Plastics can be used in various ways. Certain plastic variants can be used in medicine, for example. The plastic PEEK is an example of a plastic variant that is used in medical technology. In the following, this particular plastic will be discussed in more detail and the various processing and application possibilities of PEEK will be explained.

Polyetheretherketone - a high-performance plastic

The thermoplastic, semi-crystalline high-performance plastic polyetheretherketone is called PEEK for short. The plastic belongs to the group of polyaryletherketones and has a gray-brown or beige color when the material is in its natural state. Polyetheretherketone is very slippery and has excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, the plastic is chemically resistant at high temperatures. Polyetheretherketone is used for the production of parts that are exposed to heavy loads. The plastic variant is considered wear-resistant and friction-resistant. Another advantage is that the construction material can be colored. PEEK can thus be presented in various colors.

What properties does polyetheretherketone have?

The plastic is known for excellent mechanical properties and is characterized by thermal and chemical resistance. The sliding properties are still very good even at high temperatures. The plastic is gamma and X-ray resistant. The resistance to gamma and X-rays is of interest for medicine and medical technology. Furthermore, polyetheretherketone has a melting temperature of 335 °C and can also be used as an insulating material in the field of electrics or electrical engineering. In this context, polyetheretherketone is referred to as having a high insulating capacity.

Properties of polyetheretherketone at a glance:

- mechanical strength is excellent
- extremely creep resistant at high temperatures
- very wear resistant
- resistant to chemicals (salt solutions, alkalis, non-oxidizing acids, cleaning agents, kerosenes)
- resistant to hydrolysis
- good insulating material
- Gamma and beta radiation resistant (interesting for medicine)
- good stiffness
- also suitable for continuous use at temperatures of approx. 250 °C
- unstable in contact with UV radiation when combined with atmospheric oxygen
- unstable in contact with nitric acid, conc. sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride or other strongly oxidizing acids
- is interesting for medicine due to its physiological harmlessness

Properties of PEEK interesting for medicine:

- very well suited for sterilization
- good resistance to radiation
- enormous chemical resistance
- dimensional stability is high
- enormously resistant to stress cracking
- high temperature resistance and extremely mechanically stable

What applications does PEEK have in the medical field?

PEEK is a material that is very interesting for the medical field. The material meets the expectations and requirements placed on materials for the medical technology sector. The material can be used for joint reconstruction in the field of orthopedics and can also be used for the production of surgical instruments, for example. PEEK is also suitable for dental applications and for many other areas of medicine.

Other possible uses of polyetheretherketone:

- Conventional machines and tools (for example saws, planes, milling cutters, drills)
- nuclear industry
- chemical industry
- pharmaceutical industry
- aviation industry
- food industry
- defense technology

Which components can be produced with polyetheretherketone, for example?

- valves
- gear wheels
- piston rings
- plain bearings
- fittings
- Engine bearing cages

Kunststoffhaus.de is the right contact

For PEEK plastics and CNC milled parts as well as rods and tubes made of polyetheretherketone, Kunststoffhaus in Ahlhorn is the right contact. Other plastics as well as PEEK blanks can also be processed by Kunststoffhaus in Ahlhorn. Kunststoffhaus is part of Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH and stands for high-quality CNC turned parts, CNC milled parts, 3D printed parts and waterjet parts, as well as for professional plastics processing. More information about plastics and plastics processing is available on the website Muellerbestellung.de.