Loading page
PEEK (polyether ether ketone)
PEEK is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic that serves continuously to about 480 °F (250 °C), melts at 649 °F (343 °C), and resists nearly all chemicals, steam and radiation. Unfilled PEEK runs about 14,000 psi (98 MPa) tensile with good fatigue and wear. It replaces metal in aerospace, oil and gas, semiconductor and medical parts. Resin costs about $90–120 per kg.
- ISO 1043
- PEEK
- ASTM
- F2026 (PEEK for surgical implants)
- Trade names
- Victrex PEEK, KetaSpire, Vestakeep
How does it compare?
Typical room-temperature values for PEEK, against all 48 materials in the library.
- Tensile strength
- 98 MPa38th pct
- Density
- 1.3 g/cm³30th pct
- Max service temp
- 250 °C79th pct
- Elongation
- 45 %68th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
- Density
- 1.3 g/cm³ · 0.0470 lb/in³
- Tensile strength
- 98 MPa · 14.2 ksi
- Elongation
- 45%
- Elastic modulus
- 3.7 GPa · 0.5 Msi
- Hardness
- Rockwell M99
- Max service temperature
- 250 °C · 482 °F
- Melting point
- 343 °C · 649 °F
- Thermal conductivity
- 0.25 W/m·K
When should you use PEEK?
Strengths
- Continuous service to about 480 °F (250 °C)
- Resists hydrocarbons, most acids and bases, and repeated steam sterilization
- High strength and stiffness; glass- and carbon-filled grades go much higher
- Inherently flame resistant with low smoke
- Implant grades available
Watch for
- Very expensive: resin runs about 30× the cost of ABS
- Molds at about 700–750 °F (370–400 °C) melt with mold temperatures near 350–400 °F (175–200 °C), so few molders run it
- Attacked by concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids
- Machined stock needs annealing for tight tolerances
Typical parts
- Semiconductor wafer handling parts
- Oil and gas seals, backup rings and connectors
- Aerospace brackets and clips
- Medical and dental instrument components
- Pump wear rings and bushings
- High-temperature electrical insulators
How PEEK is made into parts
Cost, finishes and design rules for each process in this material.
What does a part in PEEK cost?
A representative part, injection molding. Raw material at about $100.00/kg is one line of it; process time and tooling usually matter more.
Housing · Injection molding
Order total $145,150
- Tooling
- $17,029
- one-time, spread over the order
- Piece price
- $12.80
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Length140140 mm
Width90.090.0 mm
Wall2.202.20 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity1000010000 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
Compared head to head
PEEK questions
What temperature can PEEK withstand?
Continuous use to about 480 °F (250 °C) and short exposures near 570 °F (300 °C). Its glass transition is about 289 °F (143 °C), so unfilled PEEK loses stiffness above that; glass- or carbon-filled grades hold stiffness better at temperature.
Why is PEEK so expensive?
The monomers and polymerization are costly and volumes are small. Resin runs about $90–120 per kg versus $2.50–3.50 for ABS. High-temperature molding and machining add further cost, so PEEK is reserved for parts where cheaper plastics fail.
PEEK vs PEI (Ultem)?
PEI is amorphous, costs a fraction as much, and serves to about 340 °F (170 °C). PEEK handles more heat and far more chemicals, with better wear and fatigue. Choose PEI for flame-rated housings; choose PEEK for chemical, wear or steam exposure.
Is PEEK biocompatible?
Implant-grade PEEK meets ASTM F2026 and has a long record in spinal and orthopedic implants. Industrial grades are not qualified for implants; use them for instruments and devices tested under ISO 10993 as required.
Quote it in PEEK.
Upload CAD or start from a template. The builder prices it in this material and the alternatives.