PEEK: when no other material is sufficient

PEEK: when no other material is sufficient

We work daily with a variety of materials at PlastShop, but sometimes we come across applications where no other material than PEEK is suitable. PEEK, or polyetheretherketone, is an extremely high-performance material that can handle the toughest challenges. But what makes PEEK so unique, and when is it worth investing in this expensive material?

Extreme properties

PEEK has a number of extreme properties that make it an indispensable material in certain applications. It can be exposed to continuous temperatures of up to 260°C, which is extremely high compared to most other plastics. Additionally, PEEK has excellent chemical resistance and can withstand many aggressive chemicals. Its mechanical strength is also impressive, with a tensile strength of up to 100 MPa.

But PEEK also has a low absorption capacity and a very low friction, which makes it an excellent material for applications where wear and friction are a problem. Additionally, PEEK has a very low coefficient of expansion, which means it does not expand or contract much with temperature changes.

Grades of PEEK

PEEK is available in several different grades, of which the most common are unfilled PEEK, GF30 and CF30. Unfilled PEEK is the purest form of the material and has the highest mechanical properties. GF30 is a glass fiber reinforced version of PEEK, which has a higher strength and stiffness than unfilled PEEK. CF30 is a carbon fiber reinforced version, which has an even higher strength and stiffness than GF30.

We offer all these grades of PEEK at PlastShop, so our customers can choose the variant that best suits their specific needs. But which grade is best depends on the application and the requirements placed on the material. For example, if you need a material that can withstand extremely high temperatures and chemicals, unfilled PEEK may be the best choice.

Cost justification

PEEK is an expensive material, and it can be difficult to justify the cost in some applications. But in many cases, PEEK is the only material that can meet the requirements, and then the cost is justified. For example, in aerospace applications where safety is of the highest priority, PEEK may be the only material that can guarantee sufficient performance and safety.

But how can you justify the cost of PEEK in other applications? One possible strategy is to compare the cost of PEEK with the cost of other materials that can meet the same requirements. In many cases, PEEK may prove to be the cheapest option in the long run, thanks to its long lifespan and low maintenance costs.

Applications

PEEK is used in a variety of applications, from aerospace and medicine to oil and gas. In aerospace applications, PEEK is used for the manufacture of parts that are exposed to extremely high temperatures and chemicals, such as engines and fuel systems. In medical applications, PEEK is used for the manufacture of implants and instruments, thanks to its biocompatibility and chemical resistance.

In oil and gas applications, PEEK is used for the manufacture of parts that are exposed to extremely high pressures and temperatures, such as valves and seals. But PEEK can also be used in other applications, such as the chemical industry and the automotive industry, where the material's unique properties can provide a significant advantage.

When is PEEK the only option?

But when is PEEK the only option? In some applications, such as aerospace and medicine, PEEK is often the only material that can meet the requirements. In these cases, the cost of PEEK is justified, since safety and performance are of the highest priority.

But in other applications, there may be cheaper alternatives that can meet the same requirements. For example, in some chemical applications, materials such as PE-HD or PP may be sufficient, and therefore cheaper alternatives. But in applications where extreme temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical forces are involved, PEEK is often the only option.

We wonder, however, how can you determine when PEEK is the only option? Is it possible to find other materials that can meet the same requirements, or is PEEK really unique in these applications? It is a question that we at PlastShop often discuss with our customers, and which we strive to find the answer to.

Finally, if you have an application where no other material is sufficient, maybe PEEK is the solution. We at PlastShop offer a variety of PEEK grades and forms, and our experienced staff can help you find the right material for your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your options and see if PEEK can be the right choice for you.