ARKPEEK-1000 vs Ketron 1000: Complete PEEK Material Comparison

Introduction

ARKPEEK® -1000 (from ARK / PEEKChina) and Ketron® 1000 PEEK (from Mitsubishi Chemical / Quadrant brand family) are two of the most widely used unfilled PEEK 1000 grades for high-performance engineering applications. Their mechanical strength, thermal resistance, chemical stability, and wear performance make them highly reliable materials in aerospace, semiconductor, industrial equipment, medical devices, and analytical instrumentation.

Based on published datasheets and global market usage, ARKPEEK-1000 and Ketron® 1000 exhibit equivalent material behavior, meaning they can be used interchangeably in most engineering applications.
However, ARKPEEK-1000 offers greater cost efficiency, making it the preferred choice for volume production or cost-sensitive projects.

1. Technical Comparison Table: ARKPEEK-1000 vs Ketron® 1000 PEEK

2. Performance Comparison

2.1 Thermal Properties

Both grades exhibit nearly identical high-temperature behavior thanks to the inherent structure of PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

Melting points differ only by 3°C.

Long-term use temperatures fall within the 250–260°C range.

This makes both materials suitable for continuous heat exposure, autoclave environments, and hot fluid handling systems.

2.2 Mechanical Performance

As unfilled PEEK grades, ARKPEEK-1000 and Ketron® 1000 share similar mechanical characteristics:

High tensile strength (115 MPa)

Excellent fatigue resistance

High impact toughness

Superior dimensional stability

The slight variation in tensile strength does not meaningfully affect real-world application performance.

2.3 Chemical Resistance

Both materials show the classic chemical profile of PEEK:

Inert to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, and organic solvents

Resistant to steam, high-purity water, and sterilization cycles

Not suitable for strong oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric, sulfuric at high concentrations)

This makes both grades ideal for semiconductor wet benches, chemical pumps, and HPLC/analytical fluid connectors.

2.4 Machinability & Processing

Both materials:

Machine cleanly with carbide tools

Require proper drying before molding

Maintain excellent post-machining dimensional stability

Offer very low wear under friction

Manufacturing complexity is identical.

3. Application Areas

Both grades are broadly utilized in:

Aerospace structural and interior components

Automotive engine and transmission parts

Electronics and electrical insulation systems

Medical, analytical, and pharmaceutical equipment

Chemical equipment, pump and valve components

These industries demand high mechanical strength, temperature resistance, and chemical stability—areas where both ARKPEEK-1000 and Ketron 1000 PEEK excel.

4. Cost-Effectiveness and Recommendation

While ARKPEEK-1000 and Ketron 1000 PEEK deliver highly similar performance, ARKPEEK-1000 generally offers a more attractive price point. This makes ARKPEEK-1000 the preferred choice when both performance and budget are vital considerations, allowing manufacturers to maintain quality and reliability without overspending.