Cut to size calculator
Prices include VAT and cutting. Each piece is charged at the size step shown, so you always see exactly what you pay. Cut pieces are made to order. Delivery is calculated at checkout. For shapes, holes or large quantities, request a quote or call 01744 520110.
Description
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) rod in natural off-white, 450G grade, from 5mm up to 180mm diameter. PEEK is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a unique combination of high mechanical strength, temperature resistance from -50°C to +250°C and excellent chemical resistance. It is self-extinguishing according to UL 94 V0, food compliant, and ideal for demanding environments such as the aerospace and medical industries.
Why choose this PEEK rod
- Widest size range: 117 stock sizes, 5mm to 180mm diameter, in 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000mm lengths
- Any length you need: use the cut-to-length calculator on this page for an instant price on custom lengths, several pieces in one order
- Machining allowance built in: rods are supplied slightly oversize (see the tolerance table below) so you can machine accurately to the nominal size
- Clear pricing: prices include VAT and delivery is calculated at checkout from the real weight of your order
Material properties
PEEK is considered one of the highest-performing plastics materials in the world. It is very stable at high temperatures, with a continuous service temperature of 260°C, a short-term operating temperature of 300°C and a melting point of 343°C (higher than PTFE or PPS). Its tensile strength of 90–100 MPa makes it significantly stronger than materials like nylon and acetal: it is 53% harder than acetal, has 36% more tensile strength than nylon 6.6 and is almost 60% stiffer.
- Very stable at high temperatures
- Replaces stainless steel dry-running parts
- Excellent chemical resistance – resistant to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, insoluble in all common solvents
- Good resistance to radiation (gamma and X-ray) – it can absorb over 1000 units of radiation without noticeable loss of mechanical properties
- Low flammability – during combustion, smoke and toxic acid gas levels are the lowest of any thermoplastic
- Very good abrasion and high wear resistance, with excellent wear and slide properties
- Biocompatible and highly resistant to attack by organic and aqueous environments
- Can be used for thousands of hours at high temperature in steam or high-pressure water with no significant degradation
Applications and uses
PEEK rod is used for seals, back-up rings, valves, bearings, piston parts, pumps and compressor plate valves, and is used extensively in the aerospace, medical, automotive and chemical process industries. It serves as a metal replacement in high-temperature applications, is one of the few plastics compatible with vacuum applications, and is a key material in the oil and gas industry and in alternative energy equipment (solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and hydropower).
Limitations
- Above 150°C its stiffness drops off significantly and its expansion rate increases – for close-tolerance bearings or seals running above 150°C, PAI (polyamide-imide) can be a better choice
- PEEK is not a shape memory polymer
- Its relatively high price (up to four times the cost of PTFE) makes it best suited to high-value parts rather than low-cost components
Machining and processing
Machining PEEK rod requires specific techniques to prevent surface cracks. Stress-relieve the material by annealing before machining, and for extended machining times anneal again before the finishing cuts. Use silicon carbide cutting tools for natural PEEK and machine dry where possible to protect biocompatibility; if a coolant is needed, pure water is preferred.
Diameter tolerances
PEEK rod is manufactured slightly oversize in diameter so you can produce very accurate parts within the nominal size and remove any minor surface imperfection.
| Nominal diameter (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 5 – 6 | +0.1 to +0.4 |
| 8 – 10 | +0.1 to +0.5 |
| 12 – 16 | +0.2 to +0.9 |
| 20 | +0.2 to +1.1 |
| 22 – 30 | +0.2 to +1.2 |
| 32 – 36 | +0.2 to +1.3 |
| 40 | +0.2 to +1.5 |
| 45 – 50 | +0.3 to +1.7 |
| 60 – 65 | +0.3 to +2.3 |
| 70 | +0.3 to +2.5 |
| 80 | +0.4 to +3.0 |
| 90 | +0.5 to +3.4 |
| 100 | +0.6 to +3.8 |
| 110 | +0.7 to +4.2 |
| 125 | +0.8 to +4.6 |
| 150 | +1.0 to +5.8 |
| 165 | +1.1 to +6.3 |
| 180 | +1.2 to +7.4 |
Cut lengths
- Cut lengths are sawn, so ends have a sawn finish – allow at least 4mm per cut for the width of the saw blade if you are cutting several pieces from one rod
- Saw cutting is not high-precision machining; for machined shapes or parts, request a quote
Specifications
- Material: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
- Grade: 450G
- Colour: Natural (off-white)
- Diameter range: 5mm to 180mm
- Stock lengths: 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000mm (depending on diameter)
- Temperature resistance: -50°C to +250°C
- Continuous service temperature: 260°C
- Short-term operating temperature: 300°C
- Melting point: 343°C
- Tensile strength: 90 – 100 MPa
- Flammability: self-extinguishing to UL 94 V0
- Food compliant: Yes – natural PEEK grades comply with FDA regulations for extensive food contact
- Chemical resistance: Excellent
- Radiation resistance: High
Benefits
- Safe for food contact
- Durable in high-temperature environments
- Long-lasting performance in demanding applications
- Reduced risk of degradation under radiation exposure
Use cases
- Seals
- Back-up rings
- Valves
- Bearings, piston parts, pumps and compressor plate valves
- Medical
- Aerospace
FAQ
Q: Is PEEK rod suitable for food applications?
A: Yes, natural PEEK grades comply with FDA regulations for extensive food contact.
Q: What is the temperature range for PEEK rod?
A: PEEK rod can withstand temperatures from -50°C to +250°C, with a continuous service temperature of 260°C and a short-term operating temperature of 300°C.
Q: Can PEEK rod be bonded?
A: Bonding PEEK rod is challenging due to its low surface energy, and it is recommended to consult a specialist adhesive supplier. Roughening the surface may help.
Q: What grade of PEEK rod is this?
A: 450G grade, in natural (off-white).
Q: Why is the rod slightly bigger than the size ordered?
A: PEEK rod is manufactured slightly oversize so it can be machined accurately to the nominal size – see the tolerance table above.
Q: Can I order a custom length?
A: Yes – enter your lengths in the cut-to-length calculator on this page for an instant price.
Q: Does PEEK rod have good wear resistance?
A: Yes, PEEK has very good abrasion and high wear resistance.
All sizes & prices
117 sizes · prices include VAT · tap a price to select that size
Need a size that isn't listed? We cut to order. Request a quote or call 01744 520110.