Material Comparison
When selecting high-performance plastics for demanding applications, understanding their distinct qualities is essential. Each of these advanced thermoplastics offers unique characteristics—such as heat and chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility—that make them ideal for specialized uses in industries ranging from aerospace to medical and electronics. These comparisons will help you identify the ideal plastic for your application by examining critical properties, processing capabilities, and overall performance in high-stress environments. Whether you need cost-effective durability or extreme thermal resistance, find the plastic that meets your specific project needs.
PEEK vs. Ultem
Both high-performance thermoplastics, PEEK and Ultem, demonstrate various material features that make them a favorable choice for thermal or electrical applications. Some key material differences include:
- Heat Resistance: Semi-crystalline PEEK offers higher heat resistance, able to withstand performance at temperatures seeing 500º. Ultem is an amorphous plastic with a maximum continuous operating temperature of 340º and may rubberize over time if subjected to excessive heat.
- Chemical Resistance: Both materials feature excellent chemical resistance. Ultem resists a wide range of chemicals and meets strict fire safety standards, while PEEK has superior resistance and is only dissolvable in concentrated sulphuric or nitric acid.
- Mechanical Properties: While both materials provide excellent electrical insulation, PEEK offers friction and wear properties through high tensile strength, flexibility, and impact resistance to maintain structural integrity. On the other hand, Ultem offers tensile strength and impact resistance for durability.
- Processing Capability: Ultem can be easily machined or processed in material processing operations, but PEEK’s higher resistance capabilities may make it more challenging to process. However, PEEK is compatible with CNC milling in its solid state.
- Cost: As one of the most expensive thermoplastics available, PEEK has exceptional material characteristics for demanding applications, while Ultem is more cost-effective and demonstrates many similar properties.
Ultem and PEEK are widely popular across industries. These materials are both ideal for aerospace, automotive, and electrical applications. PEEK is also used in oil and gas, medical devices, and semiconductor manufacturing applications, where Ultem is commonly found in consumer goods.
Vespel vs. PEEK
When it comes to high-performance plastics, Vespel and PEEK offer similar thermal characteristics, electrical properties, creep resistance, and machinability. But, there are key differences between these polymer materials:
- Chemical Resistance: Both materials demonstrate chemical resistance, with Vespel being highly resistant to chemical corrosion. However, PEEK offers superior chemical resistance, where only a few chemicals can damage this material.
- Operating Temperature: These polymer plastics can operate at high temperatures, with PEEK performing continuously at temperatures as high as 500º. Vespel can withstand much higher temperatures, up to 900º, for shortened periods.
- Mechanical Characteristics: While both plastics offer mechanical strength, PEEK is high-strength for toughness, demonstrating fatigue resistance, stress-crack resistance, and stiffness. On the other hand, Vespel features low friction with superior wear characteristics through its low, constant CF, performing well in high-wear applications due to its ability to function without lubrication.
- Vacuum Compatibility: Most plastics are susceptible to outgassing, but Vespel won’t outgas even at high temperatures, operating efficiently in a vacuum without contaminating the environment.
- Biocompatibility: PEEK features exceptional biocompatibility, simulating the strength and modulus of human bone. Popular in medical devices, PEEK is often used for implants and reconstructions.
Depending on the specific requirements of your application, either Vespel or PEEK may be suitable for your needs. It’s essential to closely weigh the benefits of each material to determine which high-performance plastic offers the characteristics you need for your unique project.
PEEK vs. Torlon
Torlon and PEEK are two high-performance polymer materials with distinct characteristics. They are both machinable but demonstrate unique features, including:
- Chemical Resistance: Both materials have chemical resistance properties. Torlon is resistant to hydrocarbon-based solvents, acids, and mild bases, as well as chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons. Offering superior resistance to chemicals, PEEK can only be broken down by a few specific compounds.
- Temperature Resistance: While both PEEK and Torlon can operate in high-temperature applications, Torlon can handle higher temperatures without compromising its structural integrity. Alternatively, PEEK offers outstanding thermal stability in applications with operating temperatures under 500º.
- Mechanical Properties: These materials provide particular mechanical traits. Torlon is high-strength with stiffness and toughness, maintaining its strength even in extreme conditions. On the other hand, PEEK features high ductility, material resilience, and exceptional wear resistance against continuous abrasion or friction.
- Electrical Conductivity: PEEK and Torlon both demonstrate electrical properties, but PEEK features excellent electrical insulation characteristics, low conductivity, and dielectric qualities
- Cost: When budget is a concern, Torlon is a more cost-effective choice than PEEK, one of the most expensive thermoplastics on the market, due to its complex manufacturing process and ability to perform in applications where other materials may fail.
