PEEK as a material for 3D printing

Polyetheretheretherketone, better known as PEEK, is a high-temperature resistant thermoplastic known in the manufacturing industry for its special mechanical properties. It has been a popular material in additive manufacturing for a number of years and is now also available in filament form for all FDM/FFF machines and is also used in powder form for SLS processes.

PEEK is heat and abrasion resistant and due to its weight/strength ratio it can be used as a substitute for certain metals.

PEEK is a member of the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) family, which is known for its high thermomechanical properties.

PEEK was first introduced to the market in the late 1970s and, thanks to its performance, quickly aroused interest in sectors such as aeronautics and electronics. Looking at the structure, it is noticeable that it is a semi-crystalline polymer: when it melts, the molecules arrange themselves under the action of heat, creating a particular arrangement until it has completely solidified.

In 3D printing, the crystallization process of PEEK needs to be controlled. Part of the material crystallizes and its density changes. Therefore, high temperature levels of the extrusion, plate and casing must be maintained and temperature fluctuations must be avoided as a matter of urgency. To print with this high-temperature-resistant thermoplastic, you therefore need a 3D printer with an extruder that can reach up to 400°C, a housing that can be heated to 120°C and a heating plate that can be heated to 230°C.

Although PEEK is a very demanding material, it offers very interesting mechanical and chemical properties for industrial applications: it is very resistant to heat and wear, has high chemical resistance, can be sterilized and also has dielectric (non-electrically conductive) properties.

Polyetheretheretherketone also offers a high strength-to-weight ratio and is often used as a replacement for certain metals. Last but not least, it is flame retardant, which makes it an interesting 3D printing material for sectors such as aerospace and railways that have high fire and smoke emission requirements.

PEEK is mainly used in the aerospace, medical and automotive industries.

PEEK is particularly interesting for 3D printing in the medical field. Its sterilizability allows it to be used for a range of applications, including the manufacture of custom implants. PEEK has properties similar to human bone.

Aerospace and automotive are also markets where 3D PEEK printing is common. Additive manufacturing enables the production of high-performance, lightweight, special and on-demand parts.