ISO9001/IATF16949 Certified CNC Manufacturer in China | 24h Quotation | Free DFM Support
High-performance PEEK CNC machining ensures durable, heat-resistant parts—ideal for demanding aerospace, medical, and automotive applications.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic widely used in precision CNC machining. Known for its exceptional heat resistance, wear resistance, and biocompatibility, PEEK stands out as one of the few plastics capable of replacing metals in aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. With a continuous service temperature up to 250 °C and excellent chemical stability, PEEK CNC machining provides both durability and ultra-precise dimensional control.
High Temperature Resistance: Withstands continuous use up to 250 °C → Ensures stable performance in aerospace & automotive.
Wear Resistance: Superior sliding and friction properties (μ 0.25–0.35 dry) → Extends service life of moving parts.
Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 & FDA compliance → Suitable for implants and surgical instruments.
Chemical Resistance: Resists hydrocarbons, acids, and steam → Ideal for harsh chemical environments.
Dimensional Stability: Low creep & thermal expansion → Supports ultra-tight tolerances.
Aerospace → Lightweight, high-temp structural parts.
Automotive → Wear-resistant bearings, seals, and pump components.
Medical Devices → Biocompatible surgical tools and implants.
Semiconductors → Insulating components with cleanroom compatibility.
Oil & Gas → High-pressure seals and valve seats.
Electronics → Thermal/electrical insulation parts.
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90–100 | MPa | ASTM D638 | — |
| Flexural Modulus | 4,000 | MPa | ASTM D790 | — |
| Elongation at Break | 20–40 | % | ASTM D638 | — |
| Melting Point | 343 | °C | DSC | — |
| Volume Resistivity | 1E16 | Ω·cm | ASTM D257 | — |
| Water Absorption (24h) | 0.1 | % | ASTM D570 | — |
| Property | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.30 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Continuous Use Temp | -50 to +250 °C | Environment dependent |
| Friction Coefficient | 0.25–0.35 (vs. steel) | Dry sliding |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Resists acids, hydrocarbons |
| Dielectric Strength | 18–22 kV/mm | ASTM D149 |
| Food Contact | FDA, EU 10/2011 grades available | Certifications required |
| Feature | Standard Tolerance | After Review | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤100 mm | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm | Depending on geometry |
| 100–300 mm | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm | — |
| Coaxiality/Flatness | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm | Requires datum definition |
| Min. Wall Thickness | 1.5 mm | 1.0 mm | Tooling & PEEK grade dependent |
| Property | PEEK | POM | PA6/66 | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Resistance | 250 °C | 100 °C | 120 °C | >400 °C |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Chemical Stability | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Limited (corrosion) |
| Biocompatibility | Yes | No | Limited | No |
| Cost | $$$ | $ | $$ | $$ |
👉 PEEK is best when metal replacement is required with chemical and heat stability. For a deeper look at engineering plastics, including POM and PTFE, check our engineering plastics comparison:
| Property | PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) | Aluminum Alloys (e.g., 6061, 7075) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.30 g/cm³ | ~2.70 g/cm³ |
| Continuous Temp | -50 ~ +250 °C | Up to ~400 °C (but may oxidize/corrode) |
| Strength | 90–100 MPa (tensile) | 300–600 MPa (tensile, depending on grade) |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent (low friction) | Good but requires coatings/anodizing |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Limited (susceptible to acids/saltwater) |
| Electrical Properties | Insulating (dielectric 18–22 kV/mm) | Conductive |
| Biocompatibility | Yes (FDA, ISO 10993 grades) | No |
| Cost | $$$ (expensive polymer) | $ (relatively low cost metal) |
👉 Summary:
Choose PEEK when chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and wear performance are critical.
Choose Aluminum when mechanical strength, conductivity, and cost efficiency are priorities.
Sharp edges → Use radii → Prevent stress cracking and improve tool life.
Thin walls → ≥1.5 mm → Avoid deformation during machining.
High-speed cutting tools → Use carbide or PCD → Improves surface finish. For complex geometries and precision thin-wall parts, our 5-axis CNC machining capabilities ensure tight tolerances and reduced setup times.
Coolant control → Apply air or water cooling → Avoid thermal warping.
Thread inserts → Prefer metal inserts → Enhance load-bearing capacity.
PEEK parts can be delivered with different finishing options depending on application needs. Standard CNC machining usually leaves a native surface roughness around Ra 1.6–3.2 μm, but additional polishing or coating may be required for sealing faces or medical-grade components. To explore these methods in detail, including anodizing, bead blasting, powder coating, and polishing, see our comprehensive guide on CNC surface finishing techniques
Is PEEK CNC machining FDA-approved for food and medical use?
→ Yes, with proper grade certification (FDA, EU 10/2011).
Can you machine thin-wall PEEK parts?
→ Yes, typically down to 1.0 mm with optimized clamping.
Does PEEK maintain stability under heat?
→ Yes, continuous up to 250 °C, peaks up to 300 °C.
How does PEEK compare to aluminum parts?
→ Lower weight, corrosion-free, but more costly.
Do you provide inspection & traceability reports?
→ Yes, full CMM, material certs, and lot traceability available.
Aerospace: Replaced aluminum seals with PEEK → reduced weight 30% and improved durability.
Medical: Delivered biocompatible surgical fixtures → ensured ISO 13485 compliance.
Semiconductor: Supplied cleanroom-grade PEEK insulators → minimized contamination risks.
💬 “Super-ingenuity has been our reliable partner for precision PEEK parts—consistent quality and on-time delivery.” — Procurement Manager, Automotive Supplier
Victrex PEEK Material Data → https://www.victrex.com/en
Ensinger PEEK Machining Guide → https://www.ensingerplastics.com
ASTM PEEK Standards Overview → https://www.astm.org
CNC Machining Design Guide
Discover How SPI ™Super-ingenuity Delivers Precision CNC Machining for High-Performance Prototypes and Production Parts
