PEEK Injection Molding Resin
PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is one of the most useful, versatile, and popular injection molding resins available. This unique, high-performance thermoplastic is ideal for medical applications because of its tolerance to gamma radiation exposure and sterilization processes such as autoclaving. Injection molded PEEK parts can also be an effective replacement for machined metal parts in a broad range of other uses. The versatility and superior mechanical properties of PEEK resin make it an ideal choice for medical, aerospace, mechanical and other demanding applications.
PEEK Molding Services
PEEK Properties
PEEK plastic exhibits superb mechanical properties and is highly resistant to chemicals and thermal degradation, making it a highly desirable material for plastic injection molded products. PEEK resin holds up well against high temperatures and long-term liquid submersion and is very durable in harsh environments. PEEK plastic makes an excellent reinforcement material, providing great tensile strength with low weight.
Features and benefits of PEEK material properties include:
- High chemical resistance, even at elevated temperatures
- High hardness, stiffness & strength
- Excellent fatigue & stress-crack resistance
- Excellent resistance to high pressure water & steam without significant degradation
- Can be sterilized via autoclave
- Easy to machine & fabricate
- UL 94 V-0 flammability rating
- Very low smoke/toxic gas emission when exposed to flame
- Suitable for continuous use in application temperatures up to 338°F/170°C
- Unfilled PEEK is FDA-approved for food contact Email a Plastics Specialist
Injection Molding with PEEK Resin
Springboard works with a wide variety of materials in our injection molding processes. The high strength-to-weight ratio and heat tolerance of PEEK plastic makes it a popular choice for a wide range of applications including aerospace, biomedical, pharmaceutical, fiber optics, automotive, industrial, and more. In addition to standard injection molding, PEEK resin is also used in overmolding applications to fabricate reinforced components for aerospace and automotive.
Examples of PEEK Components:
- Tubing
- Profiles
- Bearings
- Seals
- Valves
- Electrical cable insulation
- Medical implants
- And more
Special Considerations for PEEK Injection Molding
Though it is a very popular engineered plastic for injection moulding, PEEK resin can also be difficult to work with and might not suitable for all applications. The first consideration is that PEEK material must be heated to very high temperatures at or above the highest range of most injection molding machines. This requires special equipment that might not be utilized by all injection molding facilities.
Since PEEK plastic is also sensitive to anisotropic shrinking during the cooling process the right amount of pressure needs to be applied to the mold to maintain product integrity. A final consideration is that while PEEK material properties make it CNC machinable, precautions must be taken to prevent stress damage when machining filled PEEK plastics.
Fortunately, Springboard has the skills, experience, and advanced machinery needed to effectively work with PEEK plastic in all our plastic injection molding processes. We provide unparalleled expertise in injection molding PEEK resin for medical devices and other applications.
Contact Us to Learn More About PEEK Injection Molding
Contact Springboard to learn how we can use PEEK resin in your injection molding projects.
