PEEK Material Weight Calculator
Accurately determine the weight of PEEK components using fundamental physical properties.
PEEK Weight Calculator
Enter dimensions (Length x Width x Height, Diameter, or Thickness). Units: mm. For rods/tubes, use Diameter. For sheets/plates, use Length x Width. For blocks, use L x W x H.
Unfilled PEEK (Standard)
Glass Fiber Reinforced PEEK
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK
Wear-Resistant PEEK
High-Strength PEEK
Select the specific type of PEEK for accurate density.
Calculation Results
Formula: Weight = Volume × Density
Weight vs. PEEK Type Comparison
Chart shows approximate weight for a 100x50x10mm component across different PEEK types.
PEEK Material Properties Table
| PEEK Material Type | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Max Continuous Use Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unfilled PEEK (Standard) | 1.32 | 90-100 | 250-260 |
| Glass Fiber Reinforced PEEK | 1.35 – 1.45 | 170-200 | 250-260 |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK | 1.40 – 1.50 | 150-190 | 250-260 |
| Wear-Resistant PEEK | 1.30 – 1.38 | 80-95 | 240-250 |
| High-Strength PEEK | 1.33 – 1.42 | 120-150 | 250-260 |
What is PEEK Material Weight?
PEEK material weight refers to the mass of a specific volume of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. Understanding the weight of PEEK components is crucial for various engineering applications, from aerospace and automotive to medical devices and oil & gas exploration. This involves calculating the volume of the PEEK part and multiplying it by the material's density. The resulting weight is essential for structural integrity calculations, transportation costs, and overall system performance optimization.
Who Should Use a PEEK Material Weight Calculator?
Engineers, designers, procurement specialists, and manufacturers working with PEEK materials should utilize a PEEK material weight calculator. This includes professionals in:
- Aerospace: For lightweighting aircraft components without compromising strength.
- Automotive: Designing lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles with durable PEEK parts.
- Medical Devices: Calculating the weight of implants, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
- Oil & Gas: Estimating the weight of downhole tools, seals, and connectors exposed to harsh environments.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Determining the weight of components used in cleanroom environments.
- General Manufacturing: For any application requiring precise material estimation and cost control.
Common Misconceptions about PEEK Weight
- PEEK is always heavy: While denser than some plastics, PEEK is significantly lighter than metals like steel or aluminum, making it ideal for weight-sensitive applications.
- Density is constant: The density of PEEK varies slightly depending on its grade and any reinforcements (like glass or carbon fibers). Using a generic density value can lead to inaccurate weight calculations.
- Dimensions directly equal weight: The shape and complexity of a PEEK part determine its volume, which is the key factor, not just its external dimensions. Hollow parts or complex geometries will have different weights than solid blocks of the same outer size.
PEEK Material Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation for PEEK material weight is a straightforward application of the fundamental relationship between mass, volume, and density:
Weight = Volume × Density
Step-by-Step Derivation
- Determine Volume: The first step is to calculate the volume (V) of the PEEK component. This depends on the shape of the part. Common shapes include:
- Rectangular Prism (Block): V = Length × Width × Height
- Cylinder (Rod): V = π × (Radius)² × Height (or Length)
- Sheet/Plate: V = Length × Width × Thickness
- Circular Plate: V = π × (Radius)² × Thickness
- Tube: V = π × (OuterRadius² – InnerRadius²) × Length
- Identify Density: PEEK has a characteristic density (ρ, rho), which is the mass per unit volume. This value varies slightly based on the specific grade or formulation of PEEK (e.g., unfilled, glass-filled, carbon-filled). The density is usually given in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). For calculations using mm dimensions, it's often convenient to use g/cm³ and convert the volume accordingly.
- Calculate Weight: Multiply the calculated volume by the material density to find the weight (W).
If Volume is in cm³ and Density is in g/cm³, then Weight will be in grams (g).
If Volume is in m³ and Density is in kg/m³, then Weight will be in kilograms (kg).
Conversions are often necessary: 1 cm³ = 1000 mm³, 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³ = 1,000,000,000 mm³, 1 kg = 1000 g.
Variable Explanations
- Weight (W): The mass of the PEEK component.
- Volume (V): The amount of space the PEEK component occupies.
- Density (ρ): The mass of PEEK per unit volume.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Weight | grams (g) / kilograms (kg) | Varies based on size and density |
| V | Volume | cubic millimeters (mm³), cubic centimeters (cm³), cubic meters (m³) | Varies based on dimensions |
| ρ (Density) | PEEK Material Density | grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) | 1.30 – 1.50 g/cm³ (varies by grade) |
| L | Length | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
| Wdim | Width | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
| H | Height | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
| D | Diameter | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
| R | Radius | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
| T | Thickness | millimeters (mm) | > 0 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: PEEK Sheet Component
An engineer needs to estimate the weight of a PEEK sheet with the following dimensions:
- Length (L): 200 mm
- Width (Wdim): 100 mm
- Thickness (T): 5 mm
- Material Type: Unfilled PEEK (Density ≈ 1.32 g/cm³)
Calculation:
- Convert dimensions to cm: L = 20 cm, Wdim = 10 cm, T = 0.5 cm
- Calculate Volume: V = 20 cm × 10 cm × 0.5 cm = 100 cm³
- Calculate Weight: W = 100 cm³ × 1.32 g/cm³ = 132 g
Result:
The PEEK sheet component weighs approximately 132 grams. This information is vital for calculating shipping costs and ensuring the component doesn't exceed weight limits in a larger assembly.
Example 2: PEEK Rod for Machining
A machine shop is quoting a job for a cylindrical PEEK part machined from a rod:
- Diameter (D): 25 mm
- Length (Height): 150 mm
- Material Type: Glass Fiber Reinforced PEEK (Density ≈ 1.40 g/cm³)
Calculation:
- Convert dimensions to cm: Diameter = 2.5 cm, Length = 15 cm. Radius (R) = Diameter / 2 = 1.25 cm.
- Calculate Volume: V = π × (1.25 cm)² × 15 cm ≈ 3.14159 × 1.5625 cm² × 15 cm ≈ 73.63 cm³
- Calculate Weight: W = 73.63 cm³ × 1.40 g/cm³ ≈ 103.08 g
Result:
The PEEK rod component weighs approximately 103 grams. This helps in estimating raw material needs and potential waste during machining.
How to Use This PEEK Material Weight Calculator
Using our online calculator is simple and efficient. Follow these steps:
- Enter Dimensions: In the 'Dimensions' field, input the measurements of your PEEK part. Use the specified format (e.g., "100x50x20" for a block, "50×50" for a sheet, or "10" for a rod/thickness). Ensure units are in millimeters (mm). The calculator intelligently parses these inputs.
- Select PEEK Type: Choose the specific grade of PEEK material you are using from the dropdown list. This selection is critical as different formulations have varying densities.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Weight" button. The calculator will process your inputs instantly.
How to Read Results
- Primary Result (Weight): The largest, highlighted number shows the calculated weight of your PEEK component, typically in grams.
- Intermediate Values: You'll also see the calculated Volume (in cm³) and the Density (in g/cm³) used for that specific PEEK type. The selected PEEK material type is also confirmed.
- Formula Explanation: A brief reminder of the formula used (Weight = Volume × Density) is provided.
Decision-Making Guidance
The calculated PEEK material weight can inform several decisions:
- Material Selection: Compare weights for different PEEK grades if weight is a critical factor.
- Cost Estimation: Use weight to estimate material costs, especially when PEEK is purchased by weight.
- Logistics: Plan for shipping and handling based on the total weight of components.
- Performance Analysis: For dynamic applications, understanding component weight is vital for calculating inertia and response times.
Don't forget to use the 'Copy Results' button to easily transfer the calculated data for your reports or documentation.
Key Factors That Affect PEEK Weight Results
Several factors influence the accuracy and the final calculated PEEK material weight:
- PEEK Grade and Formulation: This is the most significant factor after geometry. Unfilled PEEK has a base density, while fiber reinforcements (glass, carbon) increase density. Additives for wear resistance or specific thermal properties can also alter it slightly. Always use the density specific to your PEEK grade.
- Component Geometry Complexity: The accuracy of the Volume calculation is paramount. Complex curves, internal features, or irregular shapes require more sophisticated CAD software for precise volume determination than simple geometric formulas. Our calculator handles basic shapes well.
- Dimensional Tolerances: Manufacturing processes introduce slight variations in the actual dimensions of a part compared to the design. These small deviations in length, width, or thickness can accumulate, causing minor differences in the final weight.
- Manufacturing Process: Processes like injection molding or extrusion can sometimes lead to slight variations in density within a single part, especially in areas with varying wall thickness or flow patterns. This is usually a minor effect for PEEK.
- Temperature Effects: While PEEK has excellent thermal stability, its density can change marginally with significant temperature fluctuations. However, for most standard engineering calculations at room temperature, this effect is negligible.
- Additives and Fillers: Beyond standard reinforcements, specialized PEEK compounds might include fillers for conductivity, radiopacity, or other unique properties. These fillers directly impact the overall density and thus the weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
Q1: What is the standard density of PEEK?
A: The standard density for unfilled PEEK is typically around 1.32 g/cm³. However, reinforced grades like glass-fiber or carbon-fiber PEEK can have densities ranging from 1.35 g/cm³ up to 1.50 g/cm³.
Q2: Does PEEK absorb moisture, and does that affect its weight?
A: PEEK has very low moisture absorption properties. Unlike many other plastics, this absorption is minimal and generally does not significantly affect the calculated weight under normal operating conditions.
Q3: How does PEEK weight compare to other engineering plastics or metals?
A: PEEK (around 1.3-1.5 g/cm³) is considerably lighter than metals like aluminum (approx. 2.7 g/cm³) or steel (approx. 7.8 g/cm³). It is denser than common plastics like Nylon (approx. 1.15 g/cm³) or Polypropylene (approx. 0.9 g/cm³).
Q4: Can I use this calculator for PEEK tubing?
A: Yes, if you provide the outer diameter and inner diameter, and the length. Calculate the volume of the outer cylinder and subtract the volume of the inner (hollow) cylinder. For simplicity, our calculator currently handles basic solid shapes like rods (diameter) or sheets (length x width).
Calculation Specifics
Q5: What units should I use for dimensions?
A: The calculator expects dimensions in millimeters (mm). The output weight is typically in grams (g).
Q6: What happens if I enter invalid dimensions?
A: The calculator will display an error message next to the input field, indicating that the input is required or invalid. Ensure you use numbers and the correct format (e.g., 'x' for multiple dimensions).
Q7: Is the "Copy Results" button reliable?
A: The "Copy Results" button attempts to copy the main result and key intermediate values to your clipboard. Browser security settings might occasionally affect clipboard access, but it generally works well.
Q8: How accurate are the density values used in the calculator?
A: The density values are typical averages for each PEEK grade. Actual density can vary slightly between manufacturers and specific batches. For highly critical applications, consult the manufacturer's datasheet for the exact PEEK grade being used.