Designing High-Performance Gears with ARKPEEK: Fatigue Strength and Material Selection Guide

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a premium engineering polymer widely used in gears for industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics due to its exceptional fatigue resistance, lightweight properties, and thermal stability. For designers working with ARKPEEK, understanding its flexural fatigue and surface-fatigue strength is critical for ensuring long-term reliability. Below, we break down key data, design considerations, and ARKPEEK-specific recommendations.

Fatigue Properties of PEEK for Gear Design

1. Flexural/Bending Fatigue Strength

ARKPEEK-1000: Unfilled PEEK:

• Endurance Limit: 30–40 MPa at 10⁶–10⁷ cycles (room temperature, dry).

• Limitations: Rapid strength reduction above 150°C; sensitive to moisture and cyclic stress.

ARKPEEK-CF30: 30% Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEEK:

• Endurance Limit: 50–70 MPa at 10⁶–10⁷ cycles (superior load distribution and stiffness).

• ARKPEEK Grade Suggestion: Use ARKPEEK-CF30 for high-load gear applications requiring fatigue resistance.

2. Surface-Fatigue Strength (Contact Fatigue)

Unfilled PEEK:

• Dry Conditions: 50–100 MPa at 10⁶ cycles (prone to wear/pitting).

• Lubricated: 100–150 MPa (improved performance with oil/grease).

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEEK:

• Dry Conditions: 150–200 MPa at 10⁶ cycles.

• Lubricated: 250–350 MPa (ideal for gears with cyclic contact stress).

• ARKPEEK Grade Suggestion: ARKPEEK-CF30 for enhanced wear resistance and reduced friction.

  
  

Design Considerations for ARKPEEK Gears

Material Selection

• High-Load Applications: ARKPEEK-CF30 (30% carbon fiber + PEEK) for superior flexural and surface-fatigue strength.

• Low-Noise/Light-Duty Gears: ARKPEEK-GF30 (30% glass fiber + PEEK) for cost-effective wear resistance.

Critical Design Factors

• Lubrication: Extends surface-fatigue life by 2–3x (e.g., grease or oil).

• Surface Finish: Polish gear teeth (Ra < 0.4 µm) to reduce stress concentrations.

Standards Compliance:

• Flexural Fatigue: ASTM D7774.

• Surface Fatigue: ISO 14635-1 (pitting resistance).

  
  

Prototyping & Validation

• Simulate Hertzian contact stress using ISO 6336 or AGMA 2001-D04.

• Conduct real-world tests with ARKPEEK prototypes under operational loads, speeds, and temperatures.

  
  

Why Choose ARKPEEK for Gears?

• Custom Formulations: Tailor ARKPEEK grades with additives like Carbon, Glass, Graphite, or PTFE.

• Manufacturer Support: Access fatigue life curves (SN curves) and wear-rate data for precise design.

• Sustainability: 100% recyclable and compatible with lightweighting initiatives.