Carbon Reinforced PEEK

Apr 20, 2023

3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing and product development, allowing for rapid prototyping and customization of products. Carbon reinforced PEEK is a popular material used in 3D printing due to its excellent mechanical properties and high temperature resistance. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and applications of 3D printing with carbon reinforced PEEK.

What is Carbon Reinforced PEEK?

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic with exceptional strength and stiffness. It has excellent resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and wear, making it a popular material for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

Carbon reinforced PEEK is a composite material made by adding carbon fibers to PEEK. The carbon fibers increase the strength and stiffness of the material while maintaining its high temperature resistance and chemical resistance.

Benefits of 3D Printing with Carbon Reinforced PEEK

  1. High strength and stiffness: Carbon reinforced PEEK has exceptional mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications that require high strength and stiffness.
  2. High temperature resistance: PEEK has a high glass transition temperature (Tg) of around 143°C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications. The addition of carbon fibers further enhances its high temperature resistance.
  3. Chemical resistance: PEEK is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. The addition of carbon fibers does not compromise its chemical resistance.
  4. Lightweight: Carbon reinforced PEEK has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a lightweight material.

Applications of 3D Printing with Carbon Reinforced PEEK

  1. Aerospace: Carbon reinforced PEEK is an excellent material for aerospace applications that require high strength, stiffness, and temperature resistance. It can be used for manufacturing parts such as brackets, gears, and housings.
  2. Automotive: Carbon reinforced PEEK can be used to manufacture parts such as brake pads, bearings, and gears, which require high strength and stiffness.
  3. Medical: PEEK is a biocompatible material, making it suitable for medical applications such as orthopedic implants and surgical instruments. Carbon reinforced PEEK can be used to manufacture medical devices that require high strength and stiffness.
  4. Industrial: Carbon reinforced PEEK can be used to manufacture parts such as pumps, valves, and gears for industrial applications that require high strength and chemical resistance.

Conclusion

3D printing with carbon reinforced PEEK offers a wide range of benefits, including high strength, stiffness, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and lightweight. Its applications span across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial. As the technology advances, we can expect to see more innovative uses of this material in the future.