Processing
VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer can be used in a variety of processing techniques and equipment
VICTREX PEEK polymer is capable of being processed on conventional thermoplastic equipment. Unfilled and filled grades are supplied in the form of pellets, powder or ultra fine powder. Pellets are generally recommended for injection molding, extrusion, monofilament and wire coating operations. Powder is used for extrusion compounding, while fine powders are generally used for coating processes and compression molding.
Injection Molding
Most standard reciprocating screw injection molding machines are capable of molding unfilled and filled grades of VICTREX PEEK polymer. Complex and intricate high performance components can be mass-produced without annealing or conventional machining. Design and process variables such as machine design, barrel capacity, screw and mold design, and gating should be considered.
Extrusion
VICTREX PEEK polymer can be used in extrusion techniques and equipment including wire coating, profile extrusion, film, sheet and monofilament production. Unfilled and filled grades are readily extruded using conventional processing technology. There are specific requirements and considerations including machine design, extruder size and control and die design.
Compression Molding
As a general rule, compression-molded parts are more crystalline, have a higher modulus and tensile strength, are harder yet have a lower ductility and can be less tough. Milled fibers (glass and carbon) may be combined with VICTREX PEEK polymer for compression molding. Very thick sections may be subject to cracking and a post processing thermal treatment (annealing) should be used to relieve stresses.
Composites
VICTREX PEEK polymers are successfully used in a variety of forms (powder, film, filament) as a matrix material in the manufacture of advanced thermoplastic composite prepregs made of carbon, glass or aramid continuous fibers. VICTREX PEEK polymers are engineered to provide optimum impregnation of the reinforcing fibers and fiber- matrix interface.
Learn more. Download the VICTREX PEEK polymer processing guide.
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