PEEK
PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is a high-performance plastic with outstanding strength, wear resistance and chemical resistance at continuous temperatures up to about 250 °C. It replaces metals in demanding aerospace, medical, semiconductor, oil and gas and food applications.
What it is
PEEK keeps its mechanical properties at high temperature, resists hydrolysis (steam and hot water), most chemicals and radiation, and has excellent dimensional stability. Glass- and carbon-filled grades and bearing grades (with PTFE and graphite) extend its range.
It is expensive, so it is used where lower-cost plastics fail, often as precision machined parts.
Typical applications
- High-temperature bushes and thrust washers
- Pump and valve components
- Medical and semiconductor parts
- Seals and back-up rings
- Electrical insulators at high temperature
Materials & grades
- Unfilled PEEK
- Glass-filled PEEK (GF30)
- Carbon-filled PEEK (CF30)
- Bearing-grade PEEK
Points to consider
- High material cost; minimise stock waste in design.
- Annealing may be needed for tight-tolerance machined parts.
- Carbon-filled grades are conductive and very stiff.
- Excellent steam resistance suits autoclaved parts.
Frequently asked questions
Why is PEEK so expensive?
It is a high-performance polymer with complex manufacturing, justified where cheaper plastics cannot handle the temperature, chemicals or loads.
What temperature can PEEK withstand?
Continuous service up to about 250 °C, with a melting point around 343 °C.
Can PEEK replace metal?
In many applications yes, offering lower weight, corrosion resistance and self-lubrication, especially in bearings and valve parts.