Technical Article

Machining PEEK: Tips & Tolerances

PEEK is a high-performance plastic that machines beautifully — if you respect its thermal and elastic behaviour.

Thermal discipline

PEEK has low thermal conductivity; heat builds at the edge. Use sharp tools, moderate speeds and good cooling to avoid size drift.

Springback and clamping

PEEK relaxes after cutting. Don’t over-clamp (you’ll induce stress), and allow stabilization before final inspection.

Tolerance reality

±0.02–0.05 mm is realistic for most features; tighter needs careful process control and temperature-stable measurement.

Frequently asked questions

Can PEEK replace metal?

For electrical, chemical and weight-sensitive roles, often yes — but check stiffness and creep under load.

Does PEEK need annealing?

For the most stable dimensions, a controlled anneal before final machining helps.