How to Buy PEEK: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best PEEK

Overview

This buying guide provides a detailed overview of PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), its advantages and applications, as well as important considerations when selecting and purchasing PEEK materials. We will provide information on the various forms of PEEK and their properties, the types of processing required, and the suppliers available. Additionally, this buying guide will provide insight into how PEEK compares to other similar materials, and the criteria for selecting the best type of PEEK for your application. With this comprehensive guide, you will be able to make an informed decision when selecting and purchasing PEEK materials.

Key features

  • Material Properties - An important factor to consider when buying PEEK is the material properties. It should be a good thermal and chemical resistance, have high strength and stiffness, be durable and non-toxic, and be electrically insulating.
  • Manufacturer Reputation - Research the reputation of the manufacturer you are looking to buy from. Read customer reviews, ratings, and check for any certifications from outside organizations.
  • Availability of Products - It's important to make sure the PEEK you are looking for is available. Ensure that the vendor carries the PEEK product in the size, shape, and color you need.
  • Price - When shopping for PEEK, make sure to research the current market price and compare it with the price offered by the vendor. If the price is too high, look for alternative vendors that can provide the same product at a better price.
  • Quality of Products - Ensure that the PEEK you are purchasing is of good quality. Look for attributes such as low porosity, uniform color, and minimal imperfections.
  • Delivery and Shipping - Make sure the vendor can provide timely delivery and shipping. Ask about the delivery times and any fees associated with shipping.
  • Warranty - Find out if the vendor offers any warranties on their PEEK products. This will give you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.

See the most popular PEEK on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: PEEK exhibits high tensile strength and stiffness, while being lightweight and easy to handle.
  • High Temperature Resistance: PEEK can withstand temperatures up to 428°F (220°C) and retains its strength at elevated temperatures.
  • Chemical and Corrosion Resistance: PEEK resists the effects of many chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and a wide variety of oils and solvents.
  • High Wear Resistance: PEEK exhibits excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for applications that require long-term performance.
  • Biocompatible: PEEK is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for use in medical implants and devices.
  • Low Moisture Absorption: PEEK has very low moisture absorption, making it suitable for use in demanding applications where water resistance is necessary.
  • Low Friction: PEEK has a low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for applications that require sliding or rotating components.
  • Non-Magnetic: PEEK is non-magnetic, making it suitable for applications that require electrical insulation or where magnetic fields are present.

Cons

  • Cost: PEEK is relatively expensive compared to other materials, especially when using reinforced PEEK.
  • Durability: PEEK may be damaged under certain conditions, particularly elevated temperatures, and with certain chemicals.
  • Compatibility: Compatible bonding agents must be used in order to properly install PEEK, or it may not bond properly.
  • Machining: PEEK can be difficult to machine due to its softness and the potential for it to chip or fray.
  • Strength: PEEK can be weaker than other materials, especially in high-stress applications.

Best alternatives

  1. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) - a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used in a wide range of industrial, medical, and aerospace applications.
  2. Polyetherimide (PEI) - a high-performance, cost-effective engineering thermoplastic.
  3. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) - a thermoplastic polymeric material used in many industrial and consumer products.
  4. Polyamide-imide (PAI) - a high-temperature, high-performance material used in a variety of applications.
  5. Polyether sulfone (PES) - a thermoplastic with excellent properties in terms of chemical resistance, impact strength, and thermal stability.
  6. Ultem (PEI) - a high-performance thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, flame resistance, and mechanical strength.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • PEEK Filaments - 3D printing materials used to create 3D objects with a 3D printer.
  • PEEK Rods - Long rods of PEEK material used for machining or fabricating parts.
  • PEEK Pellets - Small pellets of PEEK material used for injection molding.
  • PEEK Sheet - Thin sheets of PEEK material used for bending or cutting.
  • Lubricant - Fluids or oils used to reduce friction and wear when machining or fabricating PEEK parts.
  • Adhesive - Bonds two PEEK parts together.

Common questions

  1. What is PEEK?
    PEEK is a thermoplastic polymer that is highly resistant to heat, wear, and chemical corrosion. It is often used to construct parts for medical, aerospace, and automotive applications.
  2. What are the advantages of PEEK?
    The advantages of PEEK include its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, its high temperature capabilities, its chemical resistance, and its ability to be machined into complex shapes.
  3. What types of PEEK are available?
    PEEK is available in several different grades, such as standard, reinforced, filled, and blended PEEK. Each grade has its own unique properties and applications, so it is important to understand the differences between them.
  4. What are the applications of PEEK?
    PEEK is widely used in medical, aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. It is commonly used for parts such as bearings, gears, seals, and bushings due to its heat and wear resistant properties.
  5. What are the limitations of PEEK?
    The primary limitations of PEEK are its relatively high cost and its limited machinability. PEEK can be difficult to work with, so it is important to have the right tools and expertise when working with it.
  6. How can I buy PEEK?
    PEEK is widely available from many online and brick-and-mortar retailers. It is important to research each source to make sure they offer the quality and grade of PEEK that you need.
  7. How is PEEK stored and handled?
    PEEK should be stored in a dry, temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. When handling PEEK, it is important to wear gloves and other protective gear to prevent skin contact.

Trivia

PEEK (Protection and Education for Eating Disorders) is a non-profit organization that was founded by two high school students in 2007. What makes their story so inspiring is that they began the organization as a way to support and empower those affected by eating disorders, a cause that they felt strongly about. In the years since, they have become a major player in helping to create a more accepting culture around body image and mental health. What's even more remarkable is that they have achieved this through the efforts of young people, who have used their own experiences to become advocates for change. With an online resource library, workshops, and an extensive network of support, PEEK is making a real difference in the lives of many people.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.