Choose PEEK when other plastics fall short. For conditions where temperature, chemical exposure, or mechanical stress exceed the limits of standard engineering plastics. At ANKRO, we also machine PEEK and can help you determine whether it is the right choice for your application.
The continuous operating temperature is approximately 250°C; the material can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 300°C for short periods. POM degrades as early as around 100°C under prolonged stress. PA6 rapidly loses its stiffness at elevated temperatures and also absorbs up to 3% moisture, causing measurable dimensional changes. PEEK absorbs less than 0.1% moisture and remains dimensionally stable even under temperature fluctuations. This is a distinct advantage when producing series where every dimension must be precise.
Chemically, PEEK is resistant to most solvents and acids encountered in industrial processes. The material is self-extinguishing, has low smoke and gas emissions, and can be sterilized via steam, gamma irradiation, or gas. For the medical industry, these are, for example, strict requirements.
Compared to metals, PEEK offers lower density and no corrosion, without compromising strength under the right conditions. The material is significantly lighter than steel or aluminum. This makes it a serious contender in applications where weight matters or where coating maintenance must be avoided.
PEEK has some difficulty conducting heat. Heat generated during turning or milling accumulates if the settings are incorrect or cooling is insufficient. The stresses this causes in the material are not always visible immediately after machining, but manifest later as dimensional deviations or cracking under load.
For a series of a hundred or a thousand pieces, an uncontrolled process is not an option. At ANKRO, we tailor the cutting speeds, cooling, and tool selection to the PEEK type and the part’s geometry. In addition, we check during production to ensure the dimensions are correct.
Upon request, we include measurement reports and material certificates with your order. This way, you not only know that everything is correct, but you can also prove it. That aligns with our approach to quality.
PEEK is used in the industries for which ANKRO has been machining parts for years. Such as:
The medical industry requires instruments and components that are repeatedly sterilized. PEEK withstands these cycles without degradation and is suitable for use in contact with the body for most medical applications. Where metal is too heavy or too susceptible to corrosion, PEEK takes over that role.
For the analytical industry, this involves fittings and components in systems handling aggressive liquids and solvents. PEEK does not degrade when exposed to most liquids circulating in such systems and maintains its dimensional stability even under varying temperatures.
In the defense sector, there is a demand for lightweight parts without corrosion protection that maintain dimensional stability under mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations. PEEK delivers that.
In addition, ANKRO machines PEEK for bearings, sliding parts, and insulation components in mechanical and equipment engineering, where heat sources or chemically aggressive environments can eventually degrade standard engineering plastics.
PEEK is clearly more expensive than most other plastics. That makes the choice of material a decision that requires careful consideration.
If a component operates at low temperatures in a non-aggressive environment and tight tolerances are not critical requirements, then POM or PETP can achieve the same result at a lower cost. Does the component operate at high temperatures for extended periods, in contact with chemically aggressive media, or must dimensional stability be guaranteed across a hundred batches? Then PEEK is the better choice.
At ANKRO, we make that assessment together with you, even if the drawing is already largely complete. We recommend the material that is technically suitable and keeps the unit price realistic in series production. View all the plastics we can process!
PEEK can withstand a continuous operating temperature of approximately 250°C. For short periods, the material can withstand temperatures up to approximately 300°C. This makes PEEK one of the most heat-resistant plastics that can be machined.
PEEK is suitable for use in contact with the body and is resistant to steam sterilization and other common sterilization methods. Whether it meets all applicable standards for a specific medical application depends on the PEEK type and the application requirements.
PEEK is a poor heat conductor, causing heat to build up locally during machining. This requires adjusted settings, targeted cooling, and the right tools. Failure to do so results in internal stresses that later manifest as dimensional deviations.
When weight savings matter, corrosion resistance is required, or coating maintenance needs to be avoided. With a density of approximately 1.32 g/cm³, it is significantly lighter than steel or aluminum, while offering comparable performance under the right conditions.
Do you have other questions about PEEK? Please contact one of our specialists. We’d be happy to advise you!
Please feel free to contact us. You can do so by phone at +31 (0)183 304 872 or by filling out the contact form. We will handle your question as soon as possible.
