Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) are two high-performance thermoplastics that have become popular 3D printing materials for industrial applications in recent years. They are known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, making them ideal for a wide range of applications across industries.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of PEEK and PEKK as 3D printing materials, and compare the two to help you decide which one is best for your specific needs.

Benefits of PEEK as a 3D Printing Material

PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic that offers excellent mechanical and thermal properties. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, high temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. PEEK is also biocompatible and FDA approved, making it suitable for use in medical applications.

When used as a 3D printing material, PEEK can be extruded at temperatures up to 400°C, making it suitable for use with high-temperature 3D printers. It also offers excellent layer adhesion, making it ideal for printing large parts. PEEK is often used in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

Benefits of PEKK as a 3D Printing Material

PEKK is a newer 3D printing material that has gained popularity in recent years. It offers similar mechanical and thermal properties as PEEK, but with some added benefits. PEKK has a lower melting point than PEEK, which means it can be extruded at lower temperatures. This makes it easier to work with and can reduce the risk of warping or distortion during printing.

PEKK also has better chemical resistance than PEEK, making it ideal for use in harsh chemical environments. It is also biocompatible and FDA approved, making it suitable for use in medical applications.

When used as a 3D printing material, PEKK offers excellent layer adhesion and can be used to print parts with complex geometries. It is often used in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications, as well as in the production of orthopaedic implants.

Comparison of PEEK and PEKK

When comparing PEEK and PEKK as 3D printing materials, both offer exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use.

PEEK is a more established material and has been used in 3D printing for a longer period of time. It is also generally less expensive than PEKK. However, PEKK offers some advantages over PEEK, including lower extrusion temperatures, better chemical resistance, and the ability to print parts with complex geometries.

PEKK's ability to print parts with complex geometries is due to its low melting point and excellent layer adhesion. When 3D printing parts with complex geometries, it can be challenging to maintain the structural integrity of the printed object as the printer moves to different areas of the print bed. This can result in warping, cracking, or layer separation.

However, PEKK's lower extrusion temperature means that it is less prone to warping or distortion during printing. Additionally, its excellent layer adhesion means that each layer of the print adheres tightly to the previous layer, resulting in a strong and durable final product. This makes PEKK ideal for printing complex parts with intricate geometries, such as orthopaedic implants or aerospace components.

Overall, the combination of PEKK's low melting point and excellent layer adhesion make it an excellent choice for printing parts with complex geometries.

In terms of application, PEEK is often used in high-temperature environments, such as aerospace and automotive applications, while PEKK is often used in harsh chemical environments, such as in the production of orthopaedic implants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both PEEK and PEKK are exceptional 3D printing materials that offer unique benefits and are suitable for a wide range of applications. PEEK is a more established material and is generally less expensive, while PEKK offers some advantages over PEEK, including lower extrusion temperatures and better chemical resistance. Ultimately, the decision to use PEEK or PEKK will depend on your specific needs and the requirements of your application.