![]() The Flex 510 in the middle doesn’t print with PEEK. The Intamsys line of printers includes three PEEK-enabled machines: the largest Funmat Pro 610 HT, the smallest Funmat HT, and the Funmat Pro 410 on the right in blue. Sensors to detect whether you have enough filament to complete the job.Power outage protection that resumes the print from where you left off.Camera embedded for continuous print monitoring.Controlled cool down to prevent warping.Integrated filament dryer so your PEEK material is always ready to go.Dual extruders so you can print support material in something other than PEEK, such as a soluble material, for cost savings and easier removal.Rapid heating chamber so you’re not waiting an hour or more before you can start printing.Insulated chamber so the heat doesn’t warm up your workshop or leak heat from your machine.HEPA filter to trap harmful fumes and particles.If you only need PEEK part occasionally or aren’t sure you need PEEK at all, try ordering your PEEK parts from a 3D printing on-demand service bureau, such as Craftcloud.īelow are some of the top features of the PEEK printers on our list. Not all PEEK printers are the same, of course, and you’ll need to balance your budget with the features you need in a printer and the ones you might be able to live without. Tensometric system used in 3DGence’s Industry F340 enables automatically calibration (Source: 3DGence) What To Look For in a PEEK Printer Of course, they can handle regular ABS and even PLA if you can turn the heat down low enough. No 3D printer on our list is a one-trick pony if they can print PEEK, then they have the capability to handle other high-performance polymers that have similar print perimeters and a need for high heat, such as PEAK, PEKK, PEI/Ultem, PPSU, and others. Fortunately, the better PEEK printers will automate many of these settings for a more worry-free experience.Īlthough most PEEK is 3D printed using FDM printing with rolls of filament, more recently PEEK is making headway in powder form for selective laser sinter (SLS). Plus, print speed and layer height are important factors in a successful PEEK print. The heat needs to be consistent and controlable since how quickly you let the final part cool down also makes a difference. You not only need to extrude PEEK with a super-heated nozzle (300+ ✬), you also need to keep it hot with a heated bed and a heated chamber. Not All Printers Can Print PEEK Infinam PEEK 9359 from Evonik (Source: Evonik)Ī spool of PEEK filament may look like any other 3D printing plastic, but put it in a consumer machine and you’ll quickly realize that this material needs something more specifically more heat. ![]() This lattice-filled part is actually made from a PEKK material in the same family as PEEK from Stratasys (Source: Stratasys) Plus, if you’re new to PEEK (and other polymers in the PEAK family), skip down to the end to learn more about this sought-after and functional material. Below we detail the best 3D printers in a range of sizes and price points, from office-friendly desktop versions to large-volume production machines. Parts 3D printed in PEEK by Roboze, Stratasys, Indmatec, and material spool by Evonik.Īt the same time, demand for 3D printers that can work with this material is growing, which has prompted manufacturers to produce increasingly affordable, larger, and easier-to-use PEEK printers for businesses looking to bring production and prototyping in-house.Īlthough PEEK is still among the costliest additive manufacturing polymers (yet cheaper than most metal), and it’s not the easiest to work with, it is far more accessible today than ever before. It’s no wonder we’re seeing more use of 3D printed PEEK parts replacing metal in space craft, orthopedic implants, and even engine parts in high-performance auto racing. It’s ideal for parts in electrical engineering due to its electrical insulation properties, and it’s widely used in applications requiring long-term resistance to pressure and wear, such as in the oil and gas industry.Ĭouple the qualities of this plastic with the capabilities of 3D printing and you have the ability to make just about any customized shape and part complexity in a material that can withstand the harshest conditions. ![]() PEEK is prized for delivering better-than-metal medical implants and aerospace components because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. ![]() Parts made from this engineering-grade material can be found in virtually every industry. PEEK can produce parts stronger and lighter than stainless steel and aluminum with extremely high thermal, chemical, and wear resistance. PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is one of the most popular thermoplastics in manufacturing and for good reason. Looking to 3D print with stronger-than-metal PEEK polymer? Our buyer’s guide covers all you need to know and the best PEEK 3D printers for your application. ![]()
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