Peek injection is a process that allows injection molding companies to inject high-performance plastics like polyether ether ketone (PEEK) into small parts with tight dimensional tolerances. This allows for greater design flexibility than conventional injection molding methods. However, it is important to note that PEEK is a sensitive material that requires special care during processing and injection. Some of the most common PEEK injection molded defects include silver streaks, cold material points, and porosity. These defects can cause problems with a product’s function or appearance.
The PEEK injection molding process involves injecting molten PEEK into a mold cavity and then rapidly cooling it down to solidify the part. It is a difficult process to master because the melting point of PEEK is higher than other thermoplastics. As a result, the melt needs to be injected quickly and precisely to avoid over-molding and other defects. Peek injection helps ensure that the injection process is as seamless as possible.
PEEK is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic that has excellent thermal and mechanical properties. It is a high-performance material used in many industries, including medical and aerospace. Its strength, ductility, and durability are a result of its unique molecular structure. PEEK can be molded into complex shapes, and it is resistant to corrosion and fatigue. It can also withstand multiple autoclaving cycles without compromising its mechanical properties.
Injection molding companies use PEEK for a variety of applications, including machine components and medical devices. Injection molded PEEK has the chemical resistance and strength needed to replace metal in some applications. PEEK is biocompatible, making it suitable for medical device manufacturing. It can withstand more than 1,000 autoclaving cycles without affecting its mechanical properties, and it is resistant to gamma radiation and EtO sterilization methods.
One of the most common problems with injection molded PEEK is silver streaks near the gate. These streaks are usually caused by gas or moisture that is generated during the plasticization process. To prevent these streaks, it is important to make sure the injection machine is properly set up for PEEK. This includes ensuring that the pressure holding is not set too high and that the injection temperature is accurate.
Increasing the injection pressure can reduce the incidence of these defects, but it should not be done at the expense of the overall product quality. Injection pressures above 2,000 bar can cause a number of other problems, including warpage and shrinkage. To prevent these issues, it is important to consult with a plastics expert to determine the ideal injection pressure for your specific application.
In this study, the resin mould with low glass transition temperature was used for injection molding of PEEK. ANSYS software was used to analyze the temperature change in the resin mould during the injection molding process. Optimum injection parameters were obtained through orthogonal experiments. The mechanical properties of the PEEK samples were tested by a tensile tester. The results showed that the optimum injection parameters significantly improved the tensile strength of the PEEK samples.