Have PEEK components manufactured according to drawings
You have a drawing that specifies PEEK as the material. Perhaps it's a component currently milled from solid material, with 80 percent of the expensive raw material ending up as shavings in the recycling process. Perhaps it's a spare part for which no tooling exists. Or perhaps it's a prototype intended to be manufactured from the final production material, rather than just a temporary solution.
We manufacture this component additively using FFF or FGF processes, perform heat treatment and measurement, and can machine it upon request – starting from a quantity of one. On this page, you will learn what information we need from you, what tolerances can be achieved, what properties a printed PEEK component actually possesses, and where the limitations of the process lie.
Summary
• Four materials: PEEK 450 natural (food-safe, biocompatible), GF-PEEK (insulating), CF-PEEK (stiffest variant, ESD-safe) and VESTAKEEP Care M20 CF30 G for medical devices
• Medical technology: Biocompatibility according to ISO 10993-1 for up to 30 days of body contact, USP Class VI – even for large components, as we process granules using the FGF process.
• Process: FFF filament printing and FGF granule printing up to 510 × 510 × 410 mm – we are one of the few suppliers worldwide with FGF capacity for PEEK
• Continuous operating temperature 260 °C, melting point 343 °C, modulus of elasticity up to 17,310 MPa for CF-PEEK
• Tolerances: ±0.1 mm in printing (FFF), ±0.05 mm for CNC-machined functional surfaces
• Tempering in a convection oven is standard and included at no extra charge – without this step, PEEK remains amorphous and loses its temperature advantage.
• Transparency regarding the Z-value: PEEK 450 achieves 89% of the tensile strength in the XY plane perpendicular to the layer plane.
• Standard delivery time: 2 weeks · Production, tempering and testing in Neuhausen auf den Fildern
From drawing to component: the process
Step 1:
Technical clarification
We will review your drawing and contact you if we have any questions: Which dimensions are crucial for the function, in which direction does the main load act, and what are the operating temperature and load? If necessary, we will point out that PEEK is oversized for your application.
Step 2:
Process and material selection
FFF, FGF, or machining from semi-finished products. Unreinforced, GF, or CF. You will receive a recommendation with justification, not just the price.
Step 3:
Offer and release
If a standard semi-finished product is too small, too expensive, or not available at all, we print the preform to near-net-shape specifications. We are also happy to handle the subsequent CNC machining step ourselves.
Step 4:
production
Pressure in the heated build chamber, tempering in a convection oven with controlled cooling, removal of support structures, machining of the functional surfaces, if agreed.
Step 5:
Measurement and shipping
Measurements are taken on the tempered and reworked component, not before. A measurement report is available upon request.
What we need from you
The more complete your initial request, the faster we can prepare a quote. Here's the order of priority:
• 3D file, preferably in STEP format (.step / .stp). STL is also possible, however, the exact geometry will be lost. If you only have a 2D drawing or a sample, we can construct the model – just let us know.
• A drawing with tolerance specifications. This is more important than a 3D model, as it's the only way to determine which dimensions are critical for the function and which are not. A component where all dimensions are specified with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm is unnecessarily expensive.
• Operating temperature and mechanical load. Both together, not just the temperature. A component that only supports its own weight at 200 °C is fundamentally different from a component under continuous load.
• Direction of the main load. This determines the orientation of the component in the printer and thus its actual strength. This is the most important information you can give us.
• Details of media contact (if applicable) : chemical, concentration, temperature and duration.
• Quantity and delivery date. Even if it's just a single part and you actually needed it yesterday.
• Special requirements : biocompatibility, sterilizability, suitability for vacuum applications, ESD properties, traceability, material certification. For medical devices, the type and duration of body contact must also be specified; this is crucial for material selection.
PEEK is expensive. Therefore, the manufacturing process is even worthwhile for this material. With a POM component, this wouldn't even be considered.
The material invoice
When milling from solid material, the entire material volume is used. For a component with a net volume of 200 cm³, manufactured from a round bar of 800 cm³, 800 cm³ of PEEK are consumed – of which 600 cm³ are produced as chips that are not economically recyclable. In 3D printing, on the other hand, both the volume of the component and that of the support structure are consumed.
Another factor is the raw material itself. As filament, PEEK costs between 500 and 700 euros per kilogram. As granules, which we process directly using the FGF process, the price is between 50 and 150 euros per kilogram. For large-volume components, this aspect is more significant than material utilization. Granule printing allows us to produce even PEEK components with a volume of several liters cost-effectively – we are one of the few service providers worldwide that process PEEK using the FGF process.
Furthermore, there are no additional costs: there are no tooling costs or setup times for special fixtures, and there is no minimum order quantity. A design change only requires a new slicing run, not a new fixture.
When milling is still the right answer
We can handle the milling ourselves and advise you whether this is the better option. This applies to components with consistently tight tolerances, components subjected to uniform loads in all three axes, very small and complex geometries, and production runs where machining costs are significant relative to the quantity. Often, a combination is the right solution: printed, grid-like semi-finished products whose functional surfaces are subsequently machined to their final dimensions. This significantly reduces material consumption without compromising tolerances.
Why print instead of mill from solid material?
FFF/FDM, FGF or machining:
Which process is suitable for your component?
Kriterium | FFF (Filament) | FGF (Granulat) | Zerspanung |
|---|---|---|---|
Available materials | PEEK 450 natural, GF-PEEK, CF-PEEK | GF-PEEK, CF-PEEK | all, made from semi-finished products |
Sensible component volume | up to approximately 1,000 cm³ | from approx. 1,000 cm³ | any |
Maximum dimensions | PEEK 450 natural, up to approx. 100 mm edge length (guide value) | 510 × 510 × 410 mm | depending on the semi-finished product |
Material costs PEEK | 500–700 €/kg | 50–150 €/kg | Semi-finished product price + waste |
Reconstruction rate | 50–100 g/h | up to 500 g/h | — |
Tolerance without rework | ±0.2 mm | ±0.2–0.5 mm | ±0.01–0.05 mm |
Tolerance with CNC rework | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05 mm | — |
Material utilization | high | high | often below 30% |
Directional dependence | Yes, Z is weaker | Yes, Z is weaker | no |
Typical use | small functional parts, delicate geometries, prototypes | Large components, near-net-shape semi-finished products, high-volume parts | tightest tolerances, all-around load, series production |
The specifications for print volume, print speed, and material costs refer to our equipment (AIM3D ExAM 510 for the granulate process). The tolerance specifications apply to dimensions up to 100 mm; for larger components, we calculate the length-dependent tolerance. PEEK 450 natural is available exclusively as filament; we process GF-PEEK and CF-PEEK as both filament and granulate. The 100 mm value for PEEK 450 natural is a guideline, not a rigid upper limit. Furthermore, warpage during crystallization is a crucial factor. Please contact us if your component is larger.
PEEK is not a single grade, but a material family. We manufacture three variants. Choosing the right component depends on three questions: How stiff does the component need to be? Is electrical insulation required? Are there requirements for biocompatibility or food contact?
Our PEEK materials
Werkstoff | Aufbau | Wofür | Zu beachten |
|---|---|---|---|
PEEK 450 natural | unreinforced, beige, only available as a filament | Medical technology and biocompatibility, food contact according to EC 1935/2004 and FDA, tough functional parts with elongation reserve | Highest toughness and ductility in the portfolio (19% elongation at break). Guideline for component size: up to approx. 100 mm edge length. |
GF-PEEK | 20% natural fiberglass, filament and granules | Electrical components and insulating parts, mechanical and plant engineering | True insulator (>10¹³ Ohm/sq). Stiffer than PEEK 450 with similar chemical resistance — and more affordable. Up to 510 × 510 × 410 mm. |
CF-PEEK | 30% carbon fiber, black, filament and granules | Maximum stiffness and strength, tribologically optimized for sliding and wear applications, aerospace, defense | Electrical semi-insulator, therefore ESD-safe — but not an insulator. Young's modulus 17,310 MPa, more than four times that of PEEK 450. Up to 510 × 510 × 400 mm. |
VESTAKEEP CareM20 CF30 G | 30% carbon fiber, black, only as granules | Medical devices with up to 30 days of body contact, instruments and devices with contact with sterilization and disinfection agents | Biocompatibility tested according to ISO 10993-1, USP <88> Class VI. Supplied as granules and therefore printed by us using the FGF process — thus without the size limitation of PEEK 450 natural. |
Request a free PEEK datasheet!
Technical specifications and operating limits
for PEEK, GF- and CF-PEEK in FFF/FGF printing
compact on one page.
Material properties
Kennwert | Norm | PEEK 450 natur | GF-PEEK | CF-PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile strength XY | ISO 527 | 98 MPa | 105 MPa | 169 MPa |
Tensile strength ZX | ISO 527 | 87 MPa | n/a | 71 MPa |
E-modulus train XY | ISO 527 | 4.007 MPa | 7,250 MPa | 17,310 MPa |
E-module train ZX | ISO 527 | 3,657 MPa | n/a | 4,165 MPa |
Elongation at break XY | ISO 527 | 19% | 2% | 3% |
Flexural strength XY | ISO 178 | 154 MPa | 130 MPa | n/a |
Bending stiffness XY | ISO 178 | 3,550 MPa | 7,625 MPa | n/a |
density | ISO 1183 | 1.30 g/cm³ | 1.44 g/cm³ | 1.41 g/cm³ |
Water absorption | ISO 62 | 0.03% | n/a | 0.50% |
Surface resistance | ASTM D257 | n/a | >10¹³ Ohm/sq | Semi-insulator, ESD-safe |
All the following values were measured on FFF-printed test specimens, not injection-molded parts. This is a crucial difference from most online material tests: these describe the properties of a PEEK part manufactured in the same way as your part. If a reliable value is not available for a parameter, "nv" (not available) is given instead of an estimate.
Mechanical properties of PEEK in 3D printing
Measured on test specimens printed using the FFF process with filaments from the respective manufacturers. Materials used: Ensinger TECAFIL PEEK VX natural (based on Victrex PEEK 450), 3DXTech FibreX PEEK+GF20, Ensinger TECAFIL PEEK EV CF30 black (based on Evonik VESTAKEEP). Values may vary depending on the FGF granules used. "n/a" (not available) means that the manufacturer's datasheet does not list a value for this combination – we do not add any information here that we cannot verify.
Thermal properties of PEEK in 3D printing
Kennwert | Norm | PEEK 450 natur | GF-PEEK | CF-PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass transition temperature Tg | ASTM D3418 | 143 °C | 143 °C | 143 °C |
Melting temperature Tm | ISO 11357 | 343 °C | 343 °C | 343 °C |
Maximum continuous operating temperature | — | 260 °C | 260 °C | 260 °C |
Thermal expansion CLTE | ISO 11359 | 5 · 10⁻⁵/K | n/a | 6 · 10⁻⁵/K |
The most important point in the table lies between the rows: The glass transition temperature is 143 °C and the continuous service temperature is 260 °C. PEEK can only bridge this difference of approximately 120 Kelvin if it is in a semi-crystalline state. Why this doesn't happen automatically during printing will be explained in the next section.
Crystallinity: why printed PEEK needs to be tempered
PEEK is a semi-crystalline polymer. Its temperature and chemical resistance is due not only to the chemistry of its molecular chains, but also to the crystalline component of its microstructure. However, this component only forms if the melt cools slowly enough and remains above the glass transition temperature for a sufficient amount of time.
However, this doesn't happen automatically during printing. In a cold build chamber, a 0.2 mm thick layer applied to the previous one solidifies in fractions of a second. The result is largely amorphous PEEK: it looks like PEEK, weighs like PEEK, costs like PEEK – but loses its stiffness above its glass transition temperature of 143 °C. This negates the very reason for choosing PEEK.
Therefore, we rely on a two-stage process: a heated build chamber during the printing process, followed by thermal post-treatment (tempering) in a convection oven with controlled cooling. Only then does the component exactly match the design specifications. And only then do we carry out the measurements – since the tempering process changes the dimensions, the final state can only be verified at this point.
How to recognize a provider who skips this step:
Ask about the tempering process: temperature, holding time, cooling rate. If you can't answer these questions, you'll end up with amorphous PEEK at the price of semi-crystalline PEEK. The component functions perfectly at room temperature but fails in operation at 160 °C. Precisely when no one would attribute the failure to the manufacturing process.
Directional dependence: the Z-axis
The printed component is anisotropic. Within the layer plane, the mesh and fibers provide the load-bearing capacity; perpendicular to this, only the welding between the layers is responsible for the load-bearing capacity. Hardly anyone in our industry publishes concrete figures on this. We do so because the component's orientation is the most important design decision for a printed component – and this cannot be made without knowing the relevant values.
Kennwert | PEEK 450 natur | CF-PEEK |
|---|---|---|
Tensile strength XY | 98 MPa | 169 MPa |
Tensile strength ZX | 87 MPa | 71 MPa |
Ratio XY : ZX | 1.13 : 1 — 89% of the XY strength | 2.38 : 1 — 42% of the XY strength |
E-modulus XY | 4.007 MPa | 17,310 MPa |
E-module ZX | 3,657 MPa | 4,165 MPa |
Ratio XY : ZX | 1.10: 1 — 91% of the XY modulus | 4.16: 1 — 24% of the XY modulus |
These six numbers illustrate two design principles that cannot be found in any standard datasheet:
• Unreinforced PEEK 450 behaves almost isotropically. With a tensile strength of 89% and a modulus of elasticity of 91% in the Z-direction, it is the material with the lowest directional dependence in our portfolio. For typical short-fiber-reinforced filaments, this ratio is more like 3:1 to 4:1. When a component is subjected to multiaxial loading and the loading direction is not precisely defined, unreinforced PEEK 450 is a safe choice – even if the strength in the XY plane does not reach its peak value.
• The stiffness of CF-PEEK is direction-dependent. The modulus of elasticity in the Z-direction is 4,165 MPa – a value practically identical to that of unreinforced PEEK in the XY plane (4,007 MPa). Perpendicular to the layer plane, the carbon fibers are ineffective: you pay for 17,310 MPa, but only get 4,165 MPa of strength in this direction. The fibers act exclusively within the layer plane; therefore, the main load should also be applied there.
For this reason, we ask about the direction of the main load with every inquiry. This information has the greatest impact on the strength of your component – and with CF-PEEK, it determines whether the component is worth its price. The FFF process is unsuitable for pure tensile loads perpendicular to the layer plane combined with high stiffness requirements. In this case, we use milling.
For comparison: the injection molding reference
Many drawings contain specifications from injection molding data sheets, mostly from the Victrex 450 series, as this is considered the industry standard. While PEEK 450 natural is based on precisely this raw material, the finished injection-molded part does not achieve the corresponding specifications in all aspects. We provide the table here so that you can correctly interpret the drawing specifications instead of simply incorporating them into your inquiry without verification.
Kennwert (Spritzguss, 23 °C) | PEEK 450G | PEEK 450GL30 (30 % GF) | PEEK 450CA30 (30 % CF) |
|---|---|---|---|
Tensile strength | 98 MPa | 179 MPa | 265 MPa |
Train module | 4,000 MPa | 11,500 MPa | 28,000 MPa |
Elongation at break | 25% | 3.00% | 1.70% |
Bending modulus | 3,800 MPa | 11,000 MPa | 24,000 MPa |
HDT at 1.8 MPa | 152 °C | 328 °C | 336 °C |
density | 1.30 g/cm³ | 1.51 g/cm³ | 1.40 g/cm³ |
Technical data sheets from Victrex for 450G, 450GL30, and 450CA30, tested according to ISO 527 and ISO 75-2/Af on injection-molded samples. The difference compared to the printed component does not represent a quality defect, but rather a characteristic of the process and the fiber content: Injection molding produces a homogeneous, uniform microstructure, and the injection-molded grades with a 30% fiber content contain more fibers than our printed compounds. However, for unreinforced PEEK, we are very close to the reference value – 98 MPa in the printed process versus 98 MPa in injection molding. If the values in this table are specified as acceptance criteria in your drawing, please contact us beforehand.
The honest answer to the question "What tolerance can be achieved?" is: It depends on the dimensions. The printed component will not have the same level of accuracy throughout. Outer edges, holes, and dimensions between support structures will behave differently.
Tolerances, dimensional accuracy and testing
Merkmal | Wie gefertigt | Erreichbar |
|---|---|---|
General dimensions up to 100 mm | Printed with FFF, tempered | ±0.2 mm |
General dimensions up to 100 mm | FGF printed, tempered | ±0.2–0.5 mm |
Functional surfaces, fits, sealing seats | printed and machined | ±0.05 mm |
Holes with fit specification | pre-printed, rubbed or milled | ±0.05 mm, H7 upon agreement |
thread | milled, cut or threaded insert | according to standard |
flatness of large surfaces | printed, plan processed | as agreed upon, depending on component size |
surface | as printed | Visible layer structure, roughness dependent on layer height |
surface | machining or blasting | as specified |
Measurements are taken after tempering and post-processing. A measurement report of the functionally critical dimensions is available upon request. If your drawing includes a general tolerance according to ISO 2768, please inform us which tolerance class applies. This specification is naturally impossible to meet for a printed component, but is usually achievable for a post-processed component.
What is written on your drawing
and what of that gets printed
Drawings are generally designed for machining. In additive manufacturing, some specifications have a different meaning or require a decision. We always clarify these five points in advance:
General tolerance
ISO 2768-m or -f
We check the dimensions to determine what can be achieved with the printed part. Anything beyond that is either machined down or we question whether the tolerance at that point is actually functionally relevant. Often it isn't; the information simply comes from the title block of the drawing.
Fits
(H7, g6 and similar)
They are not pressed, but machined. We pre-press the hole with an allowance and then ream or mill it to the target dimension.
thread
We cut metric threads starting from approximately M8. For smaller sizes, varying loads, or frequent disassembly, we recommend threaded inserts. In printed plastic parts, they last significantly longer than cut threads.
Surface area specifications (Ra, Rz)
These specifications apply to machined surfaces. The printed surface has a directional layer structure that cannot be adequately described by the Ra value. If the surface finish is functionally important, we perform post-processing.
Material designation "PEEK" without further specification
We will inquire with you. The difference in the modulus of elasticity between PEEK 450 and CF-PEEK is fourfold (4,007 vs. 17,310 MPa), and in terms of electrical behavior, the difference lies between a true insulator and an ESD-compatible semi-insulator.
Why PEEK?
Extremely durable. Temperature resistant. Chemical resistant.
Mechanical and plant engineering
Sliding and guiding elements, wear plates, gripper jaws, components in heated plant areas, and spare parts for machines for which original parts are no longer available. CF-PEEK is tribologically optimized for these applications, while GF-PEEK represents a dimensionally stable and more cost-effective alternative.
Semiconductor, vacuum and cleanroom technology
Components for wafer handling, holders and insulators in vacuum environments – PEEK is characterized by low outgassing and dimensional stability at process temperatures.
Medical technology and food contact
Instrument handles, sterilization trays, clamps, and holders. For compact components, we use PEEK 450, a natural-colored, biocompatible material approved for food contact according to Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and FDA guidelines. For larger medical device components, we use VESTAKEEP Care M20 CF30 G; this material has been tested according to ISO 10993-1 for body contact of up to 30 days and meets the requirements of USP Class VI. Because it is in granular form, we can process it using the FGF method and are not limited to small components. PEEK is hydrolysis-resistant and withstands continuous steam sterilization at 134 °C.
Aerospace and defense technology
Fasteners, cable guides, and secondary structures where weight and stiffness are crucial. The classic application for CF-PEEK.
Oil, gas and energy technology
Sealing and insulating components for use under pressure and temperature influence, as well as components in contact with the media.
Prototypes made from serial production material
Components that will later be mass-produced as PEEK injection-molded parts can be tested in advance in the original material, instead of postponing the material decision until the tooling phase.
Limitations of printed PEEK -
what we will tell you beforehand
A printed component does not achieve properties comparable to those of injection molding, especially not in the Z-axis. This is not critical for individual parts, fixtures, spare parts, and small production runs; however, component testing is essential for safety-relevant components.
PEEK cannot be used at temperatures above 143 °C without tempering. This is not a disadvantage of our process, but rather a property of the material. However, you should be aware that cheaper offers may fall short in this particular respect.
Large, flat components are prone to warping. PEEK shrinks during crystallization. For unfavorable geometries, we solve this problem by appropriate alignment, dividing the components, or adding a stock allowance followed by surface finishing. This is the reason for the size limitation of unreinforced PEEK 450; glass fiber (GF) and carbon fiber reinforced (CF) PEEK plastics warp significantly less due to the fibers.
Concentrated sulfuric acid attacks PEEK. This is a known exception to its otherwise almost universal chemical resistance.
Limited UV resistance. With prolonged outdoor use, unreinforced PEEK discolors and becomes brittle on the surface. Carbon fiber reinforced materials are more resistant; if in doubt, a coating is the cleaner solution.
PEEK is the most expensive material in our product range. At a continuous operating temperature of approximately 150 °C, its use is overkill in most cases. PPA and PPS-GF20 perform similarly well at a fraction of the material costs. We point this out in advance, even though it means a lower profit margin for us. We want to offer you the most economical solution.
CF-PEEK absorbs more moisture than PEEK 450: 0.50 percent compared to 0.03 percent according to ISO 62. In most applications this is negligible, but should be taken into account for tight fits in permanently humid environments.
Biocompatibility depends on the raw material, not the manufacturing process. Our standard GF and CF-PEEK materials are not designed for biocompatibility. For medical devices, there are two options: PEEK 450 Natural for compact components and VESTAKEEP Care M20 CF30 G for larger components. Testing covers topically applied medical devices that remain in contact with the body for up to 30 days, but no longer. Food contact compliance according to Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and FDA regulations applies exclusively to PEEK 450 Natural. The use of implants is a separate matter requiring further clarification.
Why PEEK?
Extremely durable. Temperature resistant. Chemical resistant.
These are preliminary guidelines. The temperature and HDT data for different materials are based on different testing standards and processing methods and are therefore only partially comparable. Please refer to the respective material pages for further details.
Kriterium | PPA-CF25 / GF15 | PPS-GF20 | ULTEM 9085 | PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Continuous use (guideline) | 150–180 °C | 200–220 °C | up to approx. 170 °C | up to 250 °C |
chemicals | Oils, fuels, glycols | very broad, also acids | limited | very wide |
Special feature | most affordable high-temperature entry point | virtually no water absorption | FST approvals for aviation | Hydrolysis-resistant, sterilizable, biocompatible types |
Material costs | €€ | €€€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
Typical use | Engine compartment, sensors, brackets | Chemistry, media contact | Cabin and interior parts | Medical technology, wear parts, continuous hot operation |
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Malping GmbH
Mörikestraße 29
(Production: Mörikestraße 30)
D-73765 Neuhausen auf den Fildern
Tel: +49-7158 9823230
Email: info@malping.de
If you already have a 3D model and would like to request a quote directly, please send us an email:info@malping.de
For general inquiries, please use our form:
Why PEEK?
Extremely durable. Temperature resistant. Chemical resistant.
What do you need from me to manufacture a PEEK component according to my drawing?
Ideally, we would provide a STEP file and a drawing with tolerance specifications, as well as information on operating temperature, mechanical load, main load direction, and quantity. If no 3D model is available, we will create the design based on a drawing or sample. A drawing alone is not a problem; it will simply add a few days to the time required to prepare a quotation.
What tolerances are possible for printed PEEK?
With FFF printing, we achieve tolerances of ±0.2 mm for dimensions up to 100 mm, and with FGF granule printing, ±0.2 to ±0.5 mm. For machined functional surfaces – such as fits, bores, or sealing surfaces – tolerances of ±0.05 mm are achievable. For most components, a combination of the processes is advisable: printing where tolerance is not critical, and machining where it is.
Why does printed PEEK need to be post-treated (tempered)?
PEEK is semi-crystalline; its temperature resistance results from the crystalline component of its microstructure. During the printing process, each layer cools too quickly to crystallize sufficiently – the component remains largely amorphous and loses stiffness above its glass transition temperature of approximately 145 °C. Only tempering in a convection oven with controlled cooling restores the properties for which PEEK was originally selected. This is standard practice for us and does not incur any additional costs.
Can I simply have a component that is currently milled from PEEK printed?
In many cases, yes, but not without prior testing. We examine three aspects: Are there dimensions that absolutely must be machined? Is the component subject to tensile stresses perpendicular to the expected layer plane? And are the drawing's parameters based on injection molding data? Often, the result is a hybrid solution: printing close to the final contour, combined with milling the functional surfaces.
How much cheaper is printing compared to milling from solid material?
This depends on the ratio between the component volume and the original raw material. For a component milled from a large block, the savings are considerable: with milling, you pay for the entire raw material, while with printing, you only pay for the volume of the component and its support structures. For large-volume components, the cost of granulate printing must be added: €50–150 per kilogram compared to €500–700 for filament. However, for compact components with minimal material removal, milling can be more economical. We calculate both options and share the results with you.
Which PEEK should I choose – PEEK 450 natural, GF-PEEK or CF-PEEK?
PEEK 450 natural is recommended when biocompatibility or food contact is required, the component needs to be resistant (elongation at break 19%), or the load direction is not precisely defined – it behaves almost isotropically, with an XY:Z ratio of 1.13:1. GF-PEEK is the right choice when the component needs to provide electrical insulation (>10¹³ ohms/square meter) while maintaining stiffness. It is also more cost-effective than PEEK 450. CF-PEEK offers maximum stiffness and strength – Young's modulus 17,310 MPa and tensile strength 169 MPa – and is suitable for sliding and wear applications as well as ESD environments. A fourth option is available for medical devices: VESTAKEEP Care M20 CF30 G. Simply tell us the load case, temperature, insulation requirements, and component size, and the selection will be made almost automatically.
Is printed PEEK biocompatible and food-safe?
This depends on the material, not the process. For food contact, we use natural-colored PEEK 450 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and FDA regulations; it is also biocompatible, but limited to components with an edge length of approximately 100 mm. For larger medical devices, we use VESTAKEEP Care M20 CF30 G from Evonik: This material is tested according to ISO 10993-1 for medical devices with surface contact (up to 30 days of body contact) and complies with USP <88> Class VI. Since this material is supplied as granules, we print it using the FGF process – for component sizes up to 510 × 510 × 410 mm. PEEK is also hydrolysis-resistant and can withstand steam sterilization indefinitely. Important: Only the raw material is tested. The conformity of the finished medical device is the responsibility of the distributor – we ensure material documentation and traceability. Applications in the implant field are subject to special requirements, which we will discuss on a case-by-case basis.
What is the strength of a printed PEEK component perpendicular to the layer plane?
This depends heavily on the material; we publish the relevant specifications. PEEK 450 natural achieves a tensile strength of 87 MPa in the ZX direction compared to 98 MPa in the XY direction – this corresponds to 89 percent of the tensile strength and 91 percent of the modulus of elasticity. This is an exceptionally good value for an FFF component, making the material very insensitive to component orientation. CF-PEEK performs significantly worse: 71 MPa in the ZX direction compared to 169 MPa in the XY direction, with the modulus of elasticity dropping from 17,310 to 4,165 MPa. The carbon fibers act exclusively within the plane of the layer. Therefore, we ask about the main loading direction with every inquiry.
How long does the manufacturing process take?
The standard delivery time is two weeks from approval. We respond to inquiries within one business day. If you need something urgently, please contact us – we can usually manufacture small components much faster, depending on machine availability and whether post-processing is required.
What about threads, connections, and sealing surfaces?
We manufacture connections and sealing surfaces by machining, not by pressing. We cut metric threads starting at approximately M8; for smaller threads, alternating loads, or frequent disassembly, threaded inserts are the more durable solution. Please indicate these details in the drawing so that we can take the necessary post-processing into account from the outset.
Do you also ship internationally?
Yes, worldwide. Please note any restrictions due to trade embargoes or regulations for dual-use goods.
About the author
Dr.-Ing. Bastian Gaedike
Founder and Managing Director of Malping GmbH, Neuhausen auf den Fildern.
Malping manufactures components from high-performance polymers using the FFF and FGF processes, including PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM 9085, PPS-GF20, PPA-CF25 and PPA-GF15, including all downstream processes (machining, surface treatment, etc.).
Contact: info@malping.de
Industrial 3D printing – Precision. Quality. Made in the Filder region.
Additive manufacturing of high-performance plastics and technical components – locally and worldwide.
📩 Contact us now for your individual project:
Tel: +49-7158 9823230
Email: info@malping.de
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