PEEK As A Plastic Injection Molding Material Has Incredible Properties
PEEK is a thermoplastic polymer that is both high-performing and highly engineered. Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is an acronym of the chemical name Poly-ether-ether-ketone. PEEK is a part of the PAEK family of materials (Poly-aryl-ether-ketone). PEEK materials are intended to withstand continuous operation at temperatures as high as 480 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius). This includes the capacity to withstand exposure to hot water and steam without losing physical qualities permanently. With an average tensile strength of 16K PSI and a compressive strength of 20K PSI, PEEK is a tough material. In comparison to common designed polymers such as nylons, acetal (polyoxymethylene or POM), polyesters, and polycarbonates, PEEK is a stronger and stiffer choice. The capacity of PEEK to withstand high temperatures also translates to excellent dimensional stability and a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion. PEEK has a low CLTE and minimal moisture absorption, allowing Popular PLA Applications to keep tight tolerances in completed machined or injection molded products. Another advantage of PEEK is its outstanding chemical resistance. This makes it a more durable option to fluoropolymers in chemically hostile situations. When exposed to flames, PEEK has a V-0 flammability rating, which means it produces very little smoke and harmful gas emissions. The FDA approval of PEEK for food contact applications is an extra advantage. Additional medical grades of PEEK are also available, including biocompatibility certification for direct contact with the body or even permanent implantation. This offers the possibility of its use in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
How To Grade PEEK For Different Plastic Injection Molding Applications
The unreinforced basic PEEK general purpose grade has the greatest elongation and hardness of all the PEEK grades. PEEK is available in a variety of forms, including sheet, rod, tube, and even film. It has a fairly light brown or tan tint in its natural state. In addition to white, PEEK is also available in black. Other bespoke colors have minimum order quantities since they are made-to-order. PEEK in filled grades is also available. For some important applications, these filled grades provide better performance. Bearing grades with internal lubricating additives are available to reduce the coefficient of friction, increasing wear resistance and frictional heat capacity. Strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability are all increased with glass or carbon-filled grades. Static dissipative, metal detectable, and x-ray detectable grades of PEEK are also available. For customer-specific applications, there are also additional, more exotic choices available. PEEK is widely used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, aerospace, defense, rotationally equipment (which includes pumps, valves, and compressors), oil and gas, semiconductors, alternative energy, automotive, and just about any other high-tech industry you can think of.
PEEK forms from MPI are available in a variety of resins, sizes, and techniques, and may be ordered straight from stock. Extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, spin casting, and even calendaring are just a few of the processes available. MPI can assist match the optimum PEEK grade and process to maximize your component performance and material yields to avoid wasteful expenditures, based on your application requirements, desired attributes, part size, and volume.
