High-performance thermoplastics such as PEEK are increasingly used in aerospace, defense and military-related engineering applications where extreme operating conditions demand lightweight materials with exceptional thermal, chemical and mechanical performance.
Compared with traditional metallic materials, PEEK offers a unique combination of high temperature resistance, dimensional stability, wear resistance and low weight, making it one of the most advanced engineering plastics available today.
This article explains which PEEK grades are commonly used in aerospace and military-related environments, their technical differences and which stock shapes are available from Plastix Factory.
What is PEEK?
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a semi-crystalline high-performance thermoplastic belonging to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family.
PEEK is widely specified across aerospace, semiconductor, oil & gas, medical and defense-related industries due to its exceptional combination of:
• high continuous service temperature
• outstanding mechanical strength
• excellent chemical resistance
• low moisture absorption
• very good wear properties
• dimensional stability under load
• low smoke and low outgassing characteristics
• excellent machinability
PEEK is increasingly replacing metallic materials in selected engineering applications where weight reduction, corrosion elimination and long-term reliability are critical.
What is PEEK Natural?
PEEK Natural is the unfilled base grade and offers the best balance between mechanical properties, chemical resistance and electrical insulation performance.
It is commonly used for:
• precision machined components
• semiconductor-adjacent applications
• electrical insulation parts
• lightweight structural components
• chemically aggressive environments
PEEK Natural also offers excellent hydrolysis resistance and can operate continuously at elevated temperatures.
What is PEEK CF30?
PEEK CF30 is reinforced with 30 percent carbon fibre.
The addition of carbon fibres significantly increases stiffness, dimensional stability and compressive strength while reducing thermal expansion.
PEEK CF30 is widely specified for:
• aerospace structures
• high-load brackets
• precision positioning systems
• structural engineering components
• applications requiring maximum rigidity
Compared with unfilled PEEK, PEEK CF30 provides substantially improved mechanical performance under high load conditions.
What is PEEK GF30?
PEEK GF30 is reinforced with 30 percent glass fibre.
Compared with PEEK Natural, PEEK GF30 offers:
• increased rigidity
• improved compressive strength
• improved dimensional stability
• very good electrical insulation properties
PEEK GF30 is commonly specified for:
• technical housings
• mechanically loaded insulation components
• support structures
• aerospace and industrial engineering applications
What is PEEK HPV?
PEEK HPV is a tribologically optimised grade designed for low friction and enhanced wear resistance.
It contains carbon fibre, graphite and PTFE additives to improve sliding performance under dynamic operating conditions.
PEEK HPV is frequently used for:
• bearings
• bushings
• sliding elements
• wear pads
• dynamic motion systems
Compared with standard PEEK grades, PEEK HPV offers significantly improved tribological performance.
Why is PEEK used in aerospace and military-related applications?
PEEK materials are increasingly selected for aerospace and military-related engineering applications because they can contribute to:
• significant weight reduction
• corrosion elimination
• reduced maintenance requirements
• improved fuel and energy efficiency
• long-term dimensional stability
• excellent performance in harsh environments
PEEK also maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures where many conventional engineering plastics cannot operate reliably.
Available Forms
Plastix Factory supplies PEEK in multiple stock shapes and custom CNC-machined finished parts.
Available forms include:
• PEEK sheets
• PEEK rods
• PEEK hollow rods / tubes
• CNC-machined PEEK finished parts
Multiple PEEK grades and modifications are available including:
• PEEK Natural
• PEEK CF30
• PEEK GF30
• PEEK HPV
Summary
PEEK is one of the most advanced high-performance engineering plastics available today and is increasingly replacing metallic materials across aerospace, semiconductor and military-related engineering sectors.
Depending on the application requirements, different PEEK grades offer optimised performance in terms of rigidity, wear resistance, dimensional stability or electrical insulation properties.
Plastix Factory supplies high-quality PEEK stock shapes and CNC-machined components for demanding industrial applications worldwide.
Request a Quote
Plastix Factory supplies PEEK sheets, rods, tubes and CNC-machined finished parts from international production facilities in Austria, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Contact our technical team or visit our B2B portal at plastixfactory.com/store to place your order.