PEEK product mold injection molding and CNC machining

There are significant differences between PEEK injection molding and CNC machining in multiple aspects. The following is a detailed comparison of these two machining methods:

1、 Processing principle

PEEK injection molding:

Principle: Thermoplastic parts are manufactured by injecting molten PEEK material into a pre-existing mold. The material is melted in the heating chamber, mixed by a spiral screw, injected into the mold cavity, and cooled in the mold cavity to form a solid shape.

Features: Suitable for large-scale production, capable of manufacturing the required geometric shapes in organic and aqueous environments.

CNC machining (computer numerical control machining):

Principle: By using computer-controlled processing tools to remove material layers from inventory (blanks or workpieces), custom designed parts are produced. CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process.

Features: High degree of automation, high production efficiency, strong adaptability to processing objects, high processing accuracy, and stable quality.

2、 Material processing

PEEK injection molding:

PEEK material needs to be made into granules and injection molded at specific temperatures and pressures.

There are special requirements for the cooling of the mold, as any inconsistency can cause changes in the PEEK material structure.

CNC machining:

Suitable for block, rod, powder or granular PEEK materials.

CNC machining does not require molds, thus reducing startup time and cost, making it very suitable for parts larger than 600mm.

3、 Applicable scenarios

PEEK injection molding:

Suitable for large-scale production, especially in scenarios with high requirements for the quantity of parts.

Widely used in the electronics industry, mechanical engineering, automotive industry, conveyor technology, medical industry, and other fields.

CNC machining:

Suitable for small batch and customized production, especially when rapid production of prototypes and plastic models is required.

It has also been applied in multiple industries, such as aerospace, automotive, etc.

4、 Cost considerations

PEEK injection molding:

Due to the need for molds, the initial cost may be higher, but once the molds are completed, the individual cost for mass production is lower.

CNC machining:

No mold is required, so the initial cost is lower, but the cost per piece may be higher than injection molding (especially in small batch production).