Skrevet af
Peter HansenPeter Hansen er medstifter og 3D-print-ekspert hos 3D Industri Print. Han har over 10 års erfaring med industriel 3D-printproduktion, herunder FDM, SLS og DMLS-teknologier. Peter rådgiver virksomheder om materialevalg, tolerancer og optimering af produktionsflow med additivt fremstilling.
·
What is PEEK?
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is one of the highest-performing thermoplastic polymers available for 3D printing. It’s a semi-crystalline engineering plastic with mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties that approach those of metals — at a fraction of the weight.
PEEK is used in aerospace, medical devices, oil and gas, and semiconductor manufacturing, where conventional plastics like nylon and ABS simply don’t have the strength, heat resistance, or chemical compatibility required.
PEEK Properties vs. Common 3D Printing Materials
| Property | PEEK | PA12 Nylon | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 100 MPa | 48 MPa | 40 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | 4,100 MPa | 1,700 MPa | 2,300 MPa |
| Max. service temperature | 250°C | 95°C | 80°C |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Biocompatibility | Yes (ISO 10993) | Skin contact only | No |
| Radiolucent (X-ray) | Yes | No | No |
| Autoclave sterilizable | Yes (134°C) | Limited | No |
How PEEK is 3D Printed
PEEK is one of the most challenging materials to 3D print. Its melting point is ~343°C, requiring a printer hotend capable of 400–450°C and a heated build chamber at 120–150°C to prevent warping and delamination between layers.
Only high-performance FDM printers with hardened-steel or ruby nozzles can process PEEK reliably. Standard consumer printers designed for PLA and ABS are completely unsuitable — attempting to print PEEK on standard equipment will damage the printer and produce failed parts.
Key Applications
Medical and Dental
PEEK is radiolucent (invisible on X-rays) and fully biocompatible — the ideal material for cranial plates, spinal cages, and dental prosthetic bases. PEEK implants survive autoclave sterilization (134°C/3 bar steam), gamma irradiation, and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization repeatedly without degradation.
Aerospace and Defense
Structural components, cable insulation, and ventilation parts in aircraft and spacecraft use PEEK for its combination of low density (1.3 g/cm³) and steel-level strength. In defense applications, PEEK’s resistance to hydraulic fluids, jet fuel, and solvents is critical.
Oil and Gas / Subsea
Back-up rings, seals, and stator components for downhole pumps in sour wells are printed in PEEK — it withstands H₂S, CO₂, and high-pressure environments that destroy other polymers.
Semiconductor and Electronics
PEEK is an excellent electrical insulator at elevated temperatures and is used for IC test sockets, wafer carriers, and component handling fixtures in semiconductor fabrication, where contamination control and thermal stability are paramount.
When to Choose PEEK Over Cheaper Alternatives
- Operating temperature above 150°C — nylon and ABS are not suitable
- Biocompatibility required — PEEK is the only printable thermoplastic with implant-grade certification
- Chemical exposure to acids, bases, or solvents — PEEK resists almost all industrial chemicals
- Autoclave sterilization — withstands 134°C/3 bar steam repeatedly
- Electrical insulation at high temperature — superior to most alternatives above 100°C
Choose nylon or ABS if none of the above requirements apply — PEEK is 5–10× more expensive per kg and significantly harder to print reliably.
Tolerances and Surface Finish
- Standard FDM tolerance: ±0.3–0.5 mm
- Optimised setup: ±0.2 mm
- Post-machining of critical surfaces: ±0.05 mm
- Surface roughness: Ra 3–8 µm as-printed (improvable with sanding and polishing)
PEEK 3D Printing in Denmark
PEEK printing requires specialized equipment and experience — it’s not a job for standard printers. Contact us to discuss your PEEK application and receive a quote for your specific geometry.
Request a quote for PEEK 3D printing →
