Peek

PEEK ( Polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline high temperature thermoplastic that offers a truly unique combination of exceptional performance characteristics. When compared with other engineering polymers, this material ranks as the best or nearly the best in every performance category. PEEK has a relative thermal index of 260°C with very low levels of smoke generation and toxic gas emission. Additionally, this material exhibits excellent electrical properties, which remain stable over a wide range of both temperatures and frequencies.

PEEK is chemically resistant to a wide range of organic and inorganic liquids and is insoluble in all common solvents. In addition, it is unaffected by steam and hot water and has a very low moisture absorption rate. This material offers good wear resistance, superior dimensional stability and machines easily.

Because of its robustness, PEEK is used to fabricate items used in demanding applications, including bearings, piston parts, pumps, High-performance liquid chromatography columns, compressor plate valves, and electrical cable insulation. It is one of the few plastics compatible with ultra-high vacuum applications. PEEK is considered an advanced biomaterial used in medical implants, e.g., use with a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for creating a partial replacement skull in neurosurgical applications.

PEEK is finding increased use in spinal fusion devices and reinforcing rods. It is extensively used in the aerospace, automotive, and chemical process industries.[8] PEEK seals and manifolds are commonly used in fluid applications. PEEK also performs well in applications where continuous high temperatures (up to 260 °C) are common. Because of this and its low thermal conductivity, it is also used in FFF printing to thermally separate the hot end from the cold end.