PEEK Screws: High-Performance Fasteners for Demanding Applications PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) screws are advanced fasteners designed for applications requiring exceptional mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. Made from high-performance thermoplastic polymers, PEEK screws offer unique advantages over traditional metal or standard plastic fasteners, making them ideal for industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing. Material Properties PEEK is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic known for its outstanding properties: - High-Temperature Resistance: PEEK retains its mechanical integrity at temperatures up to 250°C (482°F), making it suitable for extreme environments. - Chemical Resistance: It resists degradation from acids, bases, hydrocarbons, and steam, ensuring long-term reliability in corrosive conditions. - Mechanical Strength: Despite being a polymer, PEEK has tensile strength comparable to some metals, with excellent fatigue and creep resistance. - Lightweight: PEEK screws are significantly lighter than metal alternatives, reducing overall system weight—critical in aerospace and automotive applications. - Biocompatibility: PEEK is FDA-approved and widely used in medical implants and surgical instruments due to its compatibility with human tissue. Advantages Over Metal Screws Unlike metal fasteners, PEEK screws are non-conductive, non-magnetic, and resistant to galvanic corrosion. This makes them ideal for electronics, MRI machines, and other sensitive equipment where electromagnetic interference must be avoided. Additionally, PEEK’s low thermal expansion ensures stable performance in fluctuating temperatures. Applications - Medical Devices: Used in surgical tools, orthopedic implants, and dental equipment due to biocompatibility and sterilization compatibility (autoclave-resistant). - Aerospace: Replaces metal screws in aircraft interiors to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. - Semiconductor Manufacturing: Resists plasma etching and chemical exposure in cleanroom environments. - Oil & Gas: Withstands high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in downhole equipment. Design Considerations PEEK screws can be customized in thread type, head style (e.g., pan, flat, or countersunk), and drive type (Torx, Phillips, or hex). However, designers must account for PEEK’s lower shear strength compared to metals, ensuring proper load distribution. Thread-locking features or inserts may be used for high-stress applications. Conclusion PEEK screws represent a cutting-edge solution for industries demanding lightweight, durable, and chemically inert fasteners. Their ability to perform in harsh environments while meeting stringent regulatory standards makes them indispensable in modern engineering. As material science advances, PEEK fasteners will continue to replace metals in applications where weight, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation are critical.