Glossary · Filament
PEEK / PEKK
High-performance printing materials from industry and medical technology. Extremely resistant to heat and chemicals, but printable only with specialised printers that can reach very high nozzle, bed and chamber temperatures.
Explained in more detail
Polyether ether ketone and polyether ketone ketone, semi-crystalline high-performance thermoplastics. The nozzle temperature depends strongly on the material: PEEK is usually processed at about 370 to 450 °C, PEKK depending on the type rather below that (for example 345 to 375 °C according to 3DXTech for PEKK-A). Bed 120 to 160 °C; a heated chamber is recommended or required depending on the material. Continuous service temperature around 250 °C, very chemical-resistant, flame-retardant. The filament costs many times as much as standard materials.
Where does the term come from?
The names describe the sequence of chemical groups in the chain: polyetheretherketone has two ether groups and one ketone group per unit, polyetherketoneketone one ether group and two ketone groups. Both belong to the family of polyaryletherketones (PAEK).
In practice
- Ordinary home printers are not enough: hotend, bed and chamber must permanently be well above the values for PC or PA.
- PEEK is semi-crystalline and needs a controlled warm environment during cooling, otherwise it does not reach its strength and heat resistance.
- Like other high-performance plastics, dry thoroughly before printing and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
- If you only need heat resistance up to a good 100 °C, PC or PA-CF are more realistic alternatives.
Not to be confused
Not to be confused with PEI: this is also a high-performance plastic, but in the home setting you mainly know it as a coating for print plates.
Frequently asked questions
Can PEEK be printed on a normal 3D printer?
No. Depending on the filament, PEEK needs about 370 to 450 °C at the nozzle, plus 120 to 160 °C at the bed and a heated chamber. Only specialist printers can manage that. PEKK can sometimes be printed at lower nozzle temperatures, but also needs a high-temperature system.
What is PEEK used for?
Mainly in industry, aviation and medical technology, for example for parts that are permanently hot, exposed to chemicals or must be sterilised.
Printers that can process PEEK / PEKK
According to manufacturer specifications, from the 1 printers in the wiki: