When a component needs to withstand heat, chemicals or repeated mechanical stress, PEEK can be a useful material choice. Short for polyether ether ketone, PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic used in demanding industrial and medical applications. But choosing the material is only the start: the way a custom PEEK part is made affects its dimensions, finish, and performance.
It starts with the part design
We begin by reviewing the component’s shape, tolerances, expected operating conditions, and production quantity. Then, based upon the component’s specifications, choose a PEEK grade. Unfilled PEEK is available alongside grades reinforced with glass or carbon fibre and grades developed for particular applications. These choices help determine which manufacturing method makes sense.
The main manufacturing methods
·
CNC machining starts with a PEEK rod, plate or tube. Cutting tools mill, turn, and drill the material into the required shape. It is a common route for precision components and allows features to be made directly from a solid piece of material.
·
Injection moulding is often considered when the same custom shape will be produced repeatedly. PEEK granules are dried, heated until molten and injected into a mould. The material then cools before the part is removed. PEEK needs careful temperature control: the mould must be warm enough for the material to develop the intended semi-crystalline structure, while the tool design must account for shrinkage as the part cools.
·
Extrusion produces continuous shapes such as rods, tubes and profiles by pushing molten PEEK through a die. Those shapes can be cut to length and machined into finished components.
·
3D printing builds a part in layers from PEEK filament. It can suit individual parts and shapes made without a mould, but it requires equipment capable of processing PEEK at high temperatures. Controlled cooling is particularly important to the quality of the printed component.
Finishing and inspection
Some parts use more than one method. A manufacturer might injection mould a shape close to its final dimensions, then machine the surfaces or features that need greater precision. Depending on the part and process, controlled annealing may also be used to relieve internal stress. The finished component is then checked against its specified dimensions and other requirements.
There is no single manufacturing route for every custom PEEK component. The best approach depends on the grade, geometry, quantity, and performance requirements—and sometimes combines forming and precision machining to achieve the finished part.
If you are interested in a custom component, fill out our form: custom manufactured parts or email us at sales@highperformancepolymer.com