Custom PEEK Bushings Manufacturer & Supplier
High-performance thermoplastics for extreme environments. We manufacture custom PEEK bushings that replace metal in high-temperature, high-load, and chemically aggressive applications.
When to Choose PEEK?
Is the operating temperature above 150°C?
If YES, PEEK is the superior choice over POM or Nylon. It retains mechanical strength up to 250°C (480°F).
Is chemical resistance required?
PEEK resists hydrolysis, steam, and most chemicals (except concentrated sulfuric acid), making it ideal for downhole oil & gas or sterilization cycles.
Is weight reduction critical?
PEEK offers tensile strength comparable to some non-ferrous metals but at 1/6th the weight of steel.
Performance Envelope
Continuous Service Temp
Unfilled PEEK
k < 10⁻¹⁵ m³/Nm
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Value (Virgin) | Test Method / Notes | Design Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.32 g/cm³ | ISO 1183 | Low inertia for high-speed oscillating parts. |
| Water Absorption | 0.05% (Sat) | 23°C, 24h | Excellent dimensional stability in wet environments. |
| Flexural Modulus | 4.1 GPa | ISO 178 | Stiff enough for structural bushings; Carbon filled ~15 GPa. |
| CTE (Flow) | 47 ppm/°C | < Tg (143°C) | Requires larger running clearance than metal bushings at high temp. |
| Rockwell Hardness | M99 / R126 | ISO 2039-2 | Resistant to abrasive wear; hard shafts recommended. |
Machining & Inspection Controls
Process Control Strategy
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Heat Management: PEEK has low thermal conductivity. We use flood coolants and optimized chip loads to prevent localized overheating that causes internal stress.
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Burr Control: Virgin PEEK can be ductile. We employ cryo-deburring or hand-finishing under 10x magnification to ensure crisp edges.
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Annealing: Post-machining annealing cycles available to relieve machining stresses for critical tolerance parts.
Metrology
Measuring PEEK requires a delicate touch. Excessive gauging pressure causes deformation.
Inspection Protocol
- • Non-contact Laser Micrometers for OD
- • Air Gauging for Precision Bores
- • CMM with low-force probes
- • Gauge R&R studies available for volume production
Industries & Compliance
Aerospace
Interior components and actuation system bushings. Low FST (Flame, Smoke, Toxicity) properties.
Medical
Autoclavable surgical instruments and temporary implants. USP Class VI compliant material sourcing available.
Semiconductor
Wafer handling and CMP retaining rings. High purity, low outgassing, and plasma resistance.
*Rapidaccu provides full lot traceability and Certificate of Conformance. Raw material certifications (MTR) are linked to every production batch.
Design for Reliability
Failure Mode: Thermal Seizure
Cause: Insufficient clearance. PEEK expands ~3-4x more than steel.
Mitigation: Calculate clearance at max operating temp. Use the formula: Clearance = Clearance_20C + (CTE_PEEK * ΔT * D) – (CTE_Shaft * ΔT * D).
Failure Mode: Shaft Wear
Cause: Using a soft shaft with glass/carbon filled PEEK.
Mitigation: Ensure mating shaft hardness is > 50 HRC and surface finish is < 0.4 Ra when using filled PEEK grades to prevent abrasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you stock standard PEEK bushing sizes?
What grades of PEEK do you machine?
Can PEEK bushings replace bronze?
What tolerances can you hold on PEEK?
Is annealing necessary for PEEK bushings?
How do you handle the high cost of PEEK material?
What is the typical lead time?
Can you laser mark part numbers on PEEK?
Contact Engineering Sales
Send your prints for a DFM review. Our engineers will verify fit, tolerance, and material selection.
sales@rapidaccu.comManufacturing Location:
Rongli Industrial Park, Dalang
Longhua District, Shenzhen, China