ARTICLE: What is PEEK?

PEEK is an abbreviation for Polyether Ether-Ketone. It is an organic, polymer thermoplastic with many applications in a wide range of industries. PEEK contains features that make it a viable alternative to metals in some cases.

PEEK has excellent chemical resistance, wears extremely well and low moisture absorption, plus it can be exposed to hot water or steam and remains unaffected.

It's capabilities can be changed by filling the general purpose grade with substances such as carbon fibers, fiberglass and combinations of carbon fibers, graphite and lubricants.

Grades

Unfilled - General grade PEEK is the toughest and most ductile of all grades. Since 1998 it has been approved by the FDA for food contact, complying with FDA regulation 21 CFR 177.2415.

Carbon filled - The addition of approximately 1/3 carbon fibers gives a grade of PEEK that is stiffer and has greater compressive strength. As such, it offers the best wear resistance and load carrying capability of any grade. It dissipates heat faster (by a factor greater than 3).

Glass filled - Glass fibers gives a grade that is ideal for structural uses requiring strength and stability, especially when the temperature environment is above 300°F.

Ketron HPV, bearing grade - The addition of carbon fibers, graphite and PTFE (Teflon) lubricants creates PEEK suitable for bearing applications. It has the lowest coefficient of friction of any grade. Coupled with long wear and high pressure-velocity characteristics, it is often machined into bearings, rollers, gears, pump components and high temperature insulators and in applications where metals may not be optimum. These features make bearing grade PEEK the most advanced plastics material to date.

Applications

PEEK is used extensively in the chemical, aerospace and automotive industries. Demanding applications include bearings, piston parts and compressor plate valves. The biomedical industry uses PEEK for medical implants.

Distributor gears in race car engines made from PEEK are 80% lighter than conventional metal gears while giving more horsepower. It is used to manufacture poppets and seals and other compressor parts. It often serves as a replacement material in harsh chemical environments where metals will corrode.

At Prominex we are experienced in working with any grade of PEEK for all of the above applications.