Polyester-imide Glass Cloth Laminated Sheet (352)

Guide for PEEK sheet and PEEK plate – Differences, Advantages, Applications, and Machining Insights

PEEK sheet and PEEK plate

 

1. The Difference Between PEEK sheet and PEEK plate

While PEEK sheet and PEEK plate are both made from the high-performance thermoplastic Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), there are clear differences in thickness and application focus:

 

PEEK plate – Generally thicker, designed for structural and load-bearing applications where maximum rigidity and durability are critical.

PEEK sheet – Typically thinner, ideal for protective covers, insulation, and other flexible applications in engineering and manufacturing.

At YILONG, we offer a full range of PEEK sheet and plate thicknesses to meet various industrial and engineering requirements.

 

2. Advantages of YILONG PEEK sheet and PEEK plate Over Other Plastics

Whether you choose PEEK sheet or PEEK plate, YILONG products excel in areas where other engineering plastics fall short:

 

High Temperature Resistance – Continuous use temperature up to 250°C, withstanding short-term peaks without deformation.

Outstanding Chemical Resistance – Resistant to strong acids, alkalis, and most industrial chemicals, ideal for harsh chemical processing environments.

High Mechanical Strength and Stiffness – Maintains load-bearing capacity and structural integrity in demanding applications.

Dimensional Stability & Low Creep – Ensures accuracy in precision parts even under long-term mechanical stress.

Biocompatibility – Safe for use in medical devices and implants, and can endure multiple sterilization cycles.

 

Compared with common engineering plastics such as PA, POM, and PTFE, PEEK sheet and PEEK plate deliver superior performance in high-temperature, chemically aggressive, and mechanically demanding environments.

 

3. Typical Applications of PEEK sheet and Plate

The versatility of PEEK allows it to be widely used across multiple industries:

 

Aerospace – Brackets, clips, and fasteners that provide high strength with significant weight reduction.

Medical – Spinal fusion cages, joint replacements, and surgical instruments benefiting from biocompatibility, wear resistance, and sterilization capability.

Automotive – Piston components, bearings, and seals designed to operate reliably under high-temperature and low-lubrication conditions.

Electronics – Insulating parts, connectors, and PCB substrates requiring high dielectric strength and low moisture absorption.

Industrial Equipment – Pump parts, valve components, food-processing machinery, and oil & gas equipment exposed to corrosive chemicals and extreme service conditions.

 

YILONG supplies both standard PEEK sheets and plates, as well as custom-machined components tailored to customer specifications.

  

4. Machinability of PEEK sheet and PEEK plate

Both PEEK sheet and PEEK plate are compatible with standard machining processes, including:

 

Milling, turning, drilling, and tapping

Low moisture absorption for high dimensional accuracy during and after machining

Excellent surface finish achievable with proper tooling and cutting parameters

 

At YILONG, our advanced machining capabilities and skilled technicians ensure each PEEK part meets stringent precision requirements.

 

5. Limitations and Challenges in Machining PEEK

While machinable, PEEK does present specific challenges that require expertise and the right equipment:

 

High melting point (~343°C) – Poor temperature control during cutting can cause thermal degradation and affect surface quality.

High wear resistance – Causes significant tool wear, reducing tool life.

High heat generation – Can lead to thermal expansion and part distortion.

Flexibility and elasticity – May cause material deflection during cutting, impacting tolerances.

Low thermal conductivity – Traps heat at the cutting zone, increasing degradation risks.

YILONG Professional Solutions:

 

Use carbide or diamond-coated cutting tools for extended tool life.

Apply coolants or lubrication to manage cutting temperatures.

Employ specialized fixturing to prevent part movement and maintain accuracy.

 

Conclusion

Both PEEK sheet and PEEK plate offer unmatched thermal resistance, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. Across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, and industrial applications, YILONG PEEK materials deliver consistent, long-term reliability.

 

While machining PEEK requires careful process control, YILONG’s experience and advanced equipment allow us to produce high-precision, high-quality PEEK components that meet the most demanding specifications.