It often becomes a necessity to replace metal parts with non-metal alternatives when high mechanical strength is required. If you are facing a similar problem, chances are the answer lies in using Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) plastic that offers unrivaled mechanical strength. PEEK is a composite plastic material that consists of carbon fiber, epoxy resin, and ketone groups that give it exceptionally high glass transition temperature (Tg), highest thermal stability, and excellent electrical insulating properties.
PEEK natural plastic, PEEK GF30 and PEEK CF30 are three high-strength and high-heat plastic materials that can be used instead of metals in certain applications. The use of this material has been known for decades, but not much information exists about it on the internet. This article aims to provide basic knowledge on these plastics and when you can replace metal using them.
PEEK material mechanical properties overview
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline, high-performance polymer. It was discovered in 1965 and “officially” introduced to the plastics industry in 1969. More than 50 years later, PEEK continues to be one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics in the world.
PEEK’s properties make it an ideal material for use in a wide array of industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, dental, and sporting goods manufacturing. PEEK is even used for some cookware due to its excellent heat-resistance properties.
PEEK is one of the toughest engineering polymers available today and can be molded in either an injection or compression molding machine. A PEEK molding has high impact strength, higher than that of both metals and many other engineering thermoplastics. One disadvantage is that it cannot be welded without degrading the mechanical properties.
For cheap PEEK plastic that is used for machining, you may need a rod, sheet, or tube, KEWARD plastic is a well-known manufacturer.
PEEK GF30 material overview
PEEK GF30 plastic is a high-strength, high-performance plastic. It has a very good resistance to creep at low temperatures and under stress and is therefore ideally suited for many sectors of industry. PEEK GF30 is highly resistant to both chemical and thermal shock as well as to oxidation. The products made from it are also resistant to oils and fuels, making them ideal for use in the chemical and petrochemical industries, for example.
Sintered parts made from PEEK GF30 have a very long service life, making it an ideal material for applications with high mechanical requirements in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries, for example.
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Tensile Strength: 30 MPa
Elongation at Break: 6%
Compressive Strength: 60 Mpa
Flexural Strength: 20 Mpa
Hardness: Shore D 45
Dielectric Constant (150°C): 2.1 (Volume)
For more PEEK GF30 datasheets, you can check KEWARD plastic website.
PEEK CF30 plastic
Peek CF30 is a high-strength, engineering thermoplastic that is used in a wide range of structural applications. As a copolymer of styrene and vinyl acetate, it offers outstanding toughness and durability, coupled with excellent stiffness, impacts resistance, and wear resistance.
Tensile strengths range from 1,500 to 2,000 MPa. The toughness, as measured by Izod impact strength, is about 15 J/cm2 for all grades.
The mechanical properties of the plastic are influenced by the temperature and the rate of loading. The material is stronger when it is cold; thus, plastics are sometimes stronger before they are molded. The strength may increase as the temperature changes from 32°F (0 °C) to 212°F (100 °C). This is due to a change in the stress-strain curve shape. If the material has lower yield stress, it will be more elastic at higher temperatures.
KEWARD PEEK CF30 material is a kind of special engineering plastic that is used to make parts of machines, such as gears and impellers, with high mechanical strength. CF stands for “carbon fiber”, while 30 describes the ultimate tensile elongation of the material, which means it deforms 30% before breaking. This is much higher than that of general engineering plastics (commonly less than 10%) and even metals (generally less than 20%).
