PEEK vs PPS
Both high-temp.
Both high-temp.
Different tiers.
Know when to pay up.
PEEK is the premium high-performance thermoplastic. PPS is one tier down but at 1/5 the cost. For many applications, PPS is the right choice — but PEEK's capabilities justify the premium for specific requirements.
01 · At a glance
Side-by-side summary.
Option A
PEEK
Polyetheretherketone. Premium engineering thermoplastic. 260°C continuous service. Excellent chemistry, biocompatible grades available. $120-180/kg unfilled.
Option B
PPS (Ryton)
Polyphenylene sulfide. Automotive-grade high-temperature thermoplastic. 220°C continuous. Inherently flame retardant. $15-25/kg glass-filled.
02 · Detailed comparison
Feature-by-feature breakdown.
| Attribute | PEEK unfilled | PPS-GF40 |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.30 g/cc | 1.66 g/cc |
| Tensile strength | 100 MPa | 160 MPa (GF) |
| Max continuous service | 260°C | 220°C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 150°C (343°C GF) | 260°C |
| Flame rating | UL 94 V-0 natural | UL 94 V-0 natural |
| Biocompatible grade | PEEK-OPTIMA available | Not implant-grade |
| Machinability | Excellent | Glass abrasive to tools |
| Moisture absorption | 0.5% | <0.02% |
| Cost per kg (raw) | $120-180 unfilled | $15-25 GF |
| Cost finished part | Premium | 50-70% of PEEK |
| Injection moldable | Yes (requires 390°C) | Yes (standard) |
| Typical applications | Medical, aerospace, semiconductor | Automotive under-hood, electrical |
03 · Decision guide
When to choose each.
Choose PEEK when:
- Medical implants (PEEK-OPTIMA grade)
- Continuous service 220-260°C
- Ultra-pure semiconductor wafer handling
- Aerospace structural hot sections
- FDA implantable device requirements
- Chemical resistance + mechanics premium
Choose PPS (Ryton) when:
- Automotive under-hood (cost-sensitive)
- Electrical connectors requiring V-0 rating
- Inherently FR without additives
- Up to 220°C continuous service
- Production volumes where cost matters
- EV motor components, general industrial
FAQ
Common questions.
For temperatures up to 220°C and most chemical environments: yes, PPS works. For 260°C continuous, biomedical implants, or ultra-pure applications: PEEK is required. Rule of thumb: if you're using PEEK "because we always did", evaluate PPS — often 70% cost reduction with acceptable performance. If PEEK-specific features matter (biocompatibility, 260°C, semiconductor-grade purity), stick with PEEK.
PEEK manufacturing: complex synthesis, specialty raw materials, limited global production (Victrex, Solvay, Evonik main producers). Production scale: PEEK ~5,000 tonnes/year globally, PPS ~50,000 tonnes/year. PEEK processing: requires 390-400°C melt temperature (specialty equipment). PPS: standard injection molding at 320°C. Both are premium vs commodity plastics ($2-5/kg) but PEEK is clearly premium within premium.
PEEK-OPTIMA (Invibio proprietary medical grade): FDA 510(k) cleared for implantable medical devices. Certified biocompatibility. Premium cost: $300-400/kg raw material. Industrial PEEK: same polymer but not medical-certified. $120-180/kg. For medical implants, PEEK-OPTIMA required; for industrial applications, standard PEEK adequate. Don't pay PEEK-OPTIMA premium unless medical implant.
Unfilled PEEK: best machinability, dimensional stability, biocompatibility. PEEK-GF30: higher strength, glass fibers abrade tools (use PCD). PEEK-CF30: carbon filled, even higher strength, ESD-safe. Filled PPS: glass is nearly always added (PPS-GF40 standard) — unfilled PPS has modest mechanical properties. For high-performance PPS parts, GF40 or mineral-filled grades dominate.
PEEK: 0.5% moisture absorption. Nylon 6/6 absorbs 8% — PEEK 16× more stable. Still, PEEK should be dried before injection molding. PPS: <0.02% moisture — essentially zero. PPS parts maintain dimensional stability in humid environments better than PEEK. For outdoor or high-humidity service requiring dimensional stability: PPS wins. For most indoor applications, PEEK moisture absorption isn't problematic.
PEEK unfilled: machines well, similar to aluminum. Sharp carbide tooling, moderate speeds. PEEK-GF or CF filled: abrasive — use PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tooling for production. PPS-GF40: also abrasive, similar PCD recommendation. Both materials need: sharp tooling, adequate cooling (compressed air or mist), chip evacuation to prevent melting from friction. Standard practices work for both — no unusual considerations.
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