PEEK Carbon Fiber

Q: How durable is PEEK CF?

PEEK CF, reinforced with carbon fiber, offers significantly higher mechanical strength compared to standard PEEK. The carbon fiber enhances the material’s stiffness, with an elastic modulus reaching 8500 MPa, and a tensile strength of 115 MPa, making it ideal for high-performance applications. The combination of lightness and robustness makes PEEK CF particularly suitable for environments requiring resistance to wear, impacts, and high mechanical stress, while also ensuring dimensional stability under load.

Q: How is carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK made?

PEEK CF is produced by combining the base of semicrystalline PEEK with the addition of short carbon fibers, which make up a significant percentage of the material. This integration significantly improves the mechanical properties of PEEK, increasing its strength and stiffness without compromising other fundamental characteristics such as chemical and thermal resistance. The carbon fiber reinforcement also reduces the specific weight compared to metals, maintaining high performance.

Q: How does PEEK CF differ from standard PEEK?

PEEK CF differs from standard PEEK primarily due to its increased stiffness and mechanical strength, thanks to the presence of carbon fibers. While standard PEEK is already known for its excellent chemical, thermal, and mechanical resistance, PEEK CF adds an extra level of structural robustness and weight reduction. The elastic modulus of PEEK CF is almost twice that of standard PEEK, and its ability to withstand high stress makes it more suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability and stiffness. However, the higher rigidity of PEEK CF makes it less suitable for applications requiring high flexibility.

Q: What applications is carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK recommended for?

PEEK CF is recommended for applications requiring lightweight, rigid, and highly resistant materials. It is ideal for the aerospace sector, where it is used for structural components exposed to mechanical and thermal stresses. In the automotive sector, it is employed for engine parts, enclosures, and connectors, where high resistance to extreme temperatures and mechanical stress is necessary. In electronics, it is used to manufacture enclosures and insulators, thanks to its thermal stability and resistance to chemical agents. It is also particularly suitable for industrial equipment and components subject to wear, such as gears and bearings, which must maintain consistent performance in challenging environments. Thanks to its rigidity and lightness, it is also used in prosthetics and medical applications requiring precision and long-term durability.

PEEK CF: ultra-performante e ideale per il Metal Replacement

Carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK is one of the most advanced materials for industrial 3D printing. It offers exceptional mechanical performance, high stiffness, and thermal resistance, making it perfect for critical applications in the aerospace, automotive, and oil & gas sectors. Ideal for replacing metal parts in extreme environments where lightness and durability are essential.

INSTANT QUOTE DATASHEET

All uploads are encrypted end-to-end

PROS

High strength and stiffness
Excellent chemical and thermal resistance
Lightweight and durable
Top choice in electric, aerospace, and automotive applications
Sustainable and recyclable material

CONS

Expensive compared to other materials
Difficult to machine and 3D print
Low impact resistance

MAIN FEATURES

3D printing process: FDM
Tolerance: 0,6mm<100mm; 0,6%>100mm
Max size: 300 x 300 x 300 mm; 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 in
Lead time: <4 days
Available finishes: Annealing

Excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals

Peek carbon fibre is distinguished by its outstanding resistance to both high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. This combination of properties makes Peek carbon fibre ideal for applications in extreme environments, where it is necessary to withstand high temperatures and corrosive chemicals without compromising performance.

Best Option for Metal Replacement

With its unique combination of light weight, strength and durability, Carbon Fibre Peek is positioned as the preferred choice for metal replacement practices in applications requiring high and challenging performance. It offers a lighter and stronger solution than traditional metals, enabling greater efficiency and superior performance in areas where light weight and strength are critical.

Peek CF, known as Polyether Ketone with Carbon Fibres, is emerging as a leading choice in Additive Manufacturing. This material is attracting increasing attention in the polymer engineering sector due to its exceptional mechanical performance and the peculiarities of its constituent carbon fibres.

Its distinctive ability to provide strength and reliability in extreme conditions opens up new opportunities for advanced applications. Peek CF is not just a material, but rather an ally that defies convention, offering new perspectives in component design and production. Its introduction into the world of Additive Manufacturing marks a significant step towards making more complex and robust components efficiently.

This innovative combination of outstanding mechanical performance and metal replacement capability places Peek with carbon fibre in a prominent position, making it a preferred choice for those seeking advanced solutions. We explore the unique features of Peek CF in more depth, examining both its obvious advantages and the practical challenges that may arise during use. Its introduction into Additive Manufacturing is not just a step forward in technology; it is a prospect that can redefine the dynamics of industrial manufacturing and advanced applications.

Pros

Exceptional Mechanical Performance: Carbon Fibre Peek stands out for its exceptional mechanical performance, exceeding expectations in the category of 3D printable materials. Its ability to withstand intense workloads at temperatures prohibitive for other polymers positions it as an unrivalled choice for projects requiring strength and durability in extreme conditions.

Excellent Resistance to High Temperatures and Chemical Agents: A key strength of Carbon Fibre Peek is its exceptional resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. This fundamental characteristic makes it an ideal material for aggressive industrial environments, where thermal stability and chemical resistance are essential requirements. Its reliability under these extreme conditions consolidates Peek CF as a mainstay in Additive Manufacturing.

Flame Retardant: Peek's flame retardant status with carbon adds a further level of safety to its already remarkable characteristics. In contexts with high safety requirements, this material proves to be safe and efficient, mitigating the risks associated with flames and fires. This feature makes it a key choice in safety-sensitive sectors.

Best Option for Metal Replacement Practices with Challenging Performance: Peek CF is confirmed as the best option for metal replacement practices, offering a reliable solution in extreme working conditions. Its ability to replace metal without compromising performance positions it as an innovative and advanced choice for applications requiring lightweight yet robust materials, opening up new design and production possibilities.

Cons

Irregular properties on all axes: The challenge of non-uniform properties on all axes of PEEK CF requires careful analysis during the design phase. While the material excels in mechanical performance, variability on all axes could affect the consistency of the final product. A customised approach to design becomes essential to ensure that Peek CF fits the specific requirements of the project, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy.

Difficult to machine: The complex machinability of carbon fibre Peek represents a practical challenge that requires advanced skills and specific equipment. Its rigid and resistant nature, although advantageous in applications requiring strength, can make modification and processing of the material more complex. Optimal utilisation of the Carbon Fibre Peek filament requires advanced technical skills and a well-equipped production environment to ensure the highest quality and precision in the final results.

More expensive material compared to others in 3D Printing: A critical aspect to evaluate is the higher cost of Peek CF compared to other materials that can be used in 3D Printing. This financial factor must be carefully considered when planning projects. While PEEK CF offers superior performance, its availability at a higher cost may require a considered cost-benefit assessment, especially in projects where budget is a key element.

Low impact resistance: Another point of consideration is the low impact resistance of Peek with carbon, a characteristic that requires careful evaluation of the intended application. In scenarios subject to dynamic stress, the limited impact resistance could be a determining factor. The choice of Peek CF should therefore be guided by a thorough understanding of the specific project requirements and an awareness of the trade-offs associated with this particular material characteristic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peek CF, known as Polyether Ketone with Carbon Fibres, emerges as a major choice in Additive Manufacturing. Its unique fusion of exceptional mechanical performance and the peculiarities of carbon fibres is attracting increasing attention in polymer engineering, opening doors to new perspectives in the design and production of advanced components.

Peek CF's distinctive advantages, such as exceptional mechanical performance, resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, flame retardant qualification and its excellence in Metal Replacement practices, place it at the forefront of preferences for advanced designs requiring strength and durability in extreme conditions.

However, with each innovation comes challenges. Non-uniform properties across all axes require in-depth analysis during design, while the complexity of processing and higher cost compared to other materials in 3D Printing pose crucial questions in terms of practicality and budget. Low impact resistance, although an important consideration, can be managed with careful evaluation of the intended application.

Ultimately, the adoption of Peek CF requires careful management and a thorough understanding of its features and limitations. With a focused approach, Peek CF proves to be a valuable ally in tackling tough industrial challenges, paving the way for innovative designs and unparalleled performance in Additive Manufacturing.

How durable is PEEK CF?

PEEK CF, reinforced with carbon fiber, offers significantly higher mechanical strength compared to standard PEEK. The carbon fiber enhances the material’s stiffness, with an elastic modulus reaching 8500 MPa, and a tensile strength of 115 MPa, making it ideal for high-performance applications. The combination of lightness and robustness makes PEEK CF particularly suitable for environments requiring resistance to wear, impacts, and high mechanical stress, while also ensuring dimensional stability under load.

How is carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK made?

PEEK CF is produced by combining the base of semicrystalline PEEK with the addition of short carbon fibers, which make up a significant percentage of the material. This integration significantly improves the mechanical properties of PEEK, increasing its strength and stiffness without compromising other fundamental characteristics such as chemical and thermal resistance. The carbon fiber reinforcement also reduces the specific weight compared to metals, maintaining high performance.

How does PEEK CF differ from standard PEEK?

PEEK CF differs from standard PEEK primarily due to its increased stiffness and mechanical strength, thanks to the presence of carbon fibers. While standard PEEK is already known for its excellent chemical, thermal, and mechanical resistance, PEEK CF adds an extra level of structural robustness and weight reduction. The elastic modulus of PEEK CF is almost twice that of standard PEEK, and its ability to withstand high stress makes it more suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability and stiffness. However, the higher rigidity of PEEK CF makes it less suitable for applications requiring high flexibility.

What applications is carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK recommended for?

PEEK CF is recommended for applications requiring lightweight, rigid, and highly resistant materials. It is ideal for the aerospace sector, where it is used for structural components exposed to mechanical and thermal stresses. In the automotive sector, it is employed for engine parts, enclosures, and connectors, where high resistance to extreme temperatures and mechanical stress is necessary. In electronics, it is used to manufacture enclosures and insulators, thanks to its thermal stability and resistance to chemical agents. It is also particularly suitable for industrial equipment and components subject to wear, such as gears and bearings, which must maintain consistent performance in challenging environments. Thanks to its rigidity and lightness, it is also used in prosthetics and medical applications requiring precision and long-term durability.

Tensile breaking load	87,4 MPa
Modulus of elasticity	8,6 MPa
Elongation at break	2,5%
Flexural modulus	6338 MPa
HDT 0.45 MPa	315 ºC
Izod impact resistance	9,7 kJ/m²