PEEK
The high-performance polymer — chemically inert and heat resistant, and a machining problem until the tooling strategy is right.
Needs sharp tooling and slow feeds. A dull tool will polish the cut instead of cutting it, and the part will look right while the tolerance is wrong.
Quote a PEEK partWhat we hold and what we can hold
Figures below are what our shops achieve on prototype quantities. A production order may justify tighter — or looser — tolerances, and that is a conversation, not a default.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical use | High-temperature insulators, seals, semiconductor and medical components |
| Machinability | Fair |
| Achievable tolerance | ±0.05 mm achievable on filled grades, ±0.10 mm typical |
| Typical lead time | 7–12 working days |
| Common grades | PEEK (virgin) · PEEK GF30 (30% glass filled) · PEEK CF30 (carbon filled) |
| Recommended finishes | Deburring · Bead blasting · Passivation (steam) |
| Suitable processes | 3-axis milling · 5-axis milling · CNC turning |
What engineers ask about PEEK
These are the questions that come up on almost every PEEK drawing. If your question is not here, send it with the drawing and we will answer it in the quote.
Is PEEK worth it versus POM or nylon?
Only if the part sees heat above 100 °C, aggressive chemicals, or needs to be sterilised repeatedly. For a wear part in a benign environment, POM will do the same job for a fraction of the cost.
Why does my PEEK part have a fuzzy surface?
That is smearing, not a finishing problem. It comes from heat build-up at the cutting edge. Fresh sharp tooling and a stable feed fix it, and it is worth fixing because smeared PEEK is a fatigue initiator.
Filled or unfilled PEEK?
Glass and carbon filled grades machine more predictably and hold dimension better because the filler stabilises them. Unfilled PEEK is the choice when the part needs to be pure and sterilisable.
Where this material fits
Surface finishes for PEEK
When not to use PEEK
We would rather tell you on day one than ship you a part that was never the right answer. If one of these applies to your project, say so in the enquiry.
- Benign environments where POM does the same job for a fraction of the cost
- Optical or cosmetic clarity requirements
- Work where the stock cost is not justified by the service conditions