I’m sure you have noticed the letters GF30, PEEK, and PEEK GF30 in many product descriptions, but what do they really mean? Just like how car companies use certain names that don’t really tell you what they are talking about (like with Acura), materials do this as well. Let’s take a closer look at Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), impact modified styrene acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (iSAS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene stereolithography material (PPS).
So, you want to learn about PEEK plastic? That’s great! There is a lot of confusion in this world about polymers. Look at the ingredients on your shampoo or toothpaste — find the word “polymer”. (Yes, your toothpaste has plastics too! No, it doesn’t make your teeth any better. Please don’t give me hate mail). Likewise, with PEEK, you might think it’s a type of plastic, but it isn’t. It is one of the toughest materials known to man, and might even be implemented in the next NASA mission to Jupiter (in case they need something sharp to cut through the atmosphere).
PEEK and PEEK glass fiber reinforced plastic
PEEK and PEEK GF30 is two thermoplastic molding processes that create three-dimensional parts without the use of investment casting molds. They are used to create complex and high-quality parts.
PEEK is short for Polyether Ether Ketone, and it’s a type of thermoplastic. It’s a form of plastic that is resistant to chemicals such as ketones, esters and ethers, making it highly desirable for laboratory equipment. It’s also known as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyetheretherketoneketone (PEET).
Because it’s plastic, the PEEK polymer rod isn’t as strong as other common materials used in scientific equipment. However, because it can tolerate chemicals, it’s often used in items like pipettes and reaction blocks. These tools are subjected to harsh chemicals on a regular basis, but PEEK can stand up to anything the lab throws at it.
Although you may see PEEK GF30 referred to as “PEEK glass fiber reinforced plastic,” this is quite accurate. PEEK is plastic itself, for machining usage reasons, you need to contact the PEEK GF30 rod supplier for the material. However, the fibers are often added to help with heating and cooling properties.
You might be surprised to learn that a PEEK GF30 is actually a cutting board. But it’s actually a pretty cool cutting board, because on one side you have a plain surface where you can chop and prepare food, and the other side is textured so when you flip it over, it’s like a little cheese grater. That textured side is great for grating fresh nutmeg or zesting lemons. They’re also great for making garlic paste to use in recipes because the holes are so tiny and evenly distributed, but they don’t get clogged up as garlic presses do.
PPS polymer
PPS is known for its strength and durability, and for being well-suited to repeated use. It is also used in a variety of other products, including wire and cable coating, valves, fastening systems, automotive components, and more.
What is the difference between PEEK and PPS? Both are high-performance engineering plastics that are used in many different applications. PEEK has higher carbon content while PPS is more stable in extreme temperatures.
Tensile strength is an important characteristic of any engineering plastic and both PEEK and PPS polymer sheet have high tensile strength properties. They both have a tensile strength of 3000 psi (pounds per square inch). The difference is that PEEK has a higher flexural modulus, meaning it is stiffer than PPS.
PEEK also has higher thermal stability than PPS, holding up better to extended exposure to heat or cold, but both have excellent thermal resistance compared to other engineering plastics.
