Machining PEEK MOD ESD90 black

PEEK MOD ESD90 black is a tribologically modified polyetheretherketone: carbon fibres increase stiffness and heat deflection temperature, the solid lubricants PTFE and graphite reduce friction and wear, and the dissipative setting discharges electrostatic charges in a controlled manner – the premium sliding material for bearings, bushings, valve and sealing elements up to 250 °C. This results in a higher tensile modulus than standard PEEK, a heat deflection temperature of 293 °C, a very low tendency to creep and low thermal expansion combined with excellent dry-running properties. The surface resistivity of 10⁶ to 10⁹ Ω makes the material electrostatically dissipative (ESD) and thus suitable for semiconductor and electronics environments. Like all PEEK grades, the material is flame retardant (UL 94 V0) and highly resistant to chemicals and radiation.

PEEK MOD ESD90 black can be machined using all conventional cutting methods; because of the high hardness, carbide tools with sharp cutting edges are recommended. Good cooling via chip removal remains important to avoid heat build-up and residual stresses in the part. For tight tolerances and thick-walled parts, we recommend intermediate annealing to relieve machining stresses; thanks to the low moisture absorption, no conditioning is required. Carbon-fibre-containing dust generated during machining must be extracted; do not heat PTFE-containing chips above 300 °C.

PEEK MOD ESD90 black is used wherever highly loaded sliding elements must run without lubrication at high temperatures in ESD-protected environments – for example in the semiconductor industry, electronics, mechanical engineering, conveyor technology and aerospace:

• Plain bearings, bushings and thrust washers
• Valve, seal and piston rings
• Wafer handling and ESD components

PEEK MOD ESD90 black is calculated individually based on drawing or sample. The part price is determined mainly by the semi-finished form and dimensions, material utilisation and offcuts, machining effort and batch size. We are happy to provide binding prices on request.

The limits of the material are equally important:

• Low elongation at break, more brittle than unfilled PEEK
• Fillers are abrasive to tools
• Not generally declared for food contact (see FDA declaration)
• High material cost compared to engineering plastics

An honest assessment:

• Advantage: Excellent sliding and wear properties, dry running possible
• Advantage: Higher tensile modulus than standard PEEK, HDT 293 °C
• Advantage: Very low tendency to creep and thermal expansion
• Advantage: Electrostatically dissipative (10⁶–10⁹ Ω)
• Disadvantage: Low elongation at break, more brittle than unfilled PEEK
• Disadvantage: Fillers are abrasive to tools
• Disadvantage: Not generally declared for food contact (see FDA declaration)
• Disadvantage: High material cost compared to engineering plastics