Key Parameter Settings for PEEK 3D Printing

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PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. However, because of its high melting point and special physical-chemical characteristics, 3D printing with PEEK places high demands on equipment and parameter settings. Below are the key parameters and guidelines for successful PEEK 3D printing.

1. Temperature Settings

Nozzle Temperature

PEEK has a melting point of 343°C, but the nozzle temperature during printing should be set between 360°C and 440°C.

• Too low: Material may not melt properly, leading to poor flow, rough surfaces, and internal gaps.

• Too high: May cause excessive melting, dripping, carbonization, and degraded material performance.

Temperature should be fine-tuned based on the specific PEEK brand, printer capabilities, and model complexity.

Heated Bed Temperature

Set the bed temperature between 120°C and 180°C.

• A higher bed temperature helps prevent warping and ensures good first-layer adhesion.

• For large or complex prints, go up to 180°C for better bed adhesion.

Chamber Temperature

Maintaining a controlled environment is key.

• Recommended chamber temperature: 90°C to 160°C.

• High-end PEEK printers can go above 200°C.

• Proper chamber heat minimizes thermal stress and warping while supporting crystallization and mechanical strength.

  
  

2. Print Speed

Suggested speed: 20 mm/s to 100 mm/s.

• Too fast: Poor layer adhesion, delamination, or fractures.

• Too slow: Reduced efficiency and increased costs.

Tips:

• First layer: Around 20 mm/s for solid adhesion.

• Subsequent layers: 30-60 mm/s depending on model complexity.

• Low-precision models: Can use higher speeds for efficiency.

  
  

3. Layer Height

Recommended range: 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

• Smaller layer height: Higher surface quality and accuracy, longer print times.

• Larger layer height: Faster printing, rougher finish.

Guidelines:

• For precision models (medical parts, fine components): 0.1 mm – 0.15 mm

• For general models: 0.2 mm – 0.3 mm

4. Infill Density

Suggested range: 10% to 100%

• Higher infill: Better strength and stability, more material used.

• Lower infill: Lighter parts, cost- and time-efficient.

Examples:

• Load-bearing parts: 85% – 100%

• Appearance or lightweight parts: 30% – 50%

5. Other Considerations

Material Drying

PEEK is hygroscopic and must be dried before printing.

• Dry at 120°C for 4–5 hours to eliminate moisture, which could cause bubbles and voids.

Nozzle Maintenance

Due to high-temperature printing, PEEK can carbonize and clog nozzles.

• Regular cleaning is essential to ensure smooth extrusion and print quality.

Post-processing

After printing, PEEK parts often require finishing such as:

• Support removal, polishing, coating, or annealing.

Annealing process improves strength and crystallinity:

• Step 1: Heat to 150°C for several hours

• Step 2: Raise to 200°C for several more hours

• Gradually cool to room temperature

  
  

Conclusion

3D printing with PEEK requires a comprehensive approach to parameter settings. By carefully tuning temperature, speed, layer height, and infill density, and ensuring proper material handling and post-processing, you can significantly enhance the quality and performance of printed parts.