What are PEEK Screws?

PEEK screws are precision-engineered fasteners crafted from Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional mechanical properties and chemical resistance. These plastic screws are designed to deliver superior performance in demanding environments, making them an ideal choice for applications where metal screws aren't an option but reliability and durability are paramount.

PEEK screws feature a unique combination of strength, lightweight characteristics and resistance to wear and high temperatures. Their threads and heads are meticulously engineered to ensure a secure fit, minimizing the risk of loosening under vibration or thermal expansion.

How PEEK Screws Work

PEEK screws are versatile engineering components used across a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical devices.

In aerospace applications, PEEK screws are valued for their lightweight yet robust nature, helping to reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity. For instance, in satellite assemblies, thanks to its high-performance polymers, PEEK screws ensure secure fastening while withstanding the harsh conditions of space.

In the medical field, PEEK surgical screws are frequently used in orthopaedic implants and devices. Their biocompatibility and radiolucency make them ideal for use in the human body, allowing for clear imaging during post-operative evaluations. Additionally, the chemical resistance of PEEK screws ensures they remain unaffected by sterilization processes, maintaining their structural integrity and performance.

Material PEEK Screws Are Made From

PEEK, or Polyether Ether Ketone, is the primary material used in these screws. This high-performance polymer is known as an engineering plastic and offers several advantages:

• Chemical Resistance: PEEK screws are impervious to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for use in corrosive environments.
• Thermal Stability: They can withstand continuous use at high temperatures up to 260°C (500°F), making them ideal for high-temperature applications.
• Mechanical Strength: PEEK high-performance polymers provide high tensile strength and rigidity, ensuring that the screws can handle substantial mechanical loads.
• Biocompatibility: This makes PEEK screws suitable for medical applications where they come into contact with biological tissues.

Size and Type PEEK Screws Available

Accu offers imperial and metric PEEK screws in a variety of sizes and types to meet diverse application requirements. The available sizes range from the shortest length of 1.5mm to the longest length of 40mm, and thread sizes vary from M1.2 (1.2mm) to M8 (8mm). This wide range ensures that you can find the perfect fit for any precision engineering need.

Additionally, our range includes head types such as cap and pan head peek screws for even load distribution, countersunk for a flush finish and grub which provide a secure locking mechanism without protruding heads. These are particularly useful in assemblies where space is at a premium.

Drive types span from traditional Phillips drive to hex socket and Torx to facilitate granular adjustability and reduce cam-out risk.

Accu's range of PEEK screws is a cornerstone of precision engineering, combining the benefits of high-performance polymers with meticulous design. Whether you need metric PEEK screws for a demanding aerospace project or PEEK surgical screws for medical devices, Accu ensures you'll find the exact specifications you need.

FAQs

Q: What are high-performance polymers?

A: High-performance polymers and engineering plastics are a class of materials known for their superior mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions, making them ideal for demanding applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a prime example of a high-performance polymer, offering exceptional strength, chemical resistance and thermal stability.

Q: How strong are PEEK screws?

A: PEEK screws are renowned for their impressive mechanical strength. They offer high tensile strength and rigidity, making them capable of handling substantial loads and stresses. This strength, combined with their lightweight nature, makes PEEK screws an excellent choice for applications where both durability and weight savings are critical.

Q: Is PEEK stronger than steel?

A: While PEEK is incredibly strong for a polymer and suitable for many demanding applications, it is generally not as strong as stainless steel screws in terms of tensile strength and rigidity. However, PEEK offers other advantages over steel, such as higher chemical resistance, lighter weight and better temperature resistance, which can make it a preferable choice in specific scenarios.

Q: Do PEEK screws dissolve?

A: PEEK screws do not dissolve in most common solvents, thanks to their exceptional chemical resistance. Similar to titanium screws, they are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases and organic solvents, making them highly durable in corrosive environments. This property ensures that PEEK screws maintain their integrity and performance even in harsh chemical conditions.

Bespoke PEEK Screws Manufacture.

High precision, bespoke manufacture of PEEK Screws to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.