Are you looking for an extremely durable and lighter weight material to use in machine parts? Thermoplastic PEEK is the dependable solution that you are looking for. Considered a high performance thermoplastic, PEEK is the acronym used for polyether ether ketone, a thermoplastic material with a wide range of uses in a wide variety of industries. It is classified as asemi crystalline organic thermoplastic polymer that is in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of plastics.
High Demand
Thermoplastic PEEK is in high demand precisely because it works so well in high demand environments. Because of its durability, PEEK is used to make items used in tough mechanical applications, including compressor plate valves, pumps, piston parts and bearings. It has the distinction of being one of the few types of plastic that performs well in ultra-high vacuum applications. Even the medical industry has taken notice of PEEK, and is now using it in medical implants such as spinal reinforcing rods and spinal fusion devices. Other industries using PEEK include automotive, chemical, and aerospace businesses. Here are some reasons why PEEK is a sought out thermoplastic.
High Temperature Tenacity
PEEK is highly resistant to molecular deterioration due to high temperatures.With a melting point of 662 degrees Fahrenheit, thermoplastic PEEK has superior heat resistance and performs well under high temperature conditions. In addition, when operating under high temperatures up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, parts made from PEEK demonstrate excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties.
Long Life Span
Since PEEK has great wear and friction resistance properties, parts made with it can last longer than the same part that is made of metal. This saves money in replacement costs over time. Though it is lighter in weight than steel, it is as strong and hard. The conditions in which it is processed can raise the crystalline composition of PEEK that enhances its mechanical properties.
Performs Well Under Water and With Chemicals
It is highly resistant to molecular deterioration in underwater environments and in most chemical environments as well, although it becomes soluble over time in nitric or sulfuric acid.High pressure steam and water are no obstacle for PEEK. It has great fatigue resistance for long periods of time in this type of environment.
Seal the Deal
In comparison to parts made of metal that wear down and lose a seal over time or lose contact with their adjacent parts, parts made from PEEK do not wear down as fast and actually show closer conformation over time due to their inherent flexible properties. Valves made from PEEK show goodconsistent performance despite the varying pressures and corrosive environment that they are subjected to makes them superior to valves made of nylon.
Able to be injection molded into parts, thermoplastic PEEK can be manufactured into parts with strict specifications. Since parts made with it do not need oil to operate, parts made with PEEK are used in both medical and food processing applications as well. Other industries admire the strength versus weight ratio for PEEK. The beauty of PEEK is that it is a material that can tolerate multiple stressors. When you want parts that you can depend on for a long time, choose parts made with thermoplastic PEEK.