PEEK Bars: Sizes, Grades, Applications & Global Supply Guide

In high-performance engineering industries, material selection directly determines product reliability, lifespan, and compliance. PEEK bars (Polyether Ether Ketone solid round bars) are among the most trusted advanced engineering plastics for demanding applications across aerospace, medical, semiconductor, oil & gas, and industrial automation sectors.

This guide explains everything engineers and procurement teams need to know about PEEK bars - including grades, dimensions, performance characteristics, and global supply options.

What Are PEEK Bars?

PEEK bars are solid cylindrical stock shapes manufactured from polyether ether ketone, a high-performance thermoplastic known for:

• Continuous service temperature up to 250°C (482°F)

• Excellent mechanical strength

• Outstanding wear resistance

• Chemical resistance to aggressive media

• Low moisture absorption

• Dimensional stability

In industrial supply terminology, PEEK bar, PEEK rod, and PEEK round bar stock are often used interchangeably. However, PEEK bars typically refers to industrial-grade stock intended for CNC machining into precision components.

Why Engineers Choose PEEK Bars Over Metal

In many applications, PEEK bars replace stainless steel, aluminum, or even titanium due to their unique performance-to-weight ratio.

Key Advantages:

1. Lightweight with High Strength

PEEK offers exceptional tensile and compressive strength while weighing significantly less than metal.

2. High Temperature Resistance

Continuous operating temperature: ~250°C
Short-term exposure: up to 300°C

3. Excellent Wear & Friction Performance

Ideal for bushings, bearings, and sliding components.

4. Chemical Resistance

Resistant to:

• Hydrocarbons

• Acids

• Steam

• Most industrial solvents

5. Electrical Insulation

Widely used in semiconductor and electronic applications.

6. Metal Replacement Benefits

• Corrosion-free

• Reduced maintenance

• Lower system weight

• Noise reduction

Available Grades of PEEK Bars

Selecting the right grade is essential for optimal performance.

Natural (Unfilled) PEEK Bars

• Highest purity

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Suitable for medical and food-contact applications

• Ideal for semiconductor components

CF30 PEEK Bars (Carbon Fiber Reinforced)

• 30% carbon fiber reinforcement

• Higher stiffness and mechanical strength

• Improved wear resistance

• Lower thermal expansion

• Ideal for structural and aerospace components

GF30 PEEK Bars (Glass Fiber Reinforced)

• 30% glass fiber

• Higher rigidity

• Good dimensional stability

• Used in industrial structural parts

Modified (Bearing Grade) PEEK Bars

• Enhanced with PTFE, graphite, and carbon

• Ultra-low friction

• Superior wear performance

• Designed for dynamic applications

Standard Sizes of PEEK Bars

Industrial PEEK bars are available in a wide diameter range to support machining flexibility.

Typical Diameter Range:

• From 6 mm (1/4”)

• Up to 200 mm (8”) or larger

Standard Length:

• 1000 mm

• 3000 mm

• Custom cut-to-length options available

Machining Tolerance:

• Tight tolerance available upon request

• Precision cutting service for production efficiency

For large-diameter PEEK bars, extrusion and compression molding processes are typically used to ensure structural integrity and dimensional stability.

Applications of PEEK Bars

PEEK bar stock is widely machined into precision components across high-demand industries.

Aerospace

• Structural brackets

• Bushings

• Lightweight mechanical parts

• High-temperature insulators

Medical Industry

• Surgical instrument components

• Orthopedic device parts

• Sterilization-resistant mechanical parts

PEEK's biocompatibility and radiolucency make it ideal for medical-grade applications.

Semiconductor Industry

• Wafer handling components

• Insulating fixtures

• Chemical-resistant structural parts

Oil & Gas

• Valve seats

• Sealing rings

• Compressor components

• Downhole mechanical parts

Robotics & Automation

• Gears

• Sliding bearings

• Wear-resistant structural components

PEEK Bars vs Stainless Steel vs PTFE

PEEK bars offer the optimal balance between mechanical strength and lightweight performance, making them ideal for precision engineering applications.

Stock Availability & Custom Machining Services

For B2B buyers, material availability is just as important as material performance.

Reliable suppliers typically offer:

• Large inventory of standard diameters

• Fast global shipping

• Custom cut-to-length service

• CNC machining support

• Technical consultation for material selection

Choosing a supplier with consistent stock ensures reduced lead times and stable production planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum diameter of PEEK bars?

Large diameters can exceed 200 mm depending on manufacturing method.

What temperature can PEEK bars withstand?

Continuous service temperature up to 250°C.

Are PEEK bars FDA compliant?

Natural PEEK grades can meet FDA and food-contact standards depending on certification.

What is the difference between PEEK rod and PEEK bar?

In most industrial contexts, they refer to the same solid round stock material.

Are carbon fiber PEEK bars stronger?

Yes, CF30 PEEK bars provide higher stiffness and better dimensional stability.

Can PEEK bars replace metal components?

Yes, especially when weight reduction and corrosion resistance are critical.

Why PEEK Bars Are a Strategic Engineering Material

As industries move toward lightweight design, chemical resistance, and high-temperature reliability, PEEK bars have become a strategic material in advanced manufacturing.

They provide:

• Long service life

• Reduced system weight

• Improved reliability

• Lower maintenance cost

• Design flexibility

For engineers and procurement professionals seeking long-term performance stability, PEEK bar stock remains one of the most reliable high-performance thermoplastics available today.