RpProto's PEEK Injection Molding Capability
RpProto delivers high-precision PEEK injection molding services tailored to meet the demands of high-performance applications. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is renowned for its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, making it ideal for industries like aerospace, medical, automotive, and electronics.
RpProto has 50 sets of state-of-the-art injection machines and twenty years experience in injection molding. It ensures that every PEEK component meets stringent quality standards, providing reliable performance in the most challenging environments. Whether you need prototypes or high-volume production, We are equipped to provide custom solutions that optimize both cost and functionality for your projects.
Advantages of PEEK in Injection Molding
Exceptional Strength and Durability
PEEK has high tensile strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It can maintain structural integrity under heavy loads and harsh conditions.
Low Friction and Wear Resistance
PEEK offers low friction and excellent wear resistance.
Flame Retardant and Low Smoke Emissions
PEEK is inherently flame-retardant and emits very low levels of smoke and toxic gases when exposed to fire.
High Thermal Stability
PEEK has an impressive melting point of around 343°C (649°F). It retains its mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
Excellent Chemical Resistance
PEEK is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Biocompatibility
PEEK is biocompatible and can be used in medical applications, such as implants and surgical instruments.
PEEK Material Properties
| Property | Virgin PEEK | Glass-Filled PEEK | Carbon-Filled PEEK | PEEK with PTFE, Graphite, and Carbon Fiber | Medical Grade PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90-100 MPa | 110-120 MPa | 120-130 MPa | 85-95 MPa | 90-100 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 160-170 MPa | 190-200 MPa | 200-220 MPa | 150-160 MPa | 160-170 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 3.6 GPa | 5.9 GPa | 6.9 GPa | 4.2 GPa | 3.6 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 20-40% | 2-4% | 2-4% | 3-4% | 20-40% |
| Impact Strength (Charpy, unnotched) | 70 kJ/m² | 65 kJ/m² | 60 kJ/m² | 55 kJ/m² | 70 kJ/m² |
| Melting Temperature | 343°C | 343°C | 343°C | 343°C | 343°C |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 143°C | 143°C | 143°C | 143°C | 143°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.25 W/m·K | 0.30 W/m·K | 0.45 W/m·K | 0.38 W/m·K | 0.25 W/m·K |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Flammability Rating (UL 94) | V-0 | V-0 | V-0 | V-0 | V-0 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) | 47 µm/m°C | 25 µm/m°C | 20 µm/m°C | 30 µm/m°C | 47 µm/m°C |
| Density | 1.30 g/cm³ | 1.45 g/cm³ | 1.45 g/cm³ | 1.40 g/cm³ | 1.30 g/cm³ |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Friction Coefficient | 0.35 | 0.30 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 0.35 |
| Biocompatibility | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Yes |
PEEK Injection Molding Application
Aerospace Components
- Engine parts, Seals and bearings, Electrical connectors
Medical Devices and Implants
- Surgical instruments, Spinal implants, Dental implants, Prosthetics
Automotive Industry
- Bearings and bushings, Fuel system components
Oil and Gas Industry
- Seals and gaskets, Valve components, Compressor plates, Downhole electrical components
Industrial Machinery
- Bearings and bushings, Gears and pumps, Valve seats, Conveyor rollers
Food and Beverage Processing
- Pump and valve components, Food-grade conveyor belts, Seals and gasket
PEEK Injection Molding Process
The PEEK injection molding process involves several critical steps to ensure the production of high-performance parts. Due to its unique properties, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) requires careful attention to process parameters.
1.Material Drying
PEEK is highly hygroscopic. Moisture can affect part quality. To prevent this. Ensure that the material is completely dry before it enters the molding machine.
Drying temperature: 150°C (302°F)
Drying time: 3-4 hours
2. Machine Selection
PEEK requires a high-temperature injection molding machine. The components of the machine, including screws, barrels, and nozzles, must withstand extreme temperatures. The injection molding machine should have:
Barrel temperature: 360°C to 400°C (680°F to 752°F)
Nozzle temperature: 375°C to 400°C (707°F to 752°F)
PEEK is highly abrasive, so wear-resistant screws and barrels are needed.
3. Mold Design
Molds for PEEK must be designed to handle high temperatures and pressures, with materials resistant to thermal expansion and warping.
Mold temperature: 160°C to 200°C (320°F to 392°F)
Cooling channels: Efficient cooling is critical to ensure dimensional stability and reduce warping.
4. Quality Control and Inspection
After molding, PEEK parts undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure they meet all specifications:
Dimensional checks: Using calipers or CMM (coordinate measuring machines) for precision.
Surface finish: Visual inspection for surface defects like warping or flow marks.
Contact us for a quote on your custom PEEK injection molding project!
FAQs on PEEK Injection Molding
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. It is used in injection molding because it can withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for demanding industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive.
PEEK offers superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength compared to many other plastics. It also provides low friction, wear resistance, and biocompatibility, making it a better option for applications requiring high performance under harsh conditions.
PEEK is widely used in industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, oil and gas, electronics, and industrial machinery. It is ideal for components exposed to high temperatures, chemicals, or heavy mechanical stress.
Yes, PEEK is biocompatible and often used for medical implants, such as spinal devices and dental implants. It is also resistant to sterilization methods like autoclaving, making it safe for use in surgical instruments and other medical applications.
Lead times for PEEK injection molding projects vary depending on complexity, volume, and customization. However, most projects range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on tooling and production requirements.
Absolutely. PEEK has a high melting temperature of around 343°C (649°F) and can maintain its mechanical properties even in extreme temperatures, making it ideal for high-temperature applications like engine components and electronics.
Yes, PEEK parts can be fully customized to meet specific design requirements. Injection molding allows for the production of complex geometries and tight tolerances, ideal for precision parts in high-performance applications.
PEEK is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it suitable for environments that involve exposure to aggressive chemicals, such as those in the oil and gas or chemical processing industries.
PEEK is generally more expensive than other thermoplastics due to its high-performance properties. However, its durability and long-term reliability often lead to reduced maintenance and replacement costs, making it cost-effective for demanding applications.
PEEK is partially recyclable, and some waste generated during the molding process can be reused. However, its recycling options are limited compared to more common plastics. It’s best suited for long-lasting, high-performance applications.