What is PEEK Plastic?

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a premium semi-crystalline thermoplastic that delivers unmatched performance in extreme environments. As one of the highest-performing engineering plastics available, PEEK maintains its exceptional mechanical properties at continuous temperatures up to 260°C while offering superior chemical resistance that surpasses most other thermoplastics.

BeePlastic PEEK Processing Capabilities

With over 20 years of experience in high-performance plastics, BeePlastic specializes in transforming PEEK raw materials into precision components that meet your exact specifications.

PEEK Material Properties at a Glance

Understanding PEEK's exceptional properties helps engineers make informed material selection decisions:

Complete Technical Specifications

Comprehensive PEEK material data for engineering analysis and design:

When to Choose PEEK for Your Application

PEEK is Ideal When You Need:

• Continuous operation at temperatures above 150°C where most plastics fail
• Chemical resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents
• Low moisture absorption for dimensional stability
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for aerospace applications
• Self-lubricating properties for bearing and wear applications
• Flame resistance without additives (inherent V-0 rating)
• Long-term reliability in harsh environments
• Biocompatibility for medical applications

Common PEEK Applications We Machine:

• Seals and Gaskets: High-temperature and chemical-resistant sealing solutions
• Bearings and Bushings: Self-lubricating components for reduced maintenance
• Pump Components: Impellers, valve seats, and flow control parts
• Electrical Insulators: High-voltage connectors and semiconductor components
• Structural Parts: Brackets, housings, and support components
• Wear Parts: Guides, slides, and friction-reducing components

How PEEK Compares to Other High-Performance Plastics

PEEK vs. PTFE (Teflon®)

While PTFE offers superior chemical resistance and lower friction, PEEK provides significantly better mechanical strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. PEEK is preferred for structural applications requiring both chemical resistance and load-bearing capability.

PEEK vs. PAI (Torlon®)

PAI offers slightly higher temperature resistance and strength, but PEEK provides better chemical resistance, lower moisture absorption, and superior electrical properties. PEEK is often chosen for applications involving aggressive chemicals or requiring electrical insulation.

PEEK vs. PEI (Ultem®)

PEI is more cost-effective but has lower chemical resistance and temperature capability. PEEK excels in harsh chemical environments and maintains properties at higher temperatures, making it worth the investment for critical applications.

PEEK Investment Considerations

While PEEK represents a premium material investment, it often provides the lowest total cost of ownership through:

Cost Optimization Strategy: Our engineering team can help you optimize designs to use PEEK only where its properties are essential, potentially combining it with other materials to balance performance and cost effectively.

Quality Assurance & Standards

BeePlastic maintains strict quality control throughout the PEEK processing workflow:

• Material traceability and certification for all PEEK stock
• Dimensional inspection to customer specifications
• Surface finish verification and documentation
• First article inspection reports available
• Custom quality documentation per customer requirements

Note: We work with materials that meet international quality standards. Specific certifications and compliance documentation can be discussed based on your application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About PEEK

What makes PEEK different from standard plastics?

PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic with a unique aromatic polymer structure that provides exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties. Unlike standard plastics that degrade at 100-150°C, PEEK maintains its properties up to 260°C continuously.

Can PEEK replace metal parts?

Yes, PEEK often replaces metals like aluminum, brass, and stainless steel in applications where weight reduction, chemical resistance, or electrical insulation is important. PEEK offers 70% weight savings compared to steel while maintaining excellent strength.

How long do PEEK parts last?

PEEK components can last decades in proper applications. The material shows minimal degradation over time, with some aerospace PEEK parts in service for over 30 years. Actual lifespan depends on operating conditions including temperature, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress.

Is PEEK suitable for food contact?

Natural PEEK grades comply with food contact regulations in many jurisdictions. The material's chemical inertness, low moisture absorption, and ability to withstand repeated sterilization make it suitable for food processing equipment.

What tolerances can you achieve when machining PEEK?

We routinely achieve tolerances of ±0.005" (±0.127mm) for most features. Tighter tolerances down to ±0.001" (±0.025mm) are possible for critical dimensions with proper fixturing and processing controls.

Why Choose BeePlastic for Your PEEK Needs?

Transform your challenging applications with PEEK's exceptional properties.
Contact BeePlastic today to discuss your requirements with our material experts.