PEEK vs. Metal for Industrial Applications
High-performance plastics, such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), can easily replace metal in critical industrial components. PEEK has a combination of exceptional material properties that can outperform metal in various areas while providing the strength and resistance necessary for reliable performance in demanding applications. Understand the similarities between metal and PEEK, the benefits of selecting PEEK over metal, and potential industries where PEEK can be used as a replacement for high-performance applications.
Material Characteristics of PEEK that are Comparable to Metal
Metal and PEEK share several material characteristics. Both materials can support heavy loads and maintain their structural integrity under stress, as well as withstand high temperatures without losing their mechanical properties or deforming. They retain their shape and size over time, offering reliable performance in precision applications. Material characteristics shared between PEEK and metals include:
- High strength and stiffness
- Thermal stability
- Dimensional stability
- Wear resistance
Advantages of Choosing PEEK Over Metal Materials for Applications
PEEK offers many material advantages over metal for industries that demand high-performance components. It is lightweight, resistant to heat, chemicals, wear, and corrosion, and serves as an electrical insulator, unlike metal, which is conductive. The benefits of choosing PEEK over a metal material for applications in critical industries include the following:
- Reduces overall weight to improve fuel efficiency and performance
- Resists extreme temperatures for a suitable solution in high-heat environments
- Withstands a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents
- Offers excellent wear and abrasion resistance for better durability
- Features electrical insulation to resist electrical currents
- Maintains material integrity in humid and chemically aggressive environments
Industries Where Metal Components are Being Replaced with PEEK
Featuring a range of beneficial material properties, PEEK is a favorable alternative to metal in various industries. PEEK offers exceptional strength and stiffness, as well as resistance to wear and good electrical insulation characteristics, which aren’t found in metal materials. It is a preferred choice for critical industries, including aerospace, medical, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Aerospace
PEEK replaces steel and aluminum in various aerospace applications, offering benefits for weight reduction and resistance to high temperatures. Opting for PEEK can increase the lifespan of the component and provide a safer material option with low conductivity, resulting in reduced heat buildup. It possesses exceptional thermal and electrical insulating properties, ensuring that it won’t damage other components in the system and can prevent electrical currents from harming critical systems.
Medical
Demonstrating biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and sterilization compatibility, PEEK offers favorable characteristics over metals for medical devices and components. It is a lightweight, chemically inert thermoplastic that can be used in areas where chemicals may be present, but the reaction to metals may not be understood. In certain applications, PEEK is preferred as scanning devices may not be compatible with metallic parts, which will affect the readings.
Semiconductors
Used in applications that require materials to withstand high temperatures, harsh chemicals, and mechanical stress, PEEK is preferred over metals in the semiconductor industry. PEEK is significantly lighter than metal and serves as an electrical insulator with corrosion and chemical resistance, as well as high-temperature stability and very low outgassing. This combination of highly beneficial features makes it a valuable material in semiconductor manufacturing.
