PEEK vs Metal: Which High-Performance Plastic Wins?
Tensile data verified against MatWeb.com database & manufacturer datasheets · Last updated July 2026
Published: 2026-06-02
Which Material Should You Choose?Choose PEEK if:Application requirements align with PEEK propertiesChoose Metal (Aluminum/Steel/Titanium) if:Application requirements align with Metal (Aluminum/Steel/Titanium) propertiesPrice ComparisonPEEK:...
Which Material Should You Choose?
Choose PEEK if:
- Application requirements align with PEEK properties
Choose Metal (Aluminum/Steel/Titanium) if:
- Application requirements align with Metal (Aluminum/Steel/Titanium) properties
Price Comparison
PEEK: $80-200/kg vs Metal (Aluminum/Steel/Titanium): $3-8/kg · Prices vary by grade and quantity
PEEK replaces aluminum in aerospace brackets: 70% weight reduction justifies 3-5× material cost. PEEK eliminates machining, corrosion coating, and galvanic corrosion with carbon fiber. For brackets below 150°C, competitive on total installed cost.
Comparison at a Glance
| Tensile Strength | PEEK:100 vs Al:300 vs Steel:500 MPa |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | PEEK:343 vs Al:660°C |
| Shrinkage Rate | PEEK:1.2% vs Metal:N/A |
| Flexural Modulus | PEEK:4.1 vs Al:69 GPa |
| Hdt | PEEK:160 vs Al:300°C |
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Victrex vs 6061 Aluminum |
Frequently Asked Questions
When PEEK replaces metal?
Weight-critical (70% lighter than Al). Corrosive environments. Complex geometries replacing multi-step machining. Compare total installed cost, not just material price.
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org