PEEK, natural (unfilled)
Polyetheretherketone
Metal-replacement performance in a machinable thermoplastic.
Unfilled PEEK combines high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and a continuous service temperature far above most engineering plastics. It's the workhorse grade most distributors stock and most AVLs already qualify.
Specs
- Density
- 0.0473 lb/in³
- Stock thicknesses
- 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 in
- Sheet size
- 48 x 24 in
- Brands available
- Ensinger TECAPEEK natural, Mitsubishi Ketron PEEK, Victrex PEEK plate, Roechling Sustapeek
Price depends on size, quantity, tolerance and finish - get an exact number for this material in seconds.
Handling notice
- PEEK, natural (unfilled) carries residual stress from how the plate was made. Cutting it free lets that stress release, and a 12x12 blank can bow 0.010-0.025 in within 48 hours. Stress-relief annealing is available at quote time.
Why this material
Start here unless a specific requirement points elsewhere. Natural PEEK holds tolerance well, is the most commonly AVL-approved grade, and costs less than the glass- or carbon-filled variants.
Typical applications
- Bearings, bushings and wear components in high-temperature equipment
- Semiconductor process tooling
- Medical instrument housings and surgical tool components
- Seal and valve parts exposed to steam or aggressive chemicals
- Aerospace brackets and structural ducting
Handling notes
- Avoid sharp internal corners in downstream machining - PEEK is notch-sensitive in thin sections.
Questions
Can PEEK be autoclaved?
Yes. Natural PEEK tolerates repeated steam sterilization better than almost any other machinable thermoplastic, which is why it shows up throughout medical instrumentation.
Does PEEK need to be annealed?
Not for most applications, but it carries internal stress from how the sheet was made - see the residual stress note above. If your part holds a tight tolerance or a stressed geometry, annealing is worth the extra day.
How does natural PEEK compare to the glass- or carbon-filled grades?
Natural PEEK is tougher and easier to machine to a fine finish. The filled grades trade some of that toughness for higher stiffness and better wear resistance.
Related materials
PEEK, 30% glass filled
Polyetheretherketone
Glass-reinforced PEEK for higher stiffness and dimensional stability under load.
PEEK, 30% carbon filled
Polyetheretherketone
Carbon-reinforced PEEK for wear resistance and electrical conductivity.