Specific PEEK Application Examples

PEEK is the material of choice for food processing, aerospace, and medical devices

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with an unusual combination of properties. These properties range from high temperature performance to mechanical strength and excellent chemical resistance. But what are the key properties that make PEEK a high-performance plastic? What is it made of? Get all the technical information you need on polyether ether ketone, with a detailed look at its key properties and benefits! In addition, learn about popular applications for this polymer (aerospace, automotive, medical ......) and processing conditions.

Aerospace

PEEK is widely used in this industry, replacing steel and even aluminium in many cases. PEEK is the material of choice in aerospace as the replacement cost is one-off but the benefits of weight reduction are ongoing.

PEEK is also a safer material to use because its low electrical conductivity reduces heat build-up. In addition, if a part does break and/or release debris - the damage caused is minimised as the material is not hard enough to catch on other metal moving parts.

Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Due to its chemical inertness, PEEK is superior to metals in areas where chemicals may be present and metal reactions may not be fully understood or predictable. PEEK can also be used in medical equipment where the equipment may benefit from light weight. Some scanning equipment avoids metal parts as they may affect readings. Again, PEEK is used to ensure the physical durability of the device, but without much metal in its construction.

Oil and Gas

PEEK is tough enough to withstand some of the harshest forces, while also resisting corrosive fluids and high temperatures. In most cases, oil and gas equipment is placed deep underground where forces and chemicals are not fully predictable. Oil and gas equipment often uses PEEK in seals and valve plates to ensure that the equipment does not fail once installed.

Precision Instruments

PEEK provides a higher level of structural stiffness while providing electrical insulation. Connector covers, transducer covers and cable pathways are all made from PEEK because it does not interfere with the electrical signals travelling through the wires inside the equipment. Again, since weight reduction is a key criterion in the industry, PEEK is the preferred, albeit expensive, choice.

Food Processing

Several factors make PEEK the material of choice in food processing. For one, the material does not react with food or impart any flavour to it. For example, coffee machines that traditionally used aluminium valves have replaced them with PEEK, as aluminium imparts a metallic taste to coffee. In addition to this, PEEK generates the least amount of heat at high rotational speeds. In food processing equipment, where the body is likely to be made of low-temperature plastics and the design tends to be compact, it is vital that moving parts do not become so hot that they twist/damage the body of the equipment. Finally, since liquids are often present during food preparation, PEEK is preferred because it is less likely to corrode and/or cause short circuits within the equipment.

Clearly, PEEK is not a low-cost alternative to metal. However, applications looking for efficiency and performance enhancements can benefit greatly from using PEEK without worrying about its lack of strength. Since replacing metal with PEEK is a one-time cost in most cases, the savings from increased system efficiency need to be weighed to truly measure the overall cost savings.