Cavity Pressure Sensor Selection Criteria for Thermoplastic Tooling
Select direct quartz sensors for cosmetic-free dynamic packing control; use indirect pin transducers where surface markings are forbidden by drawing tolerances.
Polyether Ether Ketone
Meaning
High performance semi crystalline thermoplastic known for mechanical and chemical resistance at high temperatures. This polyether ether ketone belongs to the polyaryletherketone family and is used in demanding aerospace applications. Because the resin maintains its structural properties even above two hundred degrees Celsius, it is a primary choice for metal replacement.
It withstands exposure to most organic chemicals and is not affected by steam sterilization.
Thermal Endurance
Outstanding heat resistance makes this material suitable for continuous use in extreme environments where other plastics would melt. The melting point of polyether ether ketone is approximately three hundred and forty degrees Celsius. Its glass transition temperature is also high, ensuring the part does not become soft under load.
This thermal profile requires specialized heating equipment on the injection moulding machine.
Processing Difficulty
Success in production depends on the high temperatures and precise cooling rates required to achieve the desired crystallinity. To mould polyether ether ketone successfully, the tool must be heated to at least one hundred and seventy degrees Celsius. If the mould is too cold, the part will remain amorphous and lack the chemical resistance and strength of the crystalline state.
High melt viscosity also necessitates large gates and high injection pressures to fill complex geometries. These conditions increase the wear on standard screws and barrels.
Mechanical Strength
High durability allows for the creation of thin walled parts that can handle high stresses. Even without reinforcement, polyether ether ketone offers one of the highest strength to weight ratios among engineering polymers. Its resistance to fatigue and creep means that components maintain their dimensions over long periods of use.