Material showcased: PEEK

There are many different types of plastics, and each type offers the ideal solution for different challenges. The possibilities and applications are virtually endless. Lakwijk is here to guide you in the world of plastics. From time to time, we highlight a specific material. Today, that material is PEEK.

KETRON PEEK

The KETRON PEEK family of materials is based on polyetheretherketone polymer. This semi-crystalline plastic, which combines excellent mechanical properties, high temperature resistance and outstanding chemical resistance, is today one of the most popular advanced engineering plastics.

KETRON PEEK grades offer chemical and hydrolysis resistance comparable to PPS, but can also operate at higher temperatures. PEEK 1000 provides steam and wear resistance, while carbon fibre reinforced PEEK offers excellent wear resistance. PEEK can be used continuously at temperatures up to 250°C and in hot water or steam without permanent loss of physical properties. For harsh environments, PEEK is a very strong alternative to fluoropolymers. PEEK has a V-0 flammability rating and shows very low smoke and toxic gas emission when exposed to flames.

KETRON PEEK 1000 NATURAL

This general-purpose, unfilled grade offers the highest elongation, toughness and impact strength of all PEEK types. The composition of the raw materials used to produce these natural semi-finished products complies with European Union and U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations for plastics intended for parts in contact with food. These properties make KETRON PEEK 1000 natural (brownish grey) a highly valued material in the medical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Advantages of PEEK:

• Very high maximum allowable service temperature in air (250°C continuous, up to 310°C for short-term exposure)

• High mechanical strength, stiffness and creep resistance, even at elevated temperatures

• Excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance

• Good sliding properties and outstanding wear resistance

• Very high dimensional stability

• Intrinsically flame-retardant with very low smoke generation when burning

• Good electrical insulating and dielectric properties

• Excellent resistance to high-energy radiation (gamma and X-rays)

KETRON PEEK is an excellent candidate for producing vacuum wand handles used in semiconductor manufacturing. These typically come into contact with heat and commonly used process chemicals. In applications ranging from the aerospace industry to oil drilling, components made from PEEK improve performance and reliability.

For more information, please contact us at info@lakwijk.nl or by phone at 073-6211025.