PEEK
A high-performance polymer with metal-like strength to 250 °C and outstanding chemical resistance.
PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is the premier high-performance thermoplastic, retaining strength and stiffness at temperatures up to about 250 °C while resisting most chemicals. It replaces metal in demanding aerospace, medical, semiconductor and oil-and-gas applications where weight, chemical resistance or non-conductivity matter.
Material properties
| Density | 1.30 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~100 MPa |
| Max service temp | ~250 °C continuous |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent |
| Wear resistance | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good (sharp tools) |
| Relative cost | Very high |
Typical values for reference; exact properties depend on grade, temper and heat treatment. Full material certification is provided on every order.
Machinability
PEEK machines well with sharp carbide tooling but is abrasive (especially glass- and carbon-filled grades) and benefits from coolant to manage heat. Because the material is costly, careful stock planning and stress relief on tight-tolerance parts pay off.
Typical applications
Related engineering guides
Frequently asked questions
Why is PEEK so expensive?
PEEK is a complex high-performance polymer with a high raw-material cost, and its abrasiveness and the precision required add to machining cost. It is specified when its temperature and chemical performance justify the price.
Can PEEK replace metal?
In many applications yes — PEEK offers metal-like strength with lower weight, electrical insulation and chemical resistance, which is why it is used in aerospace, medical and semiconductor parts.
What do glass- and carbon-filled grades add?
Glass fill increases stiffness and dimensional stability; carbon fill adds stiffness, strength and improved wear and thermal conductivity.