PEEK Parts Machining By Hony Plastic

Abstract: PEEK parts processing options for precision injection molding and machining, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Injection molding is less expensive and suitable for mass production; machining is more flexible and suitable for small quantities or parts that are difficult to inject. When choosing, you need to consider the economy, quantity, delivery time and quality and other factors.

The English term for PEEK Parts Machining and Manufacturing is "PEEK Parts Machining and Manufacturing". In German, it is expressed as "PEEK-Teile-Zerspanung und Fertigung". In Russian, it is "Обработка и производство деталей из ПЭEK" (Obrabotka i proizvodstvo detaley iz PEHK). peek Polyether ether ketone is a kind of special engineering plastics with excellent properties of high-temperature resistance, self-lubrication, easy machining, and high mechanical strength, which can be manufactured and processed into Various mechanical parts, such as automobile gears, oil sieve, gearshift starter disk; aircraft engine parts, automatic washing machine rotor, medical equipment parts and so on.

PEEK material characteristics:

1: Corrosion resistance, anti-aging

2: Resistance to dissolution;

3: High temperature, high frequency and high voltage electrical performance conditions

4: Toughness and rigidity of both;

5: Size requirements for precision conditions

6: Irradiation wear, corrosion resistance conditions

7: Hydrolysis resistance, high temperature and high pressure can still maintain the excellent characteristics of the

8: Lightweight replacement of metal for fiber optic components

9: Wear resistance, anti-static insulation performance;

10: High mechanical strength requirements of the parts

11: Low soot and Toxic emissions.

As a high-performance engineering plastic, PEEK (polyether ether ketone) has shown wide application value in many fields due to its excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, high strength, low coefficient of friction and good dimensional stability. The following are some of the common applications of PEEK:

Medical industry: Production of implantable materials, such as bone fixation plates, joint replacement parts, cranial bone repair materials, because it has good biocompatibility and X-ray permeability. Manufacture of medical devices such as surgical tool handles, dental instruments, endoscope components, and dialyzer components.

Aerospace: To make lightweight and high-strength aircraft interior parts, structural parts, and high-temperature and radiation-resistant wires and cables. Used as high-performance plastic components in aircraft engines and auxiliary systems to reduce weight and improve reliability.

Automotive manufacturing: Production of engine peripheral components, drive train parts such as gears, bearings, seals, etc., which contribute to lightweighting of automobiles and improved fuel efficiency.

To make high temperature and oil resistant automotive electronic component housings and internal structural parts. Electrical and Electronics:- As insulating material, used to make connectors, switches, relays, etc., especially in high temperature or harsh environments.

Making insulation layer of wires and cables, especially where flame retardant and high temperature resistance is required.

Energy field: In the oil and gas industry, used to make corrosion-resistant, high-temperature-resistant pipes, valves and pump parts.

Used in solar energy and nuclear power plants that require high temperature and chemical corrosion resistant parts.

Precision machinery: to make parts in precision instruments and equipment, such as capillary tubes and joints in analytical instruments, heat-resistant bearings and gears in office machinery.

High-precision parts in industrial automation equipment, such as jigs and fixtures, because PEEK has good dimensional stability and wear resistance.

Chemical industry: Manufacture of chemical-resistant containers, pumps, pipelines, etc. for harsh environments such as strong acids and alkalis.

Reasonable planning of the machining process and parameters can effectively improve the success rate of processing PEEK parts and the performance of the final product. When processing PEEK (polyether ether ketone), a high-performance engineering plastics, you need to pay attention to the following key points to ensure processing quality and efficiency:

Choosing the right machining tool: Wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant tool materials should be used, such as fine-grained C-2 carbide or PCD (polycrystalline diamond) inserts. Tool edge geometry and cutting angles need to be appropriate, positive geometry tools are recommended, and a grounded perimeter is considered to avoid static buildup during machining.

For reinforced PEEK (e.g., with glass or carbon fibers), the tool should be more wear-resistant because the material is more abrasive. Control machining parameters: Optimize feed rate, RPM and depth of cut to reduce heat generation and avoid thermal deformation or thermal cracking of the material. Good temperature control should be maintained during machining to avoid localized overheating, as PEEK has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metal.

Pre-treatment and drying: Before injection molding process, PEEK material needs to be dried sufficiently to remove moisture to prevent bubbles or silver lines during processing

Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly clean processing equipment and tools to avoid the accumulation of residual PEEK material that could affect the quality of the next process. Use appropriate lubricants and coolants to maintain tool sharpness and improve machining efficiency while protecting PEEK surface quality.

Equipment selection: Choose high-performance equipment suitable for processing PEEK, such as high-speed machining centers, in order to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency machining.

Machining strategy: For thin-walled or complex shaped parts, use step-by-step machining or light cutting for several times to reduce material deformation