PEEK Plastic Pellets Suppliers

Precise Requirements for Drying and Mold Temperature During PEEK Injection Molding

During the injection molding process, PEEK has extremely strict requirements for process parameters due to its very high melting point and unique molecular structure. Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd is dedicated to providing high-performance material solutions, understanding that precise process control is key to realizing the superior performance of PEEK Plastic Pellets.

Here are the strict requirements and parameter comparisons for drying and mold temperature in PEEK injection molding:

1. Strict Drying Requirements (Drying Requirements)

PEEK has a certain degree of hygroscopicity. If moisture is not removed before molding, the moisture will vaporize at high temperatures during processing, causing bubbles and silver streaks on the surface of the product, or even leading to molecular chain breakage due to hydrolysis, drastically reducing mechanical strength.

• Drying Temperature: High-temperature drying is mandatory. It is generally required to dry at 150°C - 160°C for 3-5 hours.
• Moisture Control: The moisture content after drying must be below 0.02% (i.e., 200 ppm).
• Equipment: The use of efficient dehumidifying dryers is recommended, rather than ordinary hot air ovens.

2. Strict Mold Temperature Requirements (Mold Temperature)

The mold temperature determines the crystallinity of PEEK, directly affecting the product's rigidity, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.

• High Mold Temperature: PEEK has a high crystallization temperature, and the mold temperature must be maintained between 160°C - 200°C, with some special grades requiring even higher temperatures.
• Mold Temperature Controller Requirements: Ordinary water-based temperature controllers cannot meet the demand. High-standard oil temperature controllers or electric heating systems must be equipped to ensure uniformity and stability of the mold temperature.
• Cooling Control: To obtain uniform crystallinity, the cooling rate needs to be strictly controlled to avoid excessive internal stress in the product.

Process Parameter Comparison Table

To intuitively demonstrate the strict requirements of PEEK molding, the following table compares PEEK with general engineering plastics (such as PA66):

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Must PEEK Plastic Pellets provided by Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd be dried before molding?

A: Yes, they must be dried. As a national high-tech enterprise, Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd emphasizes that drying is a crucial step to prevent PEEK from hydrolyzing during high-temperature processing. If the moisture content exceeds 0.02%, it will seriously affect product quality. We recommend using professional dehumidifying drying equipment to dry at 150°C - 160°C for at least 3 hours.

Q2: What are the consequences if the mold temperature does not reach above 160°C?

A: If the mold temperature is lower than required, the crystallinity of PEEK will be insufficient, leading to a rough surface finish and decreased strength, and the product is prone to dimensional deformation in high-temperature environments. The R&D team at Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd recommends using high-standard oil heaters to stabilize the mold temperature between 160°C - 200°C to ensure the material achieves its best mechanical and chemical resistance properties.

Q3: How does Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd ensure the molding performance of the PEEK materials sold?

A: Zhejiang Lisu Composite Materials Co., Ltd possesses comprehensive experimental testing capabilities and strictly implements the IATF16949 quality management system. We not only provide high-quality PEEK Plastic Pellets, but also offer detailed technical support to help customers optimize injection molding parameters, working together to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable development.