Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) stands as the undisputed champion of high-performance thermoplastics. We’re not just talking about a material; we’re talking about a manufacturing revolution. Injection molding with PEEK unlocks the ability to produce complex, ultra-resilient components that defy the limits of conventional plastics and outperform metals in critical ways. It’s the key to lighter, stronger, and more durable designs that thrive under pressure, heat, and aggressive chemicals. This is the peak of polymer performance.
KEY BENEFITS
Don’t just choose a material; choose a strategic advantage. PEEK delivers a suite of benefits that directly translate to superior product performance and lower total cost of ownership.
| Benefit | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Extreme Thermal Stability | Continuous performance up to 250°C (480°F). Your components won’t warp, degrade, or lose mechanical properties in high-heat environments like under-the-hood automotive or aerospace applications. |
| Exceptional Mechanical Strength | High tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance rivaling many metals. Achieve metal-like performance with a significant reduction in weight for moving parts. |
| Inherent Chemical Resistance | Laughs in the face of harsh chemicals, oils, and steam. Ideal for chemical processing, oil & gas, and medical devices that require repeated sterilization. |
| Outstanding Wear & Abrasion Resistance | Superior performance in bearing and sealing applications without the need for lubricants. Drastically extends the service life of dynamic components. |
| Excellent Dimensional Stability | Low moisture absorption and a high glass transition temperature mean your parts maintain their precise shape and tolerance under varying environmental conditions. |
| Inherent Flammability Resistance | Naturally flame retardant (UL 94 V-0 rated) without the need for toxic additives. A critical safety feature for transportation and electronics. |
APPLICATIONS
PEEK isn’t just for niche uses anymore; it’s the core enabler for the next generation of technology across industries. See how it’s solving real-world engineering challenges.
| Industry | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace & Aviation | Cable insulation, thrust washers, bushings, seal rings, ducting. Reduces weight, reserves jet fuel, and withstands extreme temperature cycles. |
| Automotive | Transmission components, seals, bearings, turbocharger parts. Enables higher operating temperatures in engines and transmissions for improved efficiency. |
| Medical & Healthcare | Surgical instruments, dental healing abutments, trauma fixation devices, endoscope components. Biocompatible, sterilizable (autoclave, gamma, ETO), and MRI-compatible. |
| Oil & Gas | Sealing elements, valve seats, compressor parts, downhole tooling. Resists sour gas (H₂S), high pressure, and abrasive slurries where metals fail. |
| Electronics & Semiconductor | Wafer carriers (FOUPs), probe sockets, insulator parts. Provides high purity, static control, and can withstand aggressive plasma cleaning. |
| Industrial Equipment | Pumps, gears, piston rings, conveyor parts. Reduces noise, eliminates lubrication, and outlasts metals in corrosive or high-wear environments. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Here are the key material properties that define PEEK’s unmatched performance profile.
| Property | Test Method | Value / Rating | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (at Yield) | ASTM D638 | 97 | MPa (14,000 psi) |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 | 3.8 | GPa (550,000 psi) |
| Heat Deflection Temp. (@ 1.82 MPa) | ASTM D648 | 160 | °C (320°F) |
| Continuous Service Temperature | – | 250 | °C (480°F) |
| Melting Point | – | 343 | °C (649°F) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | V-0 | – |
| Coefficient of Friction | vs. Steel | 0.2 – 0.4 | – |
| Water Absorption (24 hrs) | ASTM D570 | 0.1 | % |