Shrinkage Rate of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a high-performance thermoplastic engineering material, is widely used in various fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and medical devices due to its excellent wear resistance, high-temperature resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. Among these applications, the shrinkage rate of PEEK material is an important consideration, as it directly affects the dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of the product.

Shrinkage Rate of PEEK Material

The shrinkage rate of PEEK refers to the ratio of the amount of contraction in the material’s length during heating to its original length. Typically, PEEK exhibits a low shrinkage rate, ranging from 1.2% to 1.5% in the flow direction and 1.4% to 1.9% in the transverse flow direction. Specific values can be influenced by factors such as processing temperature, pressure, and cooling speed.

Factors Affecting the Shrinkage Rate of PEEK Material

Temperature:
The shrinkage rate of PEEK is closely related to its temperature during heating. As the temperature increases, the shrinkage rate also rises. However, excessively high temperatures can lead to material deformation or scorching. It is essential to select an appropriate processing temperature based on specific requirements.

Pressure:
In processing methods such as injection molding, pressure affects the shrinkage rate of PEEK. As pressure increases, the shrinkage rate also grows. However, excessive pressure can cause material deformation or cracking, necessitating the selection of suitable pressure levels based on the situation.

Cooling Speed:
The shrinkage rate of PEEK during cooling is strongly correlated with the cooling speed. Higher cooling speeds result in higher shrinkage rates. However, excessively fast cooling may generate internal stresses within the material, leading to deformation or cracking. A balanced cooling speed should be selected as per the requirements.

How to Control the Shrinkage Rate of PEEK Material

To effectively control the shrinkage rate of PEEK, the following measures can be adopted:

Reasonable Design of Part Structure:
When designing the part structure, the shrinkage rate of PEEK should be taken into account to avoid overly tight or loose fits. It is also important to consider the operating environment and conditions of the part to ensure it remains free from deformation or damage during use.

Adjusting Processing Parameters:
During PEEK processing, parameters such as temperature, pressure, and cooling speed should be adjusted as needed to control the shrinkage rate. Additionally, attention should be paid to processing details, such as the selection of tools and the control of feed rates, to ensure both processing quality and efficiency.

Using Prefabricated Components:
For large or complex parts, prefabricated components can be used for production. This approach minimizes errors and uncertainties during on-site processing, thereby better controlling the shrinkage rate of the material. It can also improve production efficiency and reduce costs.

By implementing these measures, the shrinkage rate of PEEK material can be effectively controlled, ensuring the quality and performance of the final product.