PEEK Injection Molding Services at Seaway Plastics
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a remarkable high-performance engineering plastic material that has ignited innovation across a spectrum of industries including those that require PEEK injection molding services. Renowned for its exceptional mechanical strength and dimensional stability, PEEK stands out amongst other materials as a superior option for injection molding applications for its rigidity, durability, and biocompatibility. This page will take a deeper look into the wide-ranging applications of this revolutionary material, particularly its significant role in the medical field, where it has emerged as a material of choice for various applications from implants to surgical instruments and medical device housings. PEEK injection molding services at Seaway Plastics are transforming the landscape of medical manufacturing and quickly becoming a desirable option for customers in other high-performance industries.
What Is PEEK?
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is defined as a thermoplastic polymer in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of compounds widely used in engineering or medical applications. First invented in 1978, PEEK has been used for injection molding applications for over forty years. This thermoplastic polymer has become a game-changer in many industries but has become especially critical to innovation and advancements in medical injection molding. The relatively high melting point of 650℉ makes PEEK injection molding services the predominant manufacturing process.
The exceptional properties and benefits of PEEK injection molding services have positioned this material as a top choice for high-performance medical devices.
- Biocompatibility: PEEK is considered an overwhelmingly safe and stable material for use in implantable medical devices as it displays no signs of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or immunogenetics that could compromise the success of an operation or the health of a patient.
- Strength: PEEK is incredibly strong and provides the considerable durability required by surgical instruments, medical device housings, and spinal implants. PEEK also has a melting point of 650℉, allowing it to withstand autoclave sterilization.
- Flexibility: While metals like titanium and stainless steel offer considerable strength, they do not possess the flexibility required for numerous medical applications. PEEK behaves similarly to bones when flexing or carrying weight.
- Radiolucency: PEEK implants appear transparent in X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, making it extremely easy for medical professionals to track and check the status during regular checkups.
- Chemical Resistances: Considering the cleaning and sanitization methods used in the medical industry, chemical resistance is paramount. PEEK is capable of withstanding exposure to acetates, ethylenes, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium-based compounds.
Additional Applications of PEEK Injection Molding
The benefits provided by PEEK injection molding services at Seaway Plastics extend far beyond the medical industry. Many of the same beneficial properties listed above are also relevant to innovation and advancement in other high-performance industries. Let’s explore some of the additional industries where PEEK stands out as a desirable injection molding material.
Aerospace Industry:
PEEK is used in the aerospace industry for various components, including cable insulation, connectors, and structural components. Its lightweight nature, resistance to high temperatures, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio are particularly advantageous in aerospace applications. PEEK can withstand consistent friction and wear and is chemically unreactive to many of the strong fuels, hydraulic fluids, and de-icing chemicals used in the industry. Seaway Plastics is a NADCAP-certified and ITAR-registered plastic injection molding company and is well-versed in the various specifications and requirements demanded by the industry.
Industrial Manufacturing:
PEEK is used in various precision industrial applications, including gears, bearings, seals, and other components consistently exposed to friction or extended periods of wear and tear. Its self-lubricating properties, low friction, low flammability, and resistance to wear and tear make it an excellent choice for such applications.
Partnering with Seaway Plastics for PEEK Injection Molding Services
For those looking to innovate and advance their product offerings through PEEK injection molding services, partnering with the experienced team at Seaway Plastics grants access to decades of combined experience working with PEEK across these diverse industries. As a leading name in the contract manufacturing industry, Seaway Plastics offers invaluable insights, technical expertise, and a track record of success in utilizing PEEK injection molding to its fullest potential. Additionally, Seaway maintains both ISO 9001 and 13485 certifications for quality management systems throughout our entire manufacturing process and a specialized set of requirements for medical devices.
PEEK’s remarkable combination of properties, including high-temperature stability, chemical resistance, strength, and electrical insulating capabilities, makes it a material of infinite possibilities. Whether it is for medical implants, surgical instruments, aerospace components, or parts used in the automotive industry, Seaway Plastics is capable of meeting strict specifications and injection molding requirements.