Impossible Objects Adds 3D-Printed PEEK Parts

Impossible Objects has added PEEK as an available thermoplastic for 3D printing services. It marks the availability of creating carbon fiber composites using PEEK and 3D printing, the company states.

Since PEEK offers outstanding heat and chemical resistance in addition to greater strength, the combination of PEEK and carbon fiber produces parts with properties that previously were unattainable. CBAM PEEK parts perform more than 30% better than standard CBAM parts with tensile strength of 205 MPa (29,700 psi) and heat resistance of 250°C (482°F). Customers can now enjoy the complex geometries, speed, strength-to-weight ratios and cost advantages of carbon fiber 3D printing with the durability and resistance to high temperature typically found in metals, according to a press release.

“Plastic-based 3D printing has not been able to compete with metals because of temperature resistance and strength. Now we can produce parts that begin to compete with metals in these areas, while having better strength-to-weight ratios than some metals,” said Impossible Objects CEO Larry Kaplan. “Our mission is to bring 3D printing into the mainstream of higher volume, lightweight, high-performance part manufacturing. Adding PEEK to our roster of printable materials is a major step toward that goal.”

For more information, visit Impossible Objects.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.