Injection molding is one of the most advanced and effective methods for manufacturing intricate plastic parts with unmatched precision. These parts vary in terms of size, application, and complexity, and can be manufactured using this molding technique. You can shape and mold a variety of plastics using this manufacturing method. Among all, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is one of the popular engineering thermoplastics used on large scale today. PEEK is a colorless thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the family of polyaryletherketone (PAEK). Different PEEK plastic injection molding techniques are in use today. Why? This is owing to its various advantages. Are you intrigued to find more about this material? This post discusses everything about polyetheretherketone. So, stay tuned.
What is Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)?
PEEK is a semi-crystalline performance-driven thermoplastic. This rigid and opaque material is notable for its amazing properties such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, fatigue and wear resistance, exceptionally high-temperature resistance up to 260°C (480°F), and many more. Due to these reasons, this material finds uses in engineering, where it can be used to coat cables and wires, molded parts, and so on. Apart from injection molding, this material can be processed by conventional methods such as compression, extrusion, and molding. While, it is a relatively high-priced polymer, it brings value to the parts by offering features such as strength, lightweight, excellent resistance against environmental parameters, and more. Also, it is a fully recyclable thermoplastic and has been commercially available since the early 1980s.
Know Different Reasons to Consider PEEK Thermoplastic Parts
The following are some notable benefits of this polymer, making them the preferred choice of OEMs across industries. Let’s have a look at them:
- PEEK can withstand high temperatures and can function in extreme environments. This resin can only be dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid or nitric acid.
- This sturdy, yet lightweight resin possesses high tensile strength, making it an exceptionally great reinforcement material. When secured with carbon fibers, excellent tensile strength can be achieved with all the favorable properties retained at 299 degrees Celsius.
- PEEK also offers excellent creep resistance. When combined with certain materials to enhance both flexural and tensile strength characteristics, it offers an excellent balance when required to perform high loading at high temperatures for a long time without any deformations.
- The polymer also has excellent friction properties.
- PEEK exhibits high volume resistivity and surface resistivity. This means it maintains good insulating properties in a broad temperature range and with consistent environmental changes.
- The polymer is not easily soluble in all solvents. The resin doesn’t undergo hydrolysis and can be used for several hours in high-pressure water or steam without property degradations.
Other properties of this polymer include biocompatibility, inherent purity, superior resistance to gamma and X-rays, long life, and much more.
Applications of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Explained
This polymer is used in applications where chemical, thermal, and combustion properties are critical to perform. Their excellent strength to weight ratio to robust nature makes them useful in demanding and ultra-high vacuum applications. Here are some common examples:
- HPLC Columns
- Electrical Cable insulation
- Piston Parts
- Compressor Plate Valves
- Pumps
- Bearings
- Tubing
- Valves
- Filters
- Seals
- Gaskets, and more
Hope this post helps you get a thorough understanding of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and creating its parts using injection molding. Though the material is easily machinable, it is always a good practice to consult an injection molding expert or injection molding service provider when working with this material. One such industry expert, whom you can approach is Veejay Plastic. The company has a team of experts with a deep understanding of the various processing temperatures required for PEEK. They have advanced PEEK injection molding capabilities which help fulfill diverse customer requirements effectively.
