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PEEK CNC Machining Service
Enjoy our advanced CNC machining expertise for top-notch PEEK parts. Stay ahead of the competition with our swift prototypes and robust production parts designed to meet your specific needs.
PEEK in CNC Machining
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. Its unique combination of strength, heat resistance, and chemical inertness makes it ideal for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, medical, and other high-tech industries. Using PEEK in CNC machining ensures components that can withstand extreme conditions while maintaining dimensional stability and reliability.
| Price: | $$$$$ | Available PEEK at RapidDirect: | PEEK Beige (Natural), PEEK Black |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | About 8 days |
| Wall Thickness: | Minimum of 0.8 mm |
| Tolerances: | ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) |
| Max Part Size: | 1200 x 500 x 150 mm |
| Applications: | Aerospace components, medical devices, automotive parts, electronic insulators |
Machined PEEK Properties
PEEK stands out for its superior strength, heat resistance, and chemical inertness. This high-performance thermoplastic is perfect for critical applications requiring extreme durability. Here are some of its properties.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Shore D) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Glass Transition Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 - 100 | 20 - 50 | 85 - 90 | 150 - 160 | 143 |
Surface Finishing Options for PEEK
Enhance the functionality and appearance of your PEEK parts with RapidDirect’s professional surface finishing services. Our expert team ensures each part meets your exact specifications and quality standards.
PEEK can be left as-machined, providing a natural surface finish with minimal processing.
This can be used to create a matte texture on PEEK surfaces for enhanced appearance or grip.
Useful for smoothing edges and creating a more uniform finish on PEEK parts.
Applying a Teflon coating to PEEK can improve its wear resistance and reduce friction.
PEEK can be painted for aesthetic purposes or to provide an additional layer of protection.
While less common, powder coating can be applied to PEEK for added durability and a variety of colors.
Pros and Cons of
PEEK CNC Machining
PEEK CNC machining offers unique advantages and some limitations.
Pros
- High Strength and Stiffness: PEEK provides superior mechanical properties, making it suitable for high-stress applications.
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: It withstands a wide range of chemicals, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
- High Temperature Resistance: PEEK retains its properties at elevated temperatures, up to 260°C.
- Dimensional Stability: PEEK offers low creep and high dimensional stability, ensuring precision in machined parts.
Cons
- Cost: PEEK is more expensive compared to other engineering plastics, impacting overall project costs.
- Machining Difficulty: Its toughness can make machining challenging, requiring specialized tools and techniques.
- Limited Color Options: PEEK is typically available in beige and black, offering less aesthetic flexibility.
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FAQs
PEEK is a machinable thermoplastic. PEEK machinability allows it to be shaped into complex geometries with tight tolerances, making it suitable for high-performance applications. Due to its toughness and high melting point, it requires specialized tools and techniques. Our CNC machining services ensure precision and quality in every PEEK part.
We can achieve tight tolerances of up to ±0.05 mm in PEEK CNC machining, ensuring high precision for your custom parts. This level of precision ensures that the parts meet stringent specifications required in industries such as aerospace and medical devices.
PEEK offers higher temperature resistance, superior chemical resistance, and greater mechanical strength than POM (Polyoxymethylene). POM is more cost-effective but lacks the high-performance attributes of PEEK. While POM is suitable for general-purpose applications, PEEK is preferred for demanding environments where durability and reliability are paramount.
Effective methods include using carbide or diamond-coated tools, maintaining appropriate cutting speeds, and employing coolant to prevent overheating. Precision fixturing and slow feed rates are also essential. These techniques help in achieving smooth finishes and extending tool life, ensuring that the machined parts meet the desired specifications.
Yes, PEEK can undergo various finishing processes, such as bead blasting and polishing, to improve surface finish and aesthetics. Post-machining treatments can enhance the appearance, functionality, and performance of CNC machined PEEK parts, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
PEEK machining produces minimal waste, and the material is recyclable. However, due to its high-performance nature, it requires significant energy for production and machining. Despite this, PEEK’s durability and long lifespan can offset the environmental impact over time.
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