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Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

PEEK provides exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and thermal endurance—making it the material of choice for mission-critical, high-performance 3D printed parts.

Introduction to PEEK for 3D Printing

Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and medical industries for parts requiring long-term performance in extreme environments.

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and High-Temperature FDM processes are used to print PEEK components with dimensional accuracy of ±0.1 mm. Heated build chambers and nozzles exceeding 400°C are required to process this advanced polymer.

International Equivalent Grades of PEEK

Standard	Grade Code	Application Examples
ASTM	D6262	PEEK 450G, 450GL30
ISO	ISO 1043	Unfilled or GF/CF Reinforced PEEK
Europe	EN ISO 17410	Industrial and medical-grade PEEK
China	GB/T 19467	聚醚醚酮（PEEK）

Comprehensive Properties of PEEK

Property Category	Property	Value
Physical	Density	1.30–1.32 g/cm³
	Melting Point	~343°C
	Heat Deflection Temperature	~160–170°C
Mechanical	Tensile Strength	90–100 MPa
	Flexural Modulus	3,500–4,000 MPa
	Elongation at Break	20%
	Hardness (Rockwell R)	126–130
Other	Flammability	UL 94 V-0

Suitable 3D Printing Processes for PEEK

Process	Typical Density Achieved	Surface Roughness (Ra)	Dimensional Accuracy	Application Highlights
High-Temp FDM / FFF	≥99%	12–18 µm	±0.1 mm	Best for aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance tooling under load and temperature

Selection Criteria for PEEK 3D Printing Processes

Extreme Temperature Resistance: PEEK retains strength and stability up to 250°C continuous use, making it ideal for high-temperature engine and structural parts.
Chemical & Wear Resistance: PEEK resists solvents, acids, and wear, suitable for chemical processing components and sliding surfaces under load.
Dimensional Stability: Crystalline structure and low thermal expansion enable use in precision assemblies with tight tolerance requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: Medical and food-contact grades meet ISO 10993 and FDA requirements for biocompatibility and long-term exposure.

Essential Post-Processing Methods for PEEK 3D Printed Parts

Annealing: Performed at 200–250°C to relieve residual stress and improve crystallinity for mechanical and thermal stability.
CNC Machining: Used for final finishing of holes, sealing faces, or tight tolerances (±0.02 mm) on functional mechanical components.
Polishing & Surface Finishing: Improves sealing interfaces or surface contact areas, especially for wear components or fluid transfer parts.
Plasma Treatment or Coating: Enhances surface adhesion or friction properties for tribological or bonded interfaces.

Challenges and Solutions in PEEK 3D Printing

High Processing Temperature: Requires hotend ≥400°C, bed ≥120°C, and chamber ≥100°C. Industrial-grade printers are necessary for reliable prints.
Warping and Shrinkage: Use slow cooling and uniform temperature environment to control crystalline growth and maintain dimensional integrity.
Moisture Sensitivity: Pre-dry PEEK filament at 120°C for 8 hours to prevent bubbling and internal defects during extrusion.

Applications and Industry Case Studies

PEEK is widely used in:

Aerospace: High-temp brackets, bushings, and electrical isolation components.
Medical: Spinal implants, orthopedic guides, surgical tools, and prosthetics.
Oil & Gas: Sealing rings, valve components, downhole insulation parts.
Automotive: Under-the-hood parts, brake insulators, and high-wear gears.

Case Study: A Tier-1 aerospace manufacturer 3D printed PEEK brackets that maintained dimensional tolerance within ±0.08 mm after post-annealing. The parts withstood 200°C and 10,000 fatigue cycles without failure.