PEEK CNC Machining
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PEEK CNC Machining
Polyether ether ketone is an advanced engineering plastic with a range of beneficial properties. These include elasticity, wear resistance, biocompatibility, resistance to ultra-high vacuum, excellent chemical resistance, and suitability for CNC machining.
PEEK is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material that can operate continuously at temperatures up to 260癈 and has high chemical resistance. Applications include components for the medical, aerospace and automotive industries.
PEEK can withstand strong acid-base hydrolysis conditions, organic solvents and high temperature corrosion. This makes it ideal for many applications, especially in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
PEEK at a Glance
| Application | Bearings, washers and gears, spinal implants, surgical tools |
| Advantages | Hydrophobic, minimal outgassing in high vacuum conditions, biocompatible |
| Disadvantages | High cost, biocompatible but does not readily bond to bone |
| Lead Time | Lead time is generally a minimum of 3 days. However, this can increase depending on availability or if the parts are to be internationally manufactured. |
| Price | $$$ |
| Tolerances | Machining tolerances of 0.010” (0.25 mm) are achievable. |
| Wall Thickness | A minimum wall thickness of 0.03” (0.8 mm) is achievable. This can vary depending on the ratio of wall thickness to planar dimension. |
| Max Part Size | The maximum size of the part is determined by the machines available and the complexity of the part. |
Generic PEEK
CNC machining of polycarbonate is quite common. The material’s outstanding impact resistance makes it ideal for space components. The impact strength of polycarbonate is almost twice that of ABS and is one of the highest of all common engineering plastics. It is easy to form without cracking or breaking.
General PEEK Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Shore D) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Glass Transition Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65-120 | 1.5-110 | 62-89 | 182-210 | 143-155 |
USP Class VI PEEK (TECAPEEK)
USP Class VI PEEK, such as TECAPEEK MT, is a biocompatible variant specifically designed for medical technology applications. It is known for having very high chemical resistance, tolerating various sterilization methods and maintaining mechanical properties at increased temperatures. USP Class VI PEEK is also suitable for medical use as it can withstand many sterilization cycles without degradation.
USP Class VI PEEK (TECAPEEK) Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell M) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Melting Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96.5-110 | 30-50 | 94-99 | 160 | 150 |
Peek GF30
PEEK GF30 is a 30% glass-filled variant of PEEK. Compared to ordinary unfilled PEEK, the GF30 has superior rigidity and increased mechanical strength. Glass-reinforced PEEK also increases dimensional stability and creep strength. This material is ideal for parts that are subjected to high static loads at higher temperatures.
PEEK GF30 Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell M) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Melting Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101-157 | 2.2-5 | 103 | 316 | 260-300 |
Finishes
PEEK parts are naturally dull gray or beige, and because of their inherent chemical resistance, they are usually accepted for processing.
Direct processing :PEEK is easy to process, and the surface roughness can be comparable to 125 μRa roughness.
Sandblasting: Any unwanted tool marks can be removed manually by using glass particles.
Etching: Chemical or electrochemical etching of PEEK parts can unify the surface finish.
Cost-saving Design Tips
Because of the high price of materials, indirect production costs must be kept to a minimum. One way to help reduce the cost of PEEK NC machining is to require fever reduction throughout the production process. This helps reduce surface and internal cracking, which in turn reduces scrap rates and reduces overall costs for manufacturers. Other design strategies can be found in our CNC Machining Design Guide.