3ERP: Machining PEEK: Tips, advantages & applications

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WELCOME TO 3ERP.COM
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Machining PEEK Tips, advantages applications
PEEK is a popular thermoplastic polymer found in
objects as diverse as medical implants and
electrical cable insulation. The plastic has
excellent mechanical properties and a high level
of resistance to corrosive substances, making it
highly desirable for manufacturers across the
world. Despite being regularly used for injection
molding and 3D printing, PEEK has a high melting
point, which would indicate its suitability for
subtractive processes like CNC machining
although PEEK machining comes with its own set of
challenges.
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What is PEEK?
PEEK, or polyether ether ketene is a
high-performance engineering thermoplastic and
part of the PAEK family of materials.
The semi-crystalline material is used for a wide
range of industrial parts and components,
exhibiting excellent strength, wear resistance,
and abrasion resistance, and retaining its
properties even at high temperatures. PEEK
grades offer chemical and water
resistance similar to PPS. But with a melting
point of 343C, PEEK can operate at higher
temperatures it can be used continuously to
250C and in hot water or steam without permanent
loss in physical properties. The
high-performance PEEK plastic is available
in granular form, in filament for 3D printing,
and bar/rod form for CNC machining. It is
typically classified as either industrial-grade
or medical-grade.
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Advantages of machining PEEK

• There are numerous advantages to PEEK machining,
  and these can be broken down into two categories
  the inherent material advantages of PEEK, and the
  specific process advantages of using a CNC
  machine for machining PEEK material.
• Material advantages of machining PEEK include
• Excellent chemical resistance.
• Very low moisture absorption.
• Wear and abrasion resistance.
• Unaffected by continuous hot water / steam
  exposure.
• Some grades biocompatible.
• Resistant to biodegradation.
• Process advantages of machining PEEK include
• High accuracy.
• High repeatability.
• Tight tolerances.
• Relatively high melting point permits faster
  feeds and speeds.

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• Limitations of PEEK Machining
• Although many machinists use PEEK plastic as a
  reliable alternative to some metals, there are
  several limitations to machining the
  thermoplastic polymer. These include
• Special handling required to minimize internal
  stress and heat-related cracks.
• Annealing required.
• Doesnt dissipate heat well.
• Can crack if drilled deeply.
• Applications of PEEK Machining
• PEEK is a material with a surprisingly diverse
  range of applications, some of which are best
  served by CNC machining over other manufacturing
  techniques. Industrial-grade PEEK plastic is used
  in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronic
  s, and energy industries, while medical-grade
  PEEK plastic is used in healthcare and dentistry.

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These common machined PEEK parts are here
categorized by whether they use industrial-grade
or medical-grade PEEK
Industrial-grade Medical-grade
Rollers and Wheels Implants
Bearings Spinal Fusion Devices
Washers, Seals Manifolds Trauma Fraction Devices
Cable Insulation Orthopedic Devices
Blocks Dental Healing Caps
Bushings Spiked Washers
Rings Drug Delivery Systems
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PEEK Machining Tips PEEK is a machinable
thermoplastic, but critical steps must be taken
before, during, and after machining to deliver
the best end product. Annealing Annealing is a
process performed on PEEK rods to relieve stress
and reduce the chances of stresses and surface
cracks in the PEEK material during machining.
Annealed PEEK is also less likely to deform.
Multiple annealing stages may be required
depending on the time required for
machining. Cutting Tools In most circumstances,
PEEK can be machined using silicon carbide
cutting tools. If the PEEK is reinforced with
carbon fiber, or if exceptionally tight
tolerances are required, diamond tools should be
used. Furthermore, contamination can be avoided
if the cutting tools used are not also used on
metals. Wet or dry Because PEEK doesnt
dissipate heat, it needs to be cooled during
machining to prevent deformation or breakage.
Standard liquid coolant can be used, unless e.g.
medical parts are being machined, in which case
the PEEK material needs to be cooled by
pressurized air. This is because liquid coolant
can affect the biocompatibility of
PEEK. Drilling Deep hole drilling can cause
cracks, since PEEK has a lower elongation than
other plastics.
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PEEK machining, PEEK 3D printing, or PEEK
injection molding?
PEEK material is not limited to CNC machining. It
can also be processed via additive
manufacturing or injection molding China.
Choosing between the processes depends on the
desired end product, as well as time and budget
constraints. For 3D printing PEEK, both
FFF filaments and SLS powders are available.
However, the availability of PEEK for CNC
machining and injection molding still far
outweighs the options for additive manufacturing.
3D printing is becoming increasingly popular for
the printing of biocompatible medical implants,
since complex (and partially hollow) geometries
can be easily realized. Injection molded PEEK
resin is widely used for medical and aerospace
applications and beyond. However, its melting
point is at the upper end of many injection
molding machines capabilities, and it may
therefore be considered a specialty
material. Customers may also consider other
high-temperature plastics besides PEEK, such as
PEKK or Ultem. Check more information VISIT.
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Gangkou Avenue, GangKou Town, ZhongShan,
GuangDong, 528447 China Phone [phone] Fax
8676088411110 Email info_at_3erp.com Website
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