Features Of Injection Molded PEEK
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic engineering plastic with excellent overall properties, making it particularly suitable for precision injection molding:
- High Temperature Resistance: Continuous operating temperature up to 260°C, short-term temperature resistance up to 300°C or higher, heat distortion temperature (HDT/A, 1.8MPa) exceeding 300°C.
- Excellent Mechanical Properties: High strength, high rigidity, fatigue resistance, and good mechanical stability even at high temperatures.
- Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, oils, organic solvents, and most chemicals; it is only corroded in strong oxidizing media such as concentrated sulfuric acid.
- Low Friction and Wear Resistance: Excellent self-lubricating properties, low coefficient of friction, allowing for long-term operation without lubrication.
- Electrical Insulation: High dielectric strength, low dielectric constant and loss factor, maintaining stable electrical properties even at high frequencies and high temperatures.
- Dimensional Stability: Extremely low water absorption (<0.1%), resulting in high dimensional accuracy after molding and minimal impact from humidity.
Injection Molded PEEK Processing Technology
The processing of injection molded PEEK requires special control due to its high melting point and high viscosity characteristics:
- Raw Material Preparation
- Dry at 150–160°C for 3–4 hours before injection molding to remove trace amounts of moisture and prevent bubbles and silver streaks during molding.
- Injection Temperature Control
- Barrel Temperature: 360–400°C (Adjusted according to product thickness and flowability requirements)
- Nozzle Temperature: 370–400°C
- Mold Temperature: 150–200°C, ensuring sufficient crystallization and reducing internal stress.
- Injection Parameters
- Injection Speed: Medium to high speed (ensure complete mold filling)
- Holding Pressure: Appropriately high holding pressure to reduce shrinkage and warpage
- Screw Speed: 30–60 rpm to avoid shear overheating.
- Post-treatment
- Annealing at 150–200°C for 1–2 hours can eliminate internal stress and improve dimensional stability.
Applications of Injection Molded PEEK
- Artificial Intelligence: AI intelligent infrastructure
- Aerospace: Aircraft engine components, fasteners, sensor housings
- Automotive Industry: Transmission parts, braking system components, high-temperature electrical connectors
- Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, artificial joints, dental implants
- Electronics & Electrical: High-frequency connectors, insulating supports, chip test fixtures
- Petrochemicals: Valve seals, pump impellers, downhole measuring instrument components
- Food Processing: Temperature-resistant and corrosion-resistant food contact components
