{"id":39825,"date":"2026-04-10T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/?p=39825"},"modified":"2026-04-11T09:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T01:49:29","slug":"%d0%bb%d0%b8%d1%82%d1%8c%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b4-%d0%b4%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5%d0%bc-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/%d0%bb%d0%b8%d1%82%d1%8c%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b4-%d0%b4%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5%d0%bc-6\/","title":{"rendered":"PEEK Injection Molding: Processing Guide for Engineers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"callout-key\" style=\"background:#f0f7ff; border-left:4px solid #2563eb; padding:1em 1.2em; border-radius:6px; margin:1.5em 0;\">\n<strong>\u041e\u0441\u043d\u043e\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u0432\u044b\u0432\u043e\u0434\u044b<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with Tg of 143\u00b0C and Tm of 343\u00b0C, costing $80\u2013150\/kg but delivering unmatched performance.<\/li>\n<li>Dry PEEK at 150\u00b0C for 3\u20135 hours before molding \u2014 residual moisture above 0.02% causes voids and reduced mechanical properties.<\/li>\n<li>Process PEEK at 370\u2013400\u00b0C melt temperature with 175\u2013200\u00b0C mold temperature to achieve proper crystallinity above 30%.<\/li>\n<li>PEEK resists over 200 chemicals, including steam, acids, and organic solvents, making it ideal for harsh environments.<\/li>\n<li>Medical-grade PEEK (ISO 10993) is radiolucent and used for spinal cages, dental abutments, and orthopedic implants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What Is PEEK and Why Does This Polymer Cost So Much?<\/h2>\n<p>For complete overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/injection-molding-complete-guide\/\">injection molding complete guide<\/a>, see our comprehensive guide.<\/p>\n<p>PEEK belongs to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of <a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/thermoplastic\/\">high-performance thermoplastics<\/a><sup id=\"fnref1:1\"><a href=\"#fn:1\" class=\"footnote-ref\">1<\/a><\/sup> Its molecular backbone consists of aromatic rings connected by ether and ketone linkages \u2014 a structure that costs serious money to synthesize but delivers thermal stability up to 250\u00b0C continuous use, chemical resistance that shrugs off nearly everything short of concentrated sulfuric acid, and mechanical properties that compete with metals in many load-bearing applications.<\/p>\n<p>The price tag of $80\u2013150\/kg (depending on grade and fillers) comes from the synthesis route: PEEK requires harsh reaction conditions including diphenyl ether, 4,4&#8242;-difluorobenzophenone, and high-temperature solvate purification. You are paying for chemistry, not marketing. But when a single PEEK spinal cage replaces a titanium implant and the patient gets an MRI with zero artifacts \u2014 that cost equation shifts dramatically.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"text-align:center;margin:2em 0;\">\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53498\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety.webp\" alt=\"PEEK polymer resin pellets in various grades\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peek-material-pellets-variety-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK resin pellets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"claim claim-true\" style=\"background-color: #eff7ef; border-color: #eff7ef; color: #5a8a5a;\">\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#16a34a\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M9 16.17L4.83 12l-1.42 1.41L9 19 21 7l-1.41-1.41z\"\/><\/svg><b>&#8220;PEEK can operate continuously at 250\u00b0C in air without significant degradation, making it one of the few thermoplastics suitable for aerospace under-hood components.&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"claim-true-or-false\">\u041f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u0434\u0430<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"claim-explanation\">PEEK&#8217;s UL 746B continuous use temperature is rated at 250\u00b0C. Unfilled PEEK retains over 80% of its tensile strength after 5,000 hours at 250\u00b0C in air. Glass-filled and carbon-filled grades push this even higher. This is not a theoretical number \u2014 it is the reason PEEK replaced aluminum brackets in several commercial aircraft engine bay applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"claim claim-false\" style=\"background-color: #f7e8e8; border-color: #f7e8e8; color: #8a4a4a;\">\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#dc2626\" stroke-width=\"2\"><line x1=\"18\" y1=\"6\" x2=\"6\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"6\" y1=\"6\" x2=\"18\" y2=\"18\"\/><\/svg><b>&#8220;Because PEEK is so expensive, you should always use the cheapest grade available and save money on tooling.&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"claim-true-or-false\">\u041b\u043e\u0436\u044c<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"claim-explanation\">Using a commodity-grade PEEK for a demanding application wastes the material cost entirely. If your part needs 35% crystallinity and you use a fast-crystallizing grade processed at too-low mold temperature, you get 15% crystallinity \u2014 and half the chemical resistance and stiffness you paid for. Similarly, PEEK demands hardened mold steel (H13 or better) because the processing temperatures accelerate tool wear. We have seen shops try P20 molds for PEEK and need polishing every 2,000 cycles instead of 20,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The semi-crystalline nature of PEEK is central to understanding its processing requirements. Unlike amorphous polymers (PC, PEI) that soften gradually above Tg, PEEK has a sharp melting transition at 343\u00b0C. Below Tg, it is rigid. Between Tg and Tm, crystalline regions provide structural integrity while amorphous regions soften. Above Tm, the entire structure flows. This crystallinity must be controlled during molding \u2014 too little and you lose chemical resistance and stiffness; too much and internal stresses build up, causing warpage in complex geometries.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Key Material Properties of PEEK?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK&#8217;s property profile reads like an engineer&#8217;s wish list: high strength, high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance, low flammability (UL94 V-0 at 1.45mm), low smoke emission, and biocompatibility. No other thermoplastic combines all of these at this level. Let&#8217;s break down the numbers that matter for <a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/injection-molding-complete-guide\/\">\u043b\u0438\u0442\u044c\u0451 \u043f\u043e\u0434 \u0434\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435\u043c<\/a><sup id=\"fnref1:2\"><a href=\"#fn:2\" class=\"footnote-ref\">2<\/a><\/sup> \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0446\u0435\u0441\u0441<\/p>\n<h3>\u041c\u0435\u0445\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0435 \u0441\u0432\u043e\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0430<\/h3>\n<p>Unfilled PEEK delivers tensile strength of 90\u2013100 MPa and flexural modulus of 3.6\u20134.1 GPa at room temperature. Add 30% carbon fiber and tensile strength jumps to 200+ MPa with flexural modulus above 20 GPa \u2014 approaching aluminum territory at one-third the weight. The creep resistance is exceptional: PEEK shows less than 1% strain under 10 MPa sustained load at 150\u00b0C over 1,000 hours.<\/p>\n<p>Wear resistance is another strength. PEEK&#8217;s dynamic coefficient of friction against steel is 0.35\u20130.45 unfilled, dropping to 0.15\u20130.20 with PTFE or graphite fillers. This makes PEEK\/PTFE blends a standard choice for bearing surfaces and seal rings in oil and gas downhole tools.<\/p>\n<h3>\u0422\u0435\u043f\u043b\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0435 \u0441\u0432\u043e\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0430<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" style=\"text-align:center;margin:2em 0;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials.webp\" alt=\"PEEK injection molding materials and pellets\" class=\"wp-image-53495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-materials-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK molding materials<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>PEEK&#8217;s glass transition temperature (Tg) is 143\u00b0C and melting point (Tm) is 343\u00b0C. The continuous use temperature is 250\u00b0C in air \u2014 higher than any unfilled commodity or engineering thermoplastic. Thermal conductivity is low (0.25 W\/m\u00b7K unfilled), which means thick sections cool slowly and require careful <a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/injection-mold-complete-guide\/\">\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0435\u043a\u0442\u0438\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441-\u0444\u043e\u0440\u043c<\/a> to avoid differential shrinkage.<\/p>\n<h3>\u0425\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0441\u043a\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u043e\u0439\u043a\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/h3>\n<p>PEEK resists over 200 chemicals across the pH spectrum. It is virtually insoluble in all common solvents at room temperature. Concentrated sulfuric acid and some halogenated compounds at elevated temperatures are the main exceptions. Steam resistance is outstanding \u2014 PEEK survives autoclave cycles at 134\u00b0C indefinitely, which is critical for reusable medical instruments.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1.5em 0;\">\n<caption style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.5em;\">PEEK Grades and Properties Comparison<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">\u041d\u0435\u0434\u0432\u0438\u0436\u0438\u043c\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">Unfilled PEEK<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">30% GF PEEK<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">30% CF PEEK<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Tensile (MPa)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">90\u2013100<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">140\u2013170<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">200\u2013220<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Flexural Modulus (GPa)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">3.6\u20134.1<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">10\u201312<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">20\u201322<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">HDT @ 1.8 MPa (\u00b0C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">152\u2013160<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">315\u2013325<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">315\u2013330<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">CTE (\u00d710\u207b\u2076\/\u00b0C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">40\u201355<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">15\u201325<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">5\u201315<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Mold Shrinkage (%)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">1.0\u20131.4<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">0.4\u20130.8<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">0.1\u20130.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>What Are the Critical Process Parameters for PEEK Injection Molding?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK demands precision at every stage. The processing window is wider than some high-temperature polymers (PEI, for example), but the stakes are higher because of the material cost. A bad shot of PEEK wastes more money than a bad shot of ABS.<\/p>\n<h3>Drying<\/h3>\n<p>Dry PEEK at 150\u00b0C for 3\u20135 hours in a dehumidifying dryer, targeting moisture below 0.02%. PEEK absorbs only 0.1\u20130.5% moisture at equilibrium, far less than nylon, but at 370\u00b0C+ processing temperatures even trace moisture creates voids and surface splay. In our facility, we run dedicated high-temperature dryers for PEEK and other PAEK materials \u2014 the standard 80\u00b0C dryer used for commodity resins cannot reach the temperatures PEEK requires.<\/p>\n<h3>\u0422\u0435\u043c\u043f\u0435\u0440\u0430\u0442\u0443\u0440\u0430 \u0440\u0430\u0441\u043f\u043b\u0430\u0432\u0430<\/h3>\n<p>Target 370\u2013400\u00b0C melt temperature. Unfilled PEEK processes well at 380\u2013395\u00b0C. Carbon or glass-filled grades may need 385\u2013400\u00b0C for adequate flow. Stay above 370\u00b0C or the melt viscosity is too high for thin-wall filling. Stay below 410\u00b0C or you risk thermal degradation \u2014 the material turns dark brown and loses molecular weight. Monitor melt color: natural PEEK should be a pale tan. Darkening is your early warning signal.<\/p>\n<h3>\u0422\u0435\u043c\u043f\u0435\u0440\u0430\u0442\u0443\u0440\u0430 \u043f\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441-\u0444\u043e\u0440\u043c\u044b<\/h3>\n<p>Set mold temperature to 175\u2013200\u00b0C for optimal crystallinity. This is the single most important parameter for PEEK. At mold temperatures below 160\u00b0C, the material quenches into an amorphous state with crystallinity below 10%. The part looks fine but has poor chemical resistance, low stiffness, and unpredictable dimensional stability.<\/p>\n<p>You need 30\u201335% crystallinity for most structural applications, and that requires the mold surface to be hot enough for crystal nuclei to grow during the cooling phase. Heated oil circulation systems are standard for PEEK molds. Electric cartridge heaters work for smaller tools but struggle with uniformity on large parting surfaces. Expect mold temperature controllers rated to 250\u00b0C minimum.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"text-align:center;margin:2em 0;\">\n<img width=\"800\" height=\"457\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53497\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components.webp\" alt=\"PEEK plastic injection mold components\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-mold-components-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK mold components<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>\u0421\u043a\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c \u0438 \u0434\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u0432\u043f\u0440\u044b\u0441\u043a\u0430<\/h3>\n<p>PEEK&#8217;s viscosity at processing temperature (200\u2013400 Pa\u00b7s at 380\u00b0C, 1000\/s) is manageable but significantly higher than POM or PA66. Use moderate-to-fast injection speeds (fill in 1\u20133 seconds for most parts) to prevent premature freeze-off. Packing pressure should be 60\u201380% of injection pressure, held for 5\u201315 seconds depending on wall thickness. PEEK&#8217;s volumetric shrinkage of 1.0\u20131.4% means adequate packing prevents sink marks on thick sections.<\/p>\n<p>Cooling time dominates PEEK cycle economics. Because the mold runs at 175\u2013200\u00b0C, parts cannot be ejected until the core temperature drops below Tg (143\u00b0C). For a 3mm wall section, expect 20\u201340 seconds of cooling depending on mold design complexity. Thicker sections compound this \u2014 a 6mm boss adds 15\u201325 seconds to the cycle. This is why PEEK part design should minimize wall thickness variation and avoid unnecessarily thick features.<\/p>\n<h2>What Mold Design Considerations Apply to PEEK?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK molds are not standard molds with higher heater ratings. The combination of high melt temperature, high mold temperature, and abrasive fillers (if used) demands <a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%ba%d1%82%d0%b8%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%81-%d1%84%d0%be%d1%80%d0%bc-%d0%b4%d0%bb%d1%8f-%d0%bb%d0%b8%d1%82%d1%8c%d1%8f-%d0%bf-3\/\">\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0435\u043a\u0442\u0438\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441-\u0444\u043e\u0440\u043c \u0434\u043b\u044f \u043b\u0438\u0442\u044c\u044f \u043f\u043e\u0434 \u0434\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435\u043c<\/a><sup id=\"fnref1:3\"><a href=\"#fn:3\" class=\"footnote-ref\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Steel selection matters. For unfilled PEEK at moderate volumes (under 500,000 cycles), hardened H13 at 48\u201352 HRC is adequate. For glass or carbon-filled grades, consider S136 or DC53 at 54\u201358 HRC. The fillers act as abrasives at injection velocities, accelerating gate and cavity surface wear. We have measured 0.05mm gate diameter increase per 10,000 cycles on 30% GF PEEK \u2014 unacceptable for tight-tolerance parts.<\/p>\n<p>Runner and gate design follows high-temperature principles. Insulated hot runners with internal heater zones prevent PEEK from freezing in the manifold. Valve-gated hot runners give the best control over fill sequence and eliminate gate vestige. If using cold runners, keep them short and generous in diameter \u2014 PEEK does not forgive thin, long flow paths the way PP does.<\/p>\n<p>Ejection requires care because PEEK at 175\u00b0C mold temperature is still relatively soft. Use large-area ejector pins or stripper plates to distribute ejection force. Air ejection is preferred when part geometry allows. Draft angles of 1\u20133\u00b0 minimum, more for deep cores. Undercuts require mechanical side actions \u2014 PEEK is too stiff at ejection temperature for forced demolding.<\/p>\n<div class=\"claim claim-true\" style=\"background-color: #eff7ef; border-color: #eff7ef; color: #5a8a5a;\">\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#16a34a\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M9 16.17L4.83 12l-1.42 1.41L9 19 21 7l-1.41-1.41z\"\/><\/svg><b>&#8220;PEEK can be sterilized by autoclave, ethylene oxide, and gamma irradiation without losing mechanical integrity.&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"claim-true-or-false\">\u041f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u0434\u0430<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"claim-explanation\">PEEK withstands over 1,000 autoclave cycles at 134\u00b0C. Gamma irradiation up to 100 kGy causes less than 5% change in tensile strength. This is why PEEK dominates the implant-grade thermoplastic market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"claim claim-false\" style=\"background-color: #f7e8e8; border-color: #f7e8e8; color: #8a4a4a;\">\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#dc2626\" stroke-width=\"2\"><line x1=\"18\" y1=\"6\" x2=\"6\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"6\" y1=\"6\" x2=\"18\" y2=\"18\"\/><\/svg><b>&#8220;Any injection molding shop can run PEEK on their existing equipment without modification.&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"claim-true-or-false\">\u041b\u043e\u0436\u044c<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"claim-explanation\">PEEK requires barrel temperatures of 370\u2013400\u00b0C and mold temperatures of 175\u2013200\u00b0C. Most commodity machines max out at 350\u00b0C barrels. Standard water-based mold controllers cannot exceed 100\u00b0C. Running PEEK on unmodified equipment produces parts with incomplete crystallinity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What Are the Most Common Defects in PEEK Molding?<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"text-align:center;margin:2em 0;\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53496\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear.webp\" alt=\"Precision PEEK injection molded gear\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molding-gear-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK precision gear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>PEEK defects differ from commodity resins because the processing temperatures are so far from what most molders experience daily. Here are the five we see most often:<\/p>\n<p>1. <strong>Incomplete crystallinity.<\/strong> This is the most insidious defect because the part looks fine. Cause: mold temperature below 160\u00b0C. Test: DSC scan shows crystallinity below 25%. Fix: raise mold temperature to 175\u2013200\u00b0C, or specify a fast-crystallizing PEEK grade (these nucleate at lower temperatures).<\/p>\n<p>2. <strong>Silver streaks and splay.<\/strong> These are moisture-related surface defects. Cause: insufficient drying or hopper residence time too long (PEEK reabsorbs moisture from humid shop air). Fix: ensure dryer dew point below -30\u00b0C, use hopper covers, limit exposed residence time to under 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>3. <strong>Internal voids.<\/strong> These are vacuum voids inside thick sections. Cause: insufficient packing pressure or premature gate freeze. Fix: increase hold pressure, verify gate size is adequate for the wall thickness.<\/p>\n<p>4. <strong>Thermal degradation.<\/strong> Brown or black discoloration, sometimes with surface roughness. Cause: melt temperature above 410\u00b0C, or extended residence time in the barrel. Fix: reduce barrel temperatures, purge more frequently.<\/p>\n<p>5. <strong>Warpage.<\/strong> Differential shrinkage between crystalline and amorphous regions. Cause: uneven mold temperature distribution. Fix: verify oil flow circuit covers the entire cavity uniformly, use flow restrictors to balance cooling.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do You Post-Process PEEK Parts?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK accepts most post-processing operations, but its toughness and chemical resistance make some operations slower and more expensive than with other thermoplastics.<\/p>\n<p>Annealing is the most important post-processing step for PEEK. If your part was molded at less than ideal mold temperature, annealing at 200\u2013220\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours (depending on wall thickness) can raise crystallinity from 15\u201320% to 30\u201335%. The tradeoff: annealing causes 0.5\u20131.0% dimensional shrinkage as amorphous regions crystallize. Design the mold with this compensation in mind if you plan to anneal.<\/p>\n<p>CNC machining of PEEK is straightforward with sharp carbide tools. Use high spindle speeds (10,000+ RPM) and moderate feed rates. PEEK machines cleanly without burring, but its low thermal conductivity means heat builds up at the tool tip \u2014 use air blast cooling, not liquid coolant (which some medical applications prohibit anyway).<\/p>\n<figure style=\"text-align:center;margin:2em 0;\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53494\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts.webp\" alt=\"Assorted PEEK injection molded parts\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-parts-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK molded parts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"background:#fffbeb;border-left:4px solid #d97706;padding:12px 18px;margin:1em 0;border-radius:4px;\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always stress-relieve PEEK parts before CNC machining \u2014 residual molding stresses can cause dimensional drift if you cut first and anneal later.<\/div>\n<p>Sterilization compatibility is a key advantage for medical PEEK. It withstands autoclaving (134\u00b0C, 18 minutes), ethylene oxide, gamma irradiation up to 100 kGy, and plasma sterilization without significant property loss. This is why PEEK dominates the implant-grade thermoplastic market.<\/p>\n<p>Coating and plating: PEEK accepts PVD coatings (TiN, CrN) for enhanced wear resistance in dynamic sealing applications. Adhesion requires plasma surface treatment before coating. Electroless nickel plating is also possible with proper surface activation, creating electrically conductive PEEK for EMI shielding applications.<\/p>\n<h2>How Does PEEK Compare to Other High-Performance Polymers?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK is not the only high-temperature thermoplastic, and it is not always the right choice. Understanding where it wins and loses against alternatives saves money and engineering grief.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1.5em 0;\">\n<caption style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.5em;\">PEEK vs Alternative High-Performance Polymers<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">\u041d\u0435\u0434\u0432\u0438\u0436\u0438\u043c\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">PEEK<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">PPSU<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">PEI (Ultem)<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;background:#f5f5f5;\">LCP<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Tg (\u00b0C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">143<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">220<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">217<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">100\u2013280<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Tm (\u00b0C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">343<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u041d\u0443\u0436\u043d\u043e \u043b\u0438 \u044d\u0442\u043e<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u041d\u0443\u0436\u043d\u043e \u043b\u0438 \u044d\u0442\u043e<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">280\u2013350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Tensile (MPa)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">90\u2013100<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">70\u201380<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">100\u2013110<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">140\u2013200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Chemical Resist.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u041f\u0440\u0435\u0432\u043e\u0441\u0445\u043e\u0434\u043d\u043e<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u0425\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0448\u043e<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u0423\u043c\u0435\u0440\u0435\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u041f\u0440\u0435\u0432\u043e\u0441\u0445\u043e\u0434\u043d\u043e<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Cost ($\/kg)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">80\u2013150<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">40\u201370<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">25\u201350<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">30\u201380<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">\u041b\u0443\u0447\u0448\u0435\u0435 \u0434\u043b\u044f<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Harsh env. + medical<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Impact + transparency<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Strength + cost<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:8px;\">Thin-wall electronic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>PPSU wins on impact resistance and transparency (amber tint), and costs half as much. But it cannot match PEEK&#8217;s chemical resistance or continuous use temperature. PEI (Ultem) offers similar strength at lower cost with excellent inherent flame retardancy \u2014 but its chemical resistance is poor (stress cracking in chlorinated solvents). LCP excels at thin-wall electronic connectors with exceptional flow, but its anisotropic properties (strong in flow direction, weak transverse) limit structural applications.<\/p>\n<h2>What Industries Rely on PEEK Injection Molding?<\/h2>\n<p>PEEK&#8217;s combination of properties opens doors in industries where other plastics simply cannot perform. Here are the sectors where we see the most demand:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" class=\"wp-image-53244\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1.jpg\" alt=\"Translucent Plastic Raw Material and Products\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c7266e1f-ae85-42e7-a213-ef8cfc54f57f-800x457-1-600x343.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"text-align:center;font-size:0.78em;color:#888;font-style:italic;\">Translucent Plastic Raw Material and Products<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>PEEK fasteners replace stainless steel bolts in aerospace secondary structures, cutting weight by up to 60% while maintaining tensile strength above 90 MPa. Flame-retardant PEEK grades meet FAR 25.853 smoke and toxicity requirements for aircraft interior components.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medical implants:<\/strong> Spinal interbody cages, dental healing abutments, trauma fixation plates. PEEK&#8217;s elastic modulus (3.6 GPa) closely matches cortical bone (10\u201320 GPa), reducing stress shielding compared to titanium (110 GPa). Its radiolucency means X-rays and MRIs show the bone clearly without implant artifacts<\/p>\n<h3>Aerospace and Automotive Applications<\/h3>\n<p>Aerospace: Bracket mounts, cable insulation, fuel system components, bearing cages. PEEK replaces aluminum in secondary structures, saving 40\u201360% weight while maintaining structural integrity at 250\u00b0C. FAA and EASA certification requires extensive material qualification testing.<\/p>\n<p>Oil and gas: Downhole seals, pump wear rings, electrical connectors, probe housings. PEEK survives H\u2082S exposure, high-pressure steam, and temperatures exceeding 200\u00b0C at depth. Carbon-filled PEEK grades handle the mechanical loads; unfilled grades handle the sealing functions.<\/p>\n<p>Semiconductor: Wafer handling components, clean room fixtures, CMP retaining rings. PEEK&#8217;s low particle generation, outgassing resistance, and ability to withstand plasma etching environments make it one of the few polymers approved for Class 1 clean room tooling.<\/p>\n<p>Automotive: Transmission seals, piston components, electrical connectors in EV battery systems. The shift toward electric vehicles has increased PEEK demand for high-temperature electrical insulation where traditional materials (PBT, PA66) cannot survive the thermal cycling.<\/p>\n<p>Oil and gas applications leverage PEEK for downhole electrical connectors and seal rings, where continuous operation at 200\u00b0C in hydrogen sulfide environments disqualifies most engineering plastics. The material&#8217;s chemical inertness across pH 1\u201314 makes it one of the few polymers rated for sour gas service.<\/p>\n<h2>What Design Guidelines Apply to PEEK Parts?<\/h2>\n<p>Designing for PEEK follows standard injection molding principles with a few high-temperature adjustments:<\/p>\n<h3>Wall Thickness Guidelines<\/h3>\n<p>Wall thickness: 0.8\u20135.0mm. Below 0.8mm, the high melt viscosity makes filling difficult even at 400\u00b0C. Above 5mm, the long cooling cycle required for crystallinity development makes production expensive. Uniform wall thickness is critical \u2014 variations cause differential crystallinity and warpage.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components.webp\" alt=\"PEEK precision molded components showing threaded fasteners\" class=\"wp-image-53507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/plastic-injection-molded-components-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK precision components<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Draft: 1\u20133\u00b0 minimum, more for deep draws. PEEK&#8217;s stiffness at ejection temperature (175\u00b0C) means it does not flex over undercuts the way polyolefins do. Side actions or lifter mechanisms are required for any undercut features.<\/p>\n<p>Radii: All inside corners minimum 0.5mm radius. PEEK&#8217;s notch sensitivity means sharp internal corners act as stress concentrators. External corners benefit from radii too, for mold fill and ejection reasons.<\/p>\n<p>Tolerances: \u00b10.1\u20130.3mm for unfilled PEEK, tighter for filled grades (which shrink less). Shrinkage is 1.0\u20131.4% unfilled, 0.1\u20130.8% filled. Tool compensation must account for the intended crystallinity level \u2014 parts molded at 200\u00b0C mold temp shrink more than those at 175\u00b0C because higher crystallinity increases volumetric shrinkage.<\/p>\n<h3>PEEK Insert Molding<\/h3>\n<p>Insert molding: PEEK bonds well to metal inserts during overmolding, achieving insert pull-out strengths of 2\u20135 kN depending on insert geometry and knurl pattern. The high processing temperature ensures the polymer flows into fine surface features on the metal insert. However, the thermal expansion mismatch between PEEK (CTE 40\u201355 \u00d7 10\u207b\u2076\/\u00b0C) and steel (CTE 11\u201312 \u00d7 10\u207b\u2076\/\u00b0C) creates residual stress at the interface. Design inserts with sufficient mechanical interlocking rather than relying on adhesion alone.<\/p>\n<p>Joining methods: PEEK can be ultrasonically welded using 40 kHz equipment with higher amplitude settings. Vibration welding often produces more reliable hermetic seals with 80\u201390% parent material strength.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About PEEK Injection Molding?<\/h2>\n<h3>Can PEEK be injection molded on standard machines?<\/h3>\n<p>Your machine needs a barrel rated to 420\u00b0C minimum, capable of maintaining 370\u2013400\u00b0C without excessive residence time degradation. Most modern machines with bimetallic barrels and high-temperature screw designs handle PEEK. The bigger challenge is the mold temperature controller \u2014 standard water-based units max out at 90\u2013100\u00b0C, but PEEK needs 175\u2013200\u00b0C oil circulation. Budget for heated oil controllers if your shop does not already have them.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the typical cycle time for PEEK parts?<\/h3>\n<p>Cycle time for PEEK is 2\u20133\u00d7 longer than commodity resins because the mold must maintain 175\u2013200\u00b0C for proper crystallization, and cooling from that temperature takes longer than cooling from 60\u00b0C. A 3mm wall thickness PEEK part typically runs 30\u201360 second cycles depending on geometry. The crystallinity requirement is the bottleneck \u2014 you cannot rush it without sacrificing part performance.<\/p>\n<h3>Is PEEK food safe?<\/h3>\n<p>Unfilled PEEK complies with FDA 21 CFR and EU 10\/2011 food contact regulations. It is used in food processing equipment, dairy components, and brewing applications where chemical resistance and high-temperature stability are required. Filled grades require separate compliance verification.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile.webp\" alt=\"PEEK fasteners with hexagonal socket heads\" class=\"wp-image-53508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile.webp 800w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/beige-plastic-screws-pile-600x343.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">PEEK threaded fasteners<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For complex PEEK geometries, we recommend prototype tooling with standardized insert pockets. This allows rapid iteration on gate location, cooling channel placement, and ejection strategy before committing to production tooling investment.<\/p>\n<h3>How does PEEK compare to metal for structural applications?<\/h3>\n<p>Unfilled PEEK replaces aluminum in low-to-moderate load applications at roughly one-third the weight. Carbon-filled PEEK at 200+ MPa tensile strength competes with some magnesium and zinc die castings. The advantage is never raw strength \u2014 it is the combination of corrosion immunity, weight reduction, design integration, and elimination of secondary finishing operations.<\/p>\n<h3>Can PEEK be colored or pigmented?<\/h3>\n<p>Natural PEEK is pale tan to light brown. Pigmented grades are available in black, green, and blue for medical color-coding applications. Color concentrates must be rated for PEEK processing temperatures above 370\u00b0C. Standard color masterbatches designed for commodity resins will degrade at PEEK melt temperatures.<\/p>\n<h3>What surface finish can PEEK achieve?<\/h3>\n<p>PEEK replicates mold surface texture faithfully. SPI A-2 mirror finish is achievable on polished S136 or hardened stainless molds. VDI textured surfaces transfer well. PEEK&#8217;s natural color (pale tan to light brown) means that high-gloss surfaces show slight color variation between crystalline and amorphous regions \u2014 a cosmetic issue only, not structural. Pigmented PEEK grades mask this effect entirely.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f9f0;border-left:4px solid #16a34a;padding:18px 22px;margin:1.5em 0;border-radius:6px;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#15803d;margin:0 0 8px 0;\">\ud83c\udfed Factory Insight: High-Temperature Molding Capability<\/h3>\n<p>Running PEEK at 400\u00b0C melt temperature and 200\u00b0C mold temperature demands equipment that most general-purpose shops simply don&#8217;t have. With 47 injection molding machines ranging from 90T to 1850T \u2014 including dedicated high-temperature barrels and oil-heated mold systems \u2014 the shop floor is equipped to handle engineering polymers like PEEK, PEI, and PPSU in production volumes. If you&#8217;re considering a PEEK project, reach out early: material drying, barrel cleaning, and cycle optimization for semi-crystalline polymers all require advance planning that saves time and cost down the line.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can PEEK be injection molded on standard machines?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the typical cycle time for PEEK parts?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is PEEK food safe?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How does PEEK compare to metal for structural applications?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can PEEK be colored or pigmented?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What surface finish can PEEK achieve?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"See article for details.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/blue-plastic-injection-mold.webp\" alt=\"Precision injection mold for high-performance polymer parts\" class=\"wp-image-53253\"\/><figcaption style=\"font-size:0.78em; color:#888; font-style:italic; margin-top:4px; text-align:center;\">Precision mold for engineering polymers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"footnotes-sep\" \/>\n<section class=\"footnotes\">\n<ol>\n<li id=\"fn:1\">\n<p>PEEK belongs to the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics, first developed by Victrex plc in the 1980s. <a href=\"#fnref1:1\" class=\"footnote-backref\">\u21a9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"fn:2\">\n<p>Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which molten material is injected into a mold cavity under pressure to form a desired shape. <a href=\"#fnref1:2\" class=\"footnote-backref\">\u21a9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"fn:3\">\n<p>Injection mold design refers to the engineering process of creating the tooling that defines the geometry, cooling channels, and ejection system for molded parts. <a href=\"#fnref1:3\" class=\"footnote-backref\">\u21a9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f7ff; border:1px solid #2563eb; border-radius:8px; padding:1.5em; margin:2em 0; text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em;\">Need PEEK Parts Manufactured Right?<\/strong<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 1em; font-size:0.95em;\">ZetarMold operates 45 injection machines including high-temperature capability up to 400\u00b0C+, with ISO 13485 certified quality systems for medical-grade PEEK production.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/%d1%81%d0%b2%d1%8f%d0%b7%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%8c%d1%81%d1%8f-%d1%81-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d0%bc%d0%b8\/\" style=\"background:#2563eb; color:white; padding:10px 24px; border-radius:6px; text-decoration:none; display:inline-block;\">Get a PEEK Molding Quote<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with Tg of 143\u00b0C and Tm of 343\u00b0C, costing $80\u2013150\/kg but delivering unmatched performance. Dry PEEK at 150\u00b0C for 3\u20135 hours before molding \u2014 residual moisture above 0.02% causes voids and reduced mechanical properties. Process PEEK at 370\u2013400\u00b0C melt temperature with 175\u2013200\u00b0C mold temperature to achieve proper [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"PEEK Injection Molding: Processing Guide for Engineers","_seopress_titles_desc":"Complete guide to PEEK injection molding: processing parameters 370-400\u00b0C, mold design, defects, post-processing, and industry applications for engineers.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[134,132,133],"meta_box":{"post-to-quiz_to":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39825"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39825"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39825\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zetarmold.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}