifications and applications, PEEK is widely used in aerospace, medical, electronics, and automotive industries. Below is a detailed overview of PEEK material specifications.
1. PEEK Rod Specifications
PEEK rods are one of the most common forms and are widely used in mechanical components, precision instruments, and medical devices.
Diameter Range: 3 mm to 200 mm
Length Range: 1000 mm to 3000 mm
Color: Typically grey-brown or black
Special Types:
Glass Fiber Reinforced (GFR-PEEK): 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Ideal for enhanced impact strength and dimensional stability.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFR-PEEK): 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Used in aerospace and high-performance sports gear.
Medical Grade PEEK: 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Suitable for biocompatible medical implants.
2. PEEK Sheet Specifications
PEEK sheets offer excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance, making them ideal for insulators, seals, and structural components.
Thickness Range: 5 mm to 100 mm
Width Range: 500 mm to 1250 mm
Length Range: 1000 mm to 3000 mm
Color: Typically grey-brown or black
Special Types:
GFR-PEEK: For improved mechanical strength and heat resistance
CFR-PEEK: Ideal for aerospace and structural applications
Medical Grade PEEK: Biocompatible for implants and surgical tools
3. PEEK Tube Specifications
Due to its excellent chemical and thermal resistance, PEEK tubing is commonly used for seals, piston rings, and wear-resistant bushings.
Outer Diameter Range: 1.6 mm to 620 mm
Inner Diameter Range: 1.4 mm to 550 mm
Length: 1000 mm
Color: Typically transparent or light amber
4. PEEK Film Specifications
PEEK film is valued for its electrical insulation and heat resistance, making it ideal for electronics and insulation layers.
Thickness Range: 0.025 mm to 0.125 mm
Width Range: 600 mm to 710 mm
Length Range: 0.5 m to 2 m
Color: Transparent or light amber
5. PEEK Reinforced Materials
PEEK can be modified with various fillers to enhance performance:
GFR-PEEK: Improved impact strength and dimensional stability
CFR-PEEK: Increased rigidity and strength for aerospace and sports equipment
Medical Grade PEEK: Enhanced biocompatibility and low toxicity for implants
6. Physical and Chemical Properties of PEEK
PEEK is a representative high-performance plastic thanks to its outstanding properties:
High-Temperature Resistance: Tg 143°C, melting point 343°C, continuous use up to 260°C
Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to most organic and inorganic chemicals (except concentrated sulfuric acid)
High Strength: Excellent mechanical strength, toughness, rigidity, and fatigue resistance
Self-Lubricating: Low friction coefficient, suitable for oil-free applications
Flame Retardancy: Meets UL94V-0 standard at 1.45 mm thickness, low smoke emission
Electrical Insulation: Stable electrical performance across a wide temperature and frequency range
7. PEEK Application Areas
Due to its versatile properties, PEEK is used across various industries:
Aerospace: Precision parts and structural components
Medical: Artificial joints, implants, and surgical instruments
Electronics: Insulators, connectors, and wafer carriers
Automotive: Clutches, transmission components, turbocharger impellers
Food Processing: Valves, mixers, demolding machines
Oil & Gas: Drilling tools, seals, sensors
8. PEEK Processing Methods
PEEK can be processed into various shapes and sizes through:
Injection Molding: Suitable for both small and large batches
Extrusion: Continuous production for rods, tubes, and films
Compression Molding: Ideal for complex shapes
Machining: Precision components with tight tolerances
9. PEEK Market Overview
Global demand for PEEK continues to grow, especially in emerging markets like China:
Global Market: Europe is the largest market; North America and China are growing rapidly
China Market: Third-largest consumer, with 2022 demand reaching 1,950 tons and a CAGR of 42.8%
Pricing: Though PEEK is expensive, its unmatched performance makes it essential for high-end applications
10. PEEK Environmental and Safety Features
PEEK is known for being both safe and environmentally friendly:
Non-Toxic: Stable molecular structure with low VOCs
FDA Approved: Complies with FDA food contact standards
Low Smoke and Toxicity: Meets UL94V-0, emits minimal smoke and harmful gases when burned
Summary
PEEK stands as a benchmark for high-performance engineering plastics due to its superior mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. With diverse specifications, it is suitable for numerous applications in aerospace, medical, electronics, automotive, and more. As global and Chinese markets expand, PEEK’s future looks bright for advanced manufacturing.
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