PEEK vs. Vespel®
Compare PEEK and Vespel® SP-1 polyimide to identify the best option for your project
Differences Between PEEK and Vespel® SP-1
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic with good dimensional stability and outstanding resistance to corrosive chemicals. PEEK is resistant to hydrolysis so it is often used in direct contact with hot water and steam. It has good mechanical properties at both low and high temperatures. PEEK is available in FDA complaint grades and it is often used for food processing and medical applications. PEEK has excellent rolling contact fatigue characteristics for long service life of wheels and rollers.
DuPont™ Vespel® SP-1 is an unfilled polyimide that provides superior wear and insulation properties while operating in temperatures from cryogenic to 260°C (500°F). Among the Vespel® SP family, SP-1 offers the highest elongation and purity along with low electrical conductivity. Stock shapes are available as isostatically molded billet and unidirectionally pressed slab specified as Type IM and Type IP respectively per ASTM D6456-10 / MIL-R-46198. Vespel® SP-1 is specified as Class 1 per AMS 3644G.
Components fabricated from Vespel® SP-1 shapes are frequently used by semiconductor manufacturers in production processes.
DuPont™ Vespel® resists stress relaxation, allowing it to retain much of its apparent modulus over extended periods of time for long-term sealing performance.
PEEK Material Characteristics |
Vespel® SP-1 Material Characteristics |
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PEEK Applications |
Vespel® SP-1 Applications |
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PEEK Common Brands |
Vespel® SP-1 Common Brands |
| • TECAPEEK®, SustaPEEK, Ketron® | • DuPont™ Vespel® |
Typical Properties of PEEK vs. Vespel® SP-1
| Property | Units | ASTM Test |
PEEK | Vespel® SP-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | psi | – | 16,000 | 12,500 |
| Tensile elongation | % | – | 40 | 7.5 |
| Flexural strength | psi | D790 | 25,000 | 16,000 |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity | psi | D790 | 600,000 | 450,000 |
| Compressive strength (10% deformation) 73°F | psi | D695 | 20,000 | 19,300 |
| Izod impact (notched) 73°F | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | – | 2.6 | 3 |
| Heat deflection temperature (66psi / 264psi) | °F | D648 | – / 320 | – / ~680 |
| Dielectric strength (short term) | V/mil | D149 | 480 | 560 |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.1 | 0.24 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
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