Introduction
Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) filament is a high-performance thermoplastic within the Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, offering exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. PEKK Filament is distinguished by its versatility in applications, encompassing aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and medical industries, where materials must withstand extreme environments without compromise. Similar to PEEK, PEKK provides a combination of high strength, excellent flame retardancy, and resistance to a broad range of chemicals, but with distinct advantages in terms of easier processing and higher crystallinity options that lend to diverse application-specific performance characteristics.
Printing with PEKK, however, can be challenging due to its requirement for high extrusion temperatures and adherence to exact processing conditions to realize its full benefits. It demands 3D printers that can handle high temperatures across the board—extruder, print bed, and chamber. Given its advanced properties, PEKK is targeted toward professional applications requiring the utmost in material specifications.
About PEKK Filament
PEKK’s notable features include its high glass transition and melting temperatures, which contribute to its superb thermal stability and use in high-temperature environments. It demonstrates superior mechanical properties over a wide temperature range and exhibits lower moisture absorption compared to peers like PEEK, enhancing its long-term performance in challenging conditions. PEKK also offers adjustable crystallinity, which allows for tuning the balance between mechanical properties and ease of processing for specific applications.
Achieving successful prints with PEKK filament necessitates advanced 3D printing equipment capable of precise temperature control and an environment conducive to maintaining the material’s integrity during the printing process.
Possible Applications of PEKK Filament
Aerospace Components
PEKK is utilized for manufacturing lightweight yet durable parts for aerospace applications, including interior cabin fittings and structural components, where resistance to extreme conditions is crucial.
Automotive Industry
The automotive sector leverages PEKK for under-the-hood components and electrical systems that require the material’s high thermal stability and chemical resistance.
Medical Implants and Devices
PEKK’s biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization processes make it suitable for implants, surgical instruments, and other medical applications demanding high performance and safety.
Oil & Gas Exploration
Its ability to withstand harsh environments makes PEKK ideal for seals, connectors, and components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals in oil & gas exploration.
Pros and Cons of PEKK Filament
Pros:
- Exceptional Thermal and Chemical Resistance: Suitable for the most demanding environments.
- High Mechanical Strength: Provides durability and longevity under mechanical stress.
- Biocompatibility: Safe for medical applications, including direct human tissue contact.
- Adjustable Crystallinity: Offers flexibility in tailoring material properties for specific needs.
Cons:
- Printing Difficulty: Requires advanced 3D printers with high-temperature capabilities.
- Cost: As a high-performance engineering thermoplastic, PEKK comes at a premium price.
- Specialized Printing Conditions: Demands meticulous control of printing environment to achieve desired material properties.
- Accessibility: Best suited for professional and industrial applications due to the complexity of printing and cost considerations.
Material Settings of PEKK Filament
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Temperature [°C] | 340 – 400 |
| Build Plate Temperature [°C] | 95 – 160 |
| Print Speed [mm/s] | 20 – 50 |
| Cooling Fan [%] | 0 – 10 |
| Enclosed Build Chamber | Required |
| Air Management | Required |
| Min Active Heated Build Chamber Temperature [°C] | 90 |
| Drying | Required |
| Annealing | Required |
Optimal printing with PEKK requires attention to detail in maintaining high temperatures and controlled environmental conditions, alongside pre-print preparation like filament drying.
Mechanical Properties of PEKK Filament
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Shore Hardness | D85 – D90 |
| Specific Gravity [g/cc] | 1.27 – 1.41 |
| Tensile Strength at Break [Mpa] | 95 – 115 |
| Elongation at Break [%] | 4 – 8 |
| Flexural Strength [Mpa] | 95 – 105 |
| Flexural Modulus [Mpa] | 2,600 – 3,700 |
| Impact Strength Charpy 23˚C [kJ/m²] | 5,5 – 8 |
| HDT B [°C] | 150 – 175 |
| Tg [°C] | 158 – 165 |
| UV Resistance | High |
PEKK’s mechanical properties showcase its exceptional strength and ability to perform under extreme thermal and chemical exposure, outpacing many traditional materials in high-performance applications.
Material Comparison
| Material | PLA | ABS | PEKK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Temperature [°C] | 180 – 235 | 230 – 270 | 340 – 380 |
| Durability | Moderate | High | Highest |
| Ease of Printing | High | Moderate | Difficult |
| UV Resistance | Low | Moderate | High |
| Heat Resistance | Low | Moderate | Highest |
PEKK offers unparalleled heat resistance, durability, and UV resistance, setting a new standard for high-performance applications beyond the capabilities of materials like PLA and ABS. While challenging to print due to high temperature and environmental control requirements, PEKK exceeds in delivering parts for the most demanding industrial and professional uses.
FAQ´s about PEKK Filament
How does PEKK differ from PEEK in industrial applications?
PEKK offers advantages in terms of easier processing, higher crystallinity options, and potentially better mechanical properties in specific environments compared to PEEK, allowing for broader application flexibility.
Can PEKK be used with standard desktop 3D printers?
PEKK generally requires high-temperature 3D printers with advanced features to manage the extrusion and bed temperatures, making it less suited for standard desktop printing equipment.
How can warping be minimized when printing with PEKK?
Utilizing a heated print bed, enclosed chamber, and surface adhesives can help alleviate warping, alongside ensuring the filament is properly dried and stored.
Is PEKK safe for medical applications?
PEKK’s biocompatibility makes it suitable for medical applications, including implants and surgical devices, adhering to the necessary sterilization and safety standards.
How does PEKK perform in outdoor environments?
With high UV resistance and thermal stability, PEKK excels in outdoor applications, maintaining its mechanical and aesthetic properties even under prolonged exposure to sunlight and varying temperatures.
