Introduction to PEEK Plastic
PEEK is a type of polymer that is often used in engineering applications due to its high strength, stiffness, and resistance to heat and chemicals. PEEK stands for polyether ether ketone, and it is a thermoplastic material that can be molded, machined, and formed into various shapes.
PEEK is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, where its properties make it suitable for applications such as structural components, electrical insulation, and medical implants. The material is also used in the production of some types of bearings and gears.
Injection Molding PEEK Plastic
PEEK plastic is typically molded using a process called injection molding. Here are the general steps involved:
- Raw material preparation: PEEK is supplied as granules or powder. The material is dried to remove any moisture that could affect the quality of the final product.
- Melting: The dried granules are fed into an injection molding machine, where they are heated to a temperature that causes them to melt and become fluid.
- Injection: Once the material is melted, it is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. The mold is usually made of two halves that fit together, with the shape of the desired part formed by the cavity between them.
- Cooling: After the molten material has filled the mold cavity, it is allowed to cool and solidify. This is done either by waiting for the material to cool naturally or by applying cooling water or other methods to speed up the process.
- Ejection: Once the PEEK plastic has solidified, the mold is opened and the part is ejected from the mold cavity. The process is then repeated to produce additional parts.
Injection molding is a versatile and efficient method for producing high-quality PEEK parts with complex shapes and fine details. The process can be automated for high-volume production, and the resulting parts are often strong, durable, and resistant to heat, chemicals, and wear.
Applications of Molded PEEK Plastic
PEEK plastic can be molded into a variety of parts, including:
- Aerospace components: PEEK is used to make components for aerospace and aircraft applications, such as engine and fuel system components, electrical connectors, and seals.
- Medical implants: Since it is biocompatible, making it a suitable material for medical implants. PEEK implants are used in spinal, dental, and orthopedic surgeries.
- Automotive parts: The material is used in automotive applications, such as fuel system components, electrical connectors, and under-the-hood parts.
- Electronics components: PEEK is used to make components for electronic devices, such as connectors, switches, and insulators.
- Industrial parts: PEEK plastic is used to make parts for various industrial applications, such as bearings, seals, valves, and pumps.
Cryogenic Deflashing PEEK Molded Parts
It is possible to use cryogenic deflashing to remove flash from PEEK molded parts. Cryogenic deflashing is a process that involves freezing the parts in a gaseous nitrogen atmosphere and then blasting the parts with fine polycarbonate media while tumbling to remove the residual flash. The rapid freezing causes the flash to become brittle, and the media and tumbling mechanisms removes the flash without damaging the surface of the part.
Cryogenic deflashing is a highly effective method for removing flash from PEEK parts because it does not use abrasive or chemical agents that could damage the surface of the part. Instead, it relies on the temperature differential between the liquid nitrogen and the part to create a controlled environment that removes the flash. This process is fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly, making it a popular choice for many manufacturers.
Want to send in your PEEK sample parts for a no-cost deflashing evaluation? Please contact us at (508) 459-7447X105 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com to learn more.