PEEK in medical technology

dr Dietrich Mueller GmbH | December 16, 2019

The term PEEK refers to plastics with excellent thermoplastic properties that are being used more and more frequently in medical technology, eg in dentistry.

Ahlhorn, December 16, 2019 – Polyetheretherketone for medical applications

Plastics are among the most commonly used materials in industry. The use of technically highly developed plastics in medical technology is particularly interesting. Polyetheretherketone - PEEK for short - is a special plastic that was developed by the aerospace industry. The areas of application of this modern material in business and science are diverse. New application possibilities are opening up, especially in the medical field. Because the light and easy-to-process plastic can replace other materials.

Properties of PEEK

This material has properties that are particularly interesting for medical technology and enable simple and uncomplicated use. The material is characterized by its low weight, easy processing and high resistance. Due to the low wear, PEEK is characterized by a particularly long service life.

The plastic is easy to process mechanically. Processing by injection molding is also possible. Individual products can be manufactured using the 3D printing process. This makes PEEK ideal for use in medical technology. The possible uses of modern plastics in medical technology are constantly increasing.

PEEK in dentistry

In dentistry, PEEK is used to make crowns and inlays. The thermoplastic material can be easily deformed and adjusted precisely. Dentistry makes sure that the patient is stressed as little as possible by the materials. PEEK is particularly suitable here. Because the substance does not trigger allergies. In addition, the material is radiation-resistant, so that radiological treatments and examinations are possible without any problems.

The weight is very low compared to conventional dentures. Other properties include easy formability and low weight. The material can easily be deformed mechanically or thermoplastically. That is why PEEK is often used in orthopedics and surgery as well as in neurology.

The many possible uses of PEEK in medical technology can be demonstrated very well using the example of dentistry. The modern plastic is used to make crowns, bridges and inlays. The plastic can be processed easily and precisely for individual needs.

Processing of PEEK

Processing in the injection molding process or with the help of the 3D printing process promise the highest degree of accuracy. In addition, PEEK is particularly pressure-resistant and can therefore be used particularly well in the dental field. The material does not cause allergies and impresses with its low weight. For the patient, the stress caused by the material is extremely low.

Plastic is being used and processed more and more as a material in medical technology. The plastics company offers PEEK for processing in medical technology in the form of sheets and rods. Size and shape are individually tailored.

PEEK also as foil

the dr Dietrich Müller GmbH also offers PEEK as a film. PEEK film has a unique property profile.