PEEK CNC Machining Material
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic, often referred to as the "King of Plastics" due to its extraordinary mechanical properties and thermal stability. It offers a unique combination of high strength, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility, making it the ultimate choice for metal replacement in extreme environments. At JUCHENG, we have extensive expertise in PEEK CNC machining services. Our facility processes premium PEEK grades—from standard Virgin PEEK to specialized Carbon-Filled and Implantable grades—delivering mission-critical components for the medical, aerospace, and oil & gas industries.
What is PEEK?
PEEK is an organic colorless thermoplastic polymer in the PAEK family. It is engineered to withstand high temperatures and harsh chemical environments without losing its physical properties. Unlike standard engineering plastics, PEEK maintains its structural integrity at continuous operating temperatures of 260°C (500°F). Due to its radiolucency (transparency to X-rays) and biocompatibility, it is also the preferred material for long-term medical implants.
Advantages of CNC Machining PEEK
| Advantage | Detailed Description | Key Benefit |
| Extreme Heat Resistance | Maintains mechanical properties up to 260°C continuously, with a melting point around 343°C. | Performs reliably in engines, autoclaves, and downhole drilling environments where other plastics melt. |
| High Strength-to-Weight | Offers tensile strength comparable to some aluminum alloys but is 50% lighter. | Ideal for aerospace applications requiring weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity. |
| Chemical Resistance | Insoluble in all common solvents; resists hydrolysis (steam/hot water) and radiation. | Suitable for sterilization cycles (steam, gamma, EtO) and exposure to harsh industrial chemicals. |
| Excellent Wear Properties | High abrasion resistance and low friction coefficient (especially in bearing grades). | Long lifespan in tribological applications like bearings, bushings, and seal rings. |
| Biocompatibility | Certain grades meet ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards; radiolucent properties. | Safe for short-term and long-term bodily contact; allows bone visibility in X-rays (unlike metal). |
Technical Parameters & Material Properties
We stock and machine a comprehensive range of PEEK grades to meet specific technical requirements:
| Grade Category | Common Brands / Specs | Detailed Characteristics | Ideal Applications |
| Virgin PEEK (Unfilled) | VICTREX® 450G, KetaSpire® | The standard general-purpose grade (Beige/Tan color). Highest toughness and elongation of all PEEK grades. Chemically inert.Color: Natural Beige / Black. | Medical instruments, electrical insulators, food processing components, back-up rings. |
| Glass-Filled PEEK | PEEK GF30 (30% Glass) | Reinforced with glass fibers. Significantly higher stiffness and creep resistance than virgin PEEK. Lower thermal expansion rate. Electric insulator.Machining: Abrasive to tools. | Structural aerospace parts, high-load insulators, support rings, thermal isolators. |
| Carbon-Filled PEEK | PEEK CF30 (30% Carbon) | Reinforced with carbon fibers (Black color). Highest strength and stiffness. Excellent wear resistance and thermal conductivity. Statistically dissipative (ESD).Performance: Ultimate metal replacement. | High-performance gears, pump vanes, aerospace brackets, wafer carriers. |
| Bearing Grade PEEK | PEEK HPV (bearing grade) | Blended with PTFE, Graphite, and Carbon fiber. Lowest coefficient of friction and highest wear limit (PV value).Friction: Self-lubricating. | Bushings, bearings, wear pads, dynamic seals running at high speeds. |
| Medical / Implant Grade | PEEK-OPTIMA® (Invibio) | Manufactured under strict controls for permanent implantation (Long-term bodily contact).Compliance: FDA, ISO 10993. | Spinal cages, dental healing caps, orthopedic implants, cardiovascular devices. |
CNC Machining Guidelines for PEEK
Machining PEEK is challenging and expensive; waste must be minimized. JUCHENG employs specialized protocols:
- Stress Relieving (Annealing): PEEK is prone to internal stress. We perform annealing processes on raw stock and sometimes inter-stage annealing for complex parts to prevent cracking and ensure dimensional stability.
- Heat Management: PEEK has low thermal conductivity. We use "peck drilling" and sharp carbide/polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools to prevent localized overheating, which can degrade the material properties.
- Contamination Control: For medical PEEK parts, we use dedicated machines that do not process metals to prevent foreign particle contamination (metallic debris).
- Coolant Strategy: We typically machine PEEK dry with air blast or with water-soluble coolants. Petroleum-based coolants are avoided to prevent any chemical reaction or contamination.
Application Scenarios
PEEK is used in the most demanding industries where failure is not an option:
- Medical & Healthcare: Spinal implants, trauma plates, dental disks, surgical instrument handles, endoscopes.
- Aerospace: Cable insulation clamps, interior structural brackets, fasteners, sensor housings (Low smoke/toxic gas emission).
- Oil & Gas: Downhole electrical connectors, hydrophone housings, backup rings, seals resistant to sour gas.
- Semiconductor: Wafer handling wands, chemical bath components, vacuum chamber parts (Low outgassing).
- Automotive: Transmission seal rings, thrust washers, piston units, ABS components.
Physical Properties Table
Comparison of Virgin vs. Glass-Filled vs. Carbon-Filled PEEK:
(Note: The values above are typical property values for reference purposes only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific supplier, such as Victrex or Solvay.)
| Property | Virgin PEEK | 30% Glass-Filled | 30% Carbon-Filled | Unit |
| Density | 1.32 | 1.51 | 1.44 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 100 | 160 | 210 | MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 4100 | 9,700 | 21,000 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 40 | 2.5 | 1.5 | % |
| Melting Point | 343 | 343 | 343 | °C |
| Continuous Use Temp | 260 | 260 | 260 | °C |
| Water Absorption (24h) | < 0.1 | < 0.1 | < 0.06 | % |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | M99 / R126 | M103 | M105 | - |
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