Overview
Glass Filled PEEK is a reinforced grade of Polyether Ether Ketone containing typically 30% glass fiber reinforcement, designed to significantly improve stiffness, dimensional stability, creep resistance, and compressive strength compared with Virgin PEEK.
By incorporating glass fibers into the PEEK matrix, this material achieves enhanced mechanical performance while retaining the excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability, and wear resistance that make PEEK one of the world’s most advanced engineering thermoplastics.
Glass Filled PEEK is widely used in:
- Aerospace Components
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Industrial Machinery
- Electrical Insulators
- Structural Components
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- High-Temperature Fixtures
- Precision Engineering Parts
Due to its combination of rigidity, strength, and thermal stability, Glass Filled PEEK is often selected for demanding structural applications where dimensional accuracy and long-term performance are critical.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Glass Filled PEEK |
| Full Name | Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone |
| Common Name | GF30 PEEK |
| Material Family | High-Performance Thermoplastic |
| Glass Fiber Content | Typically 30% |
| Density | 1.48–1.55 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Beige, Light Brown |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Compression Molding |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Rod, Tube, Pellets |
Chemical Composition
Glass Filled PEEK combines high-performance PEEK resin with reinforcing glass fibers.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Polyether Ether Ketone Polymer | Structural Matrix |
| Glass Fibers | Stiffness & Strength Enhancement |
| Processing Additives | Manufacturing Stability |
The glass fiber reinforcement significantly improves rigidity and dimensional stability.
Common Glass Filled PEEK Grades
| Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 30% Glass Filled PEEK | Standard Reinforced Grade |
| 20% Glass Filled PEEK | Balanced Performance |
| High-Purity Glass Filled PEEK | Semiconductor Applications |
| FDA-Compliant GF PEEK | Food Contact Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 120–145 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 110–135 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 2–5% |
| Flexural Strength | 180–230 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 6.0–8.5 GPa |
| Hardness | Rockwell M105–110 |
| Compressive Strength | 170–220 MPa |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Stiffness | Outstanding |
| Structural Strength | Outstanding |
| Creep Resistance | Outstanding |
| Dimensional Stability | Outstanding |
Glass Filled PEEK offers substantially greater stiffness than Virgin PEEK.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.48–1.55 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | 0.05–0.2% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.30–0.40 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 1100–1300 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | Very Low |
Glass reinforcement greatly reduces thermal expansion and improves dimensional accuracy.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 343°C |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 143°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 300°C+ |
| Continuous Service Temperature | Up to 250°C |
| Short-Term Service Temperature | Up to 300°C |
Glass Filled PEEK maintains excellent mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Filled PEEK | 1.52 | 135 MPa |
| Virgin PEEK | 1.31 | 100 MPa |
| PPS GF40 | 1.65 | 130 MPa |
| Aluminum 6061 | 2.70 | 310 MPa |
Glass Filled PEEK provides exceptional structural performance while remaining significantly lighter than metals.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Excellent |
| Acids | Excellent |
| Alkalis | Excellent |
| Steam | Excellent |
| Hydrocarbons | Excellent |
| Solvents | Excellent |
| Salt Solutions | Excellent |
| Cleaning Chemicals | Excellent |
Glass reinforcement does not significantly reduce PEEK’s outstanding chemical resistance.
Hydrolysis Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Steam Resistance | Outstanding |
| Hot Water Resistance | Outstanding |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Excellent |
| Hydrolysis Stability | Outstanding |
Suitable for high-temperature steam and repeated sterilization environments.
Wear Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent |
| Sliding Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Surface Durability | Excellent |
| Load-Bearing Performance | Outstanding |
Glass Filled PEEK performs well in static and moderate wear applications.
Dimensional Stability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion Control | Outstanding |
| Precision Stability | Outstanding |
| Creep Resistance | Outstanding |
| Long-Term Structural Stability | Outstanding |
One of the primary advantages of Glass Filled PEEK is superior dimensional stability.
Electrical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹³ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | >10¹² Ω |
| Dielectric Strength | 15–22 kV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 3.4–4.0 |
Glass Filled PEEK maintains excellent electrical insulation properties.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Good |
| Precision Machining | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| Virgin PEEK | Excellent |
| Glass Filled PEEK | Good–Excellent |
| Carbon Filled PEEK | Good |
| POM | Outstanding |
Glass fibers increase tool wear compared with Virgin PEEK.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Injection Molding | Excellent |
| Compression Molding | Excellent |
| Extrusion | Excellent |
| Precision Manufacturing | Outstanding |
Glass Filled PEEK is widely used for precision structural components.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ISO | GF30 PEEK |
| ASTM | Glass Fiber Reinforced PEEK |
| DIN | PEEK GF30 |
| JIS | Glass Filled PEEK |
| GB/T (China) | 玻璃纤维增强PEEK |
| FDA | Certain Grades Available |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Rod | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Pellets | Yes |
| Injection Molded Parts | Yes |
| Precision Machined Components | Yes |
Typical Applications
Aerospace Industry
- Structural Brackets
- Electrical Insulators
- Aircraft Interior Components
- High-Temperature Fixtures
Semiconductor Industry
- Equipment Components
- Wafer Processing Fixtures
- Structural Supports
- Precision Positioning Parts
Industrial Machinery
- Wear Components
- Structural Parts
- High-Load Supports
- Machine Fixtures
Electrical Industry
- Connector Housings
- Insulation Components
- High-Voltage Supports
Oil & Gas Industry
- Compressor Components
- Valve Parts
- Pump Components
- High-Pressure Equipment
Precision Engineering
- Dimensional Stability Components
- Fixtures
- Guides
- Structural Assemblies
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Injection Molding | Excellent |
| Structural Component Production | Outstanding |
| High-Precision Manufacturing | Outstanding |
Advantages
Outstanding Stiffness
Significantly more rigid than Virgin PEEK.
Excellent Dimensional Stability
Low thermal expansion and superior precision retention.
Superior Creep Resistance
Maintains shape under long-term loading.
High Temperature Capability
Continuous operation up to 250°C.
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Suitable for aggressive industrial environments.
Lightweight Metal Alternative
High strength at a fraction of metal weight.
Limitations
Reduced Toughness
Less ductile than Virgin PEEK.
Increased Tool Wear
Glass fibers accelerate machining tool wear.
Lower Wear Performance Than Carbon Filled PEEK
Carbon-filled grades perform better in sliding applications.
Premium Material Cost
More expensive than conventional engineering plastics.
Comparison with Other PEEK Grades
| Property | Glass Filled PEEK | Virgin PEEK | Carbon Filled PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Outstanding | Good | Outstanding |
| Toughness | Moderate | Highest | Moderate |
| Dimensional Stability | Outstanding | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Good | Better |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent | Outstanding | Reduced |
Comparison with Carbon Filled PEEK
| Property | Glass Filled PEEK | Carbon Filled PEEK |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Better |
| Thermal Conductivity | Lower | Higher |
| Electrical Insulation | Better | Lower |
| Cost | Similar | Similar |
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Machined Finish
- Molded Finish
- Precision Ground Finish
Functional Finishes
- Polished Surface
- Precision Structural Finish
- Industrial Finish
Specialty Grades
- 30% Glass Filled PEEK
- FDA-Compliant Glass Filled PEEK
- Semiconductor Grade GF PEEK
- High-Purity Glass Filled PEEK
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Glass Filled PEEK?
Glass Filled PEEK is a reinforced PEEK material containing glass fibers to improve stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability.
What is Glass Filled PEEK used for?
Typical applications include:
- Aerospace Components
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Structural Fixtures
- Industrial Machinery
- Electrical Insulators
Is Glass Filled PEEK stronger than Virgin PEEK?
Yes. Glass Filled PEEK offers higher stiffness, compressive strength, and dimensional stability.
Is Glass Filled PEEK electrically insulating?
Yes. Unlike carbon-filled grades, Glass Filled PEEK maintains excellent electrical insulation properties.
Can Glass Filled PEEK be machined?
Yes. It is commonly CNC machined into high-precision engineering components.
Why choose Glass Filled PEEK?
Because it combines:
- Outstanding Rigidity
- Excellent Dimensional Stability
- High Temperature Resistance
- Superior Creep Resistance
- Excellent Chemical Resistance
What is the difference between Glass Filled and Carbon Filled PEEK?
Glass Filled PEEK provides better electrical insulation and dimensional stability, while Carbon Filled PEEK offers superior wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
Does GCNOV provide Glass Filled PEEK manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Glass Filled PEEK CNC Machining
- Injection Molding
- Aerospace Component Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Equipment Parts
- Precision Engineering Components
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production