High Resistance PEEK 1000 Plastic CNC Machining For Oil and Gas Industry

What is PEEK?

It is a popular semi-crystalline organic thermoplastic with good mechanical properties suitable for various engineering applications. PEEK has no color in its pure form and has a melting point of 343 degrees Celsius. Its high melting point makes it a perfect material for CNC machining PEEK.

PEEK exhibits remarkable heat and chemical resistance and outstanding strength. As such, it is ideal for aerospace and automotive parts, medical implants, and pump bearings requiring chemical resistance and good strength. However, PEEK can be quite expensive and degrades in UV light.

PEEK plastics have the exceptional advantage of retaining their properties even at high temperatures. They melt at about 343oC and operate perfectly at higher temperatures. Therefore, it can be used in hot water or steam and progressively to a temperature high temperature up to 250oC.

Properties of PEEK

PEEK 1000:
This PEEK is made from a 100% pure PEEK resin and is the most suitable for tough applications due to its superior impact strength. It is easy to sterilize PEEK using the most effective sterilization techniques (steam, dry heat, ethanol, and Y-rays), and the raw material substrates that are used in the manufacturing of PEEK meet the EU and US FDA requirements on the hardness of food hence can be used in some of the most common uses in health, drugs, and food processing industries areas.

PEEK-HPV:
The incorporation of PTFE, graphite, and carbon fiber gives PEEK-HPV the characteristic of becoming a bearing-grade plastic. Due to its low coefficient of friction, high wear resistance, and high peak pressure operating limit, this grade is appropriate for use in friction-interface applications.

PEEK-GF30:
A reinforced grade of plastic filled with 30% glass fibers, this material has better rigidity and creep resistance than PEEK-1000 and better dimensional stability, making it ideal for structural parts. It is ideal for structural parts because it can withstand fixed loads at high temperatures for long periods. If PEEK-GF30 is used as a sliding part, its suitability should be carefully tested because the glass fibers scratch the mating surface.

PEEK-CA30:
Being based on 30% carbon fiber, this material has better mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, mechanical strength, and creep) as well as greater wear resistance in comparison with PEEK-GF30, and the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is ≈3. over 5× thermally conductive than the unreinforced PEEK –meanwhile allowing for faster dispersion of heat from the bearing surface.

Your application will determine the grade of PEEK you choose to machine.

Properties Of PEEK Plastic Material

Industries producing diverse objects, such as medical implants, use PEEK widely in their productions. This is due to the excellent and exceptional properties of Peek plastic.Manufacturers widely appreciate the following properties of this thermoplastic:

Excellent Chemical, Electrical, and Temperature Resistance

PEEK material gives high resistance against corrosive chemicals. It provides resistance similar to nickel steel and can retain its non-corrosive and chemical structure with most metals, even at high temperatures. During normal conditions, only concentrated sulphuric acid can dissolve this plastic.

Also, PEEK has high electrical performance over high temperatures and frequencies. Since it has a stable chemical structure when chemically attacked, the material can operate perfectly under high doses of ionization radiation.

In addition, it has high resistance to gamma radiations, more significant than that of polystyrene (material with the most resistance to radiations in general-purpose resin use). This property makes it suitable for high-performance wire use to ensure good insulation.

Furthermore, PEEK material is highly durable and has a high melting point. Therefore, it works perfectly well during peak machining at elevated temperatures and does not deform at higher temperatures.

High Workability Rate and Consistent Performance Even at High Temperatures

PEEK material assures high workability during plastic CNC Machining due to its good processing performance. Although it’s a super high-temperature thermoplastic material, it can be processed with different material processing methods.

These methods include injection moulding, extrusion moulding, melt spinning, etc. The high-temperature workability and high thermal decomposition properties of PEEK ensure this compatibility. In addition, this thermoplastic is a self-extinguishing material during combustion; it produces little or no toxic gas and smoke.

Excellent Mechanical Properties, Creep Resistance, Wear, and Friction Resistance.

PEEK and other high-temperature thermoplastics have high impact strength and retain their size at elevated temperatures. It has a low linear expansion coefficient and good dimensional stability.

PEEK has the highest fatigue and stress-retaining properties of all other plastics. Also, it has excellent creep resistance properties (the ability of a substance to deform slowly over a long period of exposure to stress). This property makes it a suitable material to withstand great pressure during machining.

Furthermore, PEEK provides excellent wear resistance with a low coefficient of friction. Therefore, it can maintain high wear resistance with various physical pressure conditions, surface roughness, temperature, and speed relative to the contact surface.

Low Absorption of Water and Resistance to Radiation

Using PEEK for making machine or instrument components helps these parts retain their chemical structure and properties in wet areas. Even at increased temperatures, its resistance to hydrolysis makes it ideal in wet environments, pressurized hot water, or steam.

Also, PEEK parts can operate under intense ionizing radiation. As previously stated, it has better resistance to gamma radiation than polystyrene.

PEEK Components, Applications & Industries

Despite being an essential material for manufacturing, it is crucial to use PEEK only, where you will get operational benefits from its applications. Here, we will mention some components and industries where PEEK is appropriate.

However, you must note that this list is not exhaustive. You may need to talk to our experts to get you through your projects.

Oil and Gas

Downhole tools in the oil and gas sector endure harsh conditions like high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Where traditional materials fail, PEEK valves excel due to their superior chemical resistance and heat tolerance. These valves efficiently regulate fluid flow, enhancing extraction safety. Their durability leads to extended operational life, reducing frequent replacements and upkeep.

Medical

In the medical field, PEEK is prominently used for orthopaedic and spinal implants, especially in spinal fusion surgeries for conditions like degenerative disc disease. Damaged discs are replaced with PEEK cages, often filled with bone grafts to encourage fusion. PEEK’s biocompatibility prevents adverse reactions, and its radiolucent nature allows clear imaging post-surgery. Its mechanical properties mimic natural bone, ensuring support and flexibility.

Aerospace

Aircraft components, especially those in the engine and cabin areas, must withstand extreme conditions while being lightweight. PEEK is used to manufacture cable sheaths and insulation in aircraft. Its lightweight nature contributes to fuel efficiency, while its heat resistance ensures safety and durability. For instance, PEEK composites replace metal in certain aircraft parts, reducing weight without compromising strength.

Electronics

PEEK’s excellent electrical insulation properties make it a prime choice for connectors, insulators, and cable insulation in electronics. For instance, PEEK wafer carriers are used in semiconductor production because they can withstand aggressive chemicals and high temperatures in chip fabrication.

Automotive

The automotive industry continuously seeks materials to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. PEEK makes components like gears, thrust washers, and seal rings. Its ability to reduce friction and wear, combined with its thermal stability, makes it ideal for parts that experience high stress in engines and transmissions.

Polestar Metal: Your Trusted Partner in Precision Plastic CNC Machining

Choosing our Plastic CNC Machining services ensures not only precision and quality but a partnership built on trust and reliability. At Polestar Metal, we are committed to delivering excellence in every aluminum component we produce. From prototyping to full-scale production, we are equipped to meet your specific needs and bring your designs to life.