🧩 PEEK+CFRP – Polyether Ether Ketone + Carbon Fiber (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer)
(Ultra-advanced structural material from the high-performance thermoplastic composite category. PEEK+CFRP combines the PEEK matrix with continuous or chopped carbon fibers, achieving strength comparable to aluminum and titanium at half the weight.)
🔹 What is PEEK+CFRP
PEEK+CFRP is an advanced technical composite where carbon fibers are embedded in a PEEK matrix. The resulting material offers a tensile strength > 250 MPa and a Young’s modulus up to 50 GPa. It features perfect dimensional stability up to 280 °C and superior fatigue resistance. It is the primary alternative to stainless steel and aluminum where weight reduction and EMI shielding are critical.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Base: 60–70% PEEK Matrix, 30–40% Carbon Fiber (CF).
- Density: 1.40–1.48 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 343 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Exceptional (inert to industrial agents).
- Continuous Heat Resistance: 250–280 °C.
🚗 Where PEEK+CFRP is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Structural / Suspension | Arms, mounts, load-bearing cases | Replaces aluminum at a lower weight |
| Engine / Thermal | Covers, pumps, EGR parts | Stable at 280 °C, extreme rigidity |
| Transmission / Braking | Pistons, discs, guides | Thermally conductive and very durable |
| Electrical / ECU | Housings, technical covers | Natural EMI shielding due to carbon |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 380 – 400 °C | Slow melting, stable viscous flow |
| Plastic Extrusion | 370 – 400 °C | PEEK or compatible PEEK+CF rods |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 370 – 390 °C | Clean bond, avoids fiber oxidation |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: PEEK, PEEK+CF, PEEK+GF, PEEK+HT, PPS, PPSU, PES, PEI.
- ⚠️ Good Compatibility: PPA, PPS+CF, PEEK+PEI.
- ❌ Incompatible: PP, PE, PS, ABS, PC, PET (completely different melting points).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: Use PEEK+CF rods at 390–400 °C. Heat slowly, keeping the welding zone pristine. Avoid overheating—carbon fiber can oxidize and cause porosity. Slow natural cooling provides a dense, conductive bond.
🧠 How to Identify PEEK+CFRP
- Engraved marking: >PEEK+CFRP<, >VICTREX 450CA40<, >TECAPEEK CF<.
- Texture: Matte black surface with visible technical fiber texture.
- ReplastMD practical test: Rigid, black, conductive, and does not warp under 300 °C hot air. Burns with a clean flame and leaves rigid charred residues.
🛠️ PEEK+CFRP Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PEEK+CFRP welding for structural arms, pump housings, and high-performance ECU cases, ensuring a metal-grade, durable finish.