PEEK Gear

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PEEK gears, manufactured from advanced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials such as ARKPEEK and its reinforced grades, represent a cutting-edge solution for high-performance gear applications. With over 30 years of proven use, PEEK gears offer a unique combination of mechanical strength, excellent chemical resistance, and thermal stability certified for continuous use up to 260°C (500°F), and even maintaining properties near 300°C.

These gears excel in environments demanding durability, dimensional stability, and low noise operation. The low coefficient of friction (typically 0.1–0.3) and inherent self-lubricating properties allow many PEEK gears to operate without additional lubrication, reducing maintenance and contamination risks. Their low water absorption (<0.5%) ensures consistent performance even in humid or wet conditions, preserving tight tolerances essential for precision transmissions in CNC machine tools, medical equipment, and aerospace systems.

PEEK gears are significantly lighter than metal counterparts—about one-fifth to one-sixth the density of steel—enabling substantial weight reduction in automotive transmissions, aircraft fuel systems, and electric power steering components. This weight saving translates to improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise and vibration, and enhanced system responsiveness.

Applications

Automotive: Engine variable valve timing (VVT), transmission gears, EPS systems, and braking components benefiting from noise reduction and thermal endurance.

Aerospace: Fuel pumps, flight control mechanisms, landing gear actuators, where corrosion resistance and weight savings are critical.

Medical Devices: Surgical robots, imaging equipment, and rehabilitation devices requiring biocompatibility, sterilization resistance, and quiet operation.

Industrial Automation: Precision instruments, conveyors, and machinery exposed to chemicals, high temperatures, and demanding mechanical loads.

Manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and injection molding allow production of PEEK gears with tight tolerances (down to 10 microns), complex geometries, and consistent quality. Reinforced grades like ARKPEEK-CF30 (carbon fiber) and ARKPEEK-GF30 (glass fiber) provide enhanced stiffness, creep resistance, and wear performance for heavy-duty applications.

In summary, PEEK gears combine high strength, chemical and thermal resistance, low friction, and lightweight design to deliver reliable, efficient, and long-lasting gear solutions. Their expanding use across aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors reflects ongoing advances in polymer technology and precision manufacturing.