PEEK CF30 for high rigidity and dimensional stability in precision machined components

Designed as a high-strength metal replacement, this 30% carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK provides the ultimate structural rigidity and weight savings needed for the most demanding aerospace and industrial applications. Its extruded shapes, including rods, plates, and tubular bars ensure unparalleled dimensional stability and the lowest possible thermal expansion for precision-machined parts operating under extreme mechanical loads and high-temperature environments.

Very high stiffness
Low thermal expansion
Excellent dimensional stability
Reinforced for precision parts
Benefits

What PEEK CF30 offers

High-performance characteristics that make PEEK CF30 suitable for precision components requiring maximum rigidity and dimensional stability.

Higher stiffness and rigidity

Glass fiber reinforcement significantly increases stiffness, making PEEK GF30 well-suited for structural components that must resist bending and deflection.

Improved dimensional stability

Lower thermal expansion and reduced creep enable machined parts to maintain tight tolerances under mechanical load and temperature variation.

Strong mechanical performance under load

Provides higher tensile and flexural strength compared to unfilled PEEK, supporting demanding load-bearing applications.

Better performance for thin-walled and precision parts

The added rigidity supports designs where thinner sections or tighter tolerances are required.

Reliable performance in harsh environments

Maintains stability in environments with heat, mechanical stress, and exposure to fuels, oils, and industrial chemicals.

Applications

Common components made from PEEK CF30

Typical machined parts that benefit from high rigidity and low thermal expansion.

Industrial tooling and jigs

Provides reliable performance in high-temperature or high-precision manufacturing processes.

Test fixtures and alignment components

Used in metrology and inspection systems where dimensional stability is critical.

Mechanical supports and brackets

Designed for high-load applications where deflection must be minimized.

Structural aerospace components

Lightweight parts requiring high stiffness and dimensional accuracy.

Semiconductor and electronics fixtures

Suitable for precision tooling, supports, and carriers exposed to heat and cleanroom environments.

Precision housings and frames

Used where tight tolerances must be maintained during operation and thermal cycling.

Technical data

PEEK CF30 Technical Properties

General performance characteristics of 30 percent carbon fiber reinforced PEEK. Exact values vary by supplier and grade.

Mechanical Properties
Property Test PEEK CF30 Unit
Tensile Strength ASTM D638 24,000 PSI
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 1,810 KSI
Elongation @ Break ASTM D638 1.5 %
Flexural Strength ASTM D790 45,000 PSI
Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 1,700 KSI
Compressive Strength ASTM D695 35,000 PSI
Izod Impact (Notched) ASTM D256 1.5 ft-lb/in
Rockwell Hardness ASTM D785 M105 -
Thermal Properties
Property Test PEEK CF30 Unit
Melting Temp ASTM D3418 644 °F
Glass Transition DSC 302 °F
HDT (264 psi) ASTM D648 600 °F
CLTE ASTM E831 0.6 10⁻⁵/°F
Continuous Service - 500 °F
Electrical Properties
Property Test PEEK CF30 Unit
Volume Resistivity ASTM D257 10³ ohm-cm
Wear Properties
Property Test PEEK CF30 Unit
Coeff. of Friction ASTM D3702 0.25 -
Limiting PV - 15,000 ft·lb/in²·min
Miscellaneous Properties
Property Test PEEK CF30 Unit
Specific Gravity ASTM D792 1.4 gm/cm³
Water Absorption (24h) ASTM D570 0.05 %
Stock shapes

PEEK CF30 rods, plates & tubular bars

Extruded stock shapes are supplied in standard diameters and thicknesses, with custom dimensions available for specific applications.

Rods

Extruded PEEK CF30 rods are available for precision structural components, supports, and high-stiffness parts. Rods typically available from 3/8" to 8" diameter.

Plates

PEEK CF30 plates are supplied for machined housings, frames, and precision components requiring dimensional stability. Plates available from 3/8" to 4" thickness.

Tubular bars

Tubular bars are available for applications requiring high stiffness with reduced weight.

Available Colors
Black
Size Chart

Available Sizes for PEEK CF30

Form Dimension Sizes Standard length
Rod Diameter 0.750", 0.875", 1.000", 1.250", 1.375", 1.500", 1.625", 1.750", 1.875", 2.000", 2.225", 2.500", 2.750", 3.000", 3.500", 4.000", 4.500", 5.000", 5.500", 6.000", 7.000" 96" for diameters below 4.000"
48" for diameters 4.000" and above
Plate Thickness 0.500", 0.625", 0.750", 0.875", 1.000", 1.250", 1.375", 1.500", 1.625", 1.750", 1.875", 2.000", 2.225", 2.500", 2.750", 3.000", 3.500", 4.000" 24" × 48" for thicknesses below 3.000"
12" × 48" for thicknesses 3.000" and above
Tubular bar OD / wall thickness OD: 4"–8"
Wall thickness: 1", 2"
48" custom on request

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Grade comparison

How PEEK CF30 compares to other PEEK grades

Quick reference guide to help you choose the right material.

Grade Best for Stiffness Wear Notes
PEEK (unfilled) General-purpose machined parts High Good Balanced properties and easier machining
PEEK GF30 Structural parts requiring high rigidity High Good Improved stiffness and dimensional stability
PEEK CF30 Precision parts with low thermal expansion Very High Good Best choice where heat and movement matter
PEEK bearing grade Sliding and rotating components High Very high Formulated for low friction and improved wear
Grade Morphology Stiffness (Modulus) Operating Temp Chemical Resistance Notes
PEEK CF30 Semi-Crystalline Very High 250°C (480°F) Exceptional Best fatigue life and wear resistance; premium cost.
Impact-Mod. PPS CF40 Semi-Crystalline Highest 210°C (410°F) Superior Maximum rigidity and chemical inertness; extremely stable.
Ultem CF15 Amorphous High 170°C (340°F) Good Best dimensional precision for complex geometries.

Need help determining if PEEK CF30 is the right choice?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PEEK CF30?

PEEK CF30 is a grade of PEEK reinforced with 30 percent carbon fibers. The reinforcement increases stiffness and reduces thermal expansion, making it suitable for precision machined components.

When should I choose CF30 over GF30?

Choose CF30 when dimensional stability and low thermal expansion are more critical than impact resistance. CF30 is preferred for precision and high-temperature applications.

Is PEEK CF30 harder to machine than unfilled PEEK?

Yes. Carbon fiber reinforcement increases abrasiveness and stiffness, requiring sharper tooling and careful machining parameters.

Is CF30 suitable for sliding or wear applications?

CF30 is not formulated for low-friction use. Bearing-grade PEEK is a better choice for sliding or rotating components.

Does PEEK CF30 maintain tight tolerances after machining?

Yes. Its low thermal expansion and high rigidity support tight tolerances, especially in temperature-variable environments.

Is PEEK CF30 electrically conductive?

Carbon reinforcement may reduce electrical insulation compared to unfilled PEEK. Electrical properties depend on the specific grade and should be verified against data sheets.

Does CF30 absorb moisture?

Moisture absorption remains low, similar to other PEEK grades, supporting dimensional stability in humid environments.

What stock shapes are available for PEEK CF30?

PEEK CF30 is supplied as extruded rods, plates, and tubular bars in standard sizes, with custom dimensions available on request.

Can PEEK CF30 be used in high-temperature environments?

Yes. CF30 maintains stiffness and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Which PEEK grade has the lowest thermal expansion?

PEEK CF30 has the lowest thermal expansion among standard PEEK grades, making it the preferred choice for precision components exposed to temperature changes.

When should PEEK CF30 be chosen over PEEK GF30?

Choose PEEK CF30 when dimensional stability and low thermal expansion are more important than impact resistance. CF30 is better suited for precision and high-temperature applications.

Is PEEK CF30 suitable for high-precision components?

Yes. The high stiffness and low thermal expansion of CF30 make it ideal for parts that must maintain tight tolerances during operation and thermal cycling.

Does carbon-filled PEEK conduct electricity?

Carbon reinforcement can reduce electrical insulation compared to unfilled PEEK. Electrical behavior depends on the specific formulation and should be verified against the data sheet for critical applications.

How does PEEK CF30 perform under long-term mechanical load?

CF30 maintains excellent dimensional stability and low creep under sustained load, particularly in high-temperature environments.

Can PEEK CF30 replace metal in precision assemblies?

Yes. CF30 is commonly used as a metal replacement where stiffness, dimensional accuracy, and thermal stability are required, with the added benefits of reduced weight and corrosion resistance.

Why is PPS CF40 rated with highest stiffness compared to PEEK CF30?

The highest rating is a result of the 40% reinforcement volume and the naturally rigid molecular structure of PPS. While PEEK CF30 is incredibly stiff, Impact-Modified PPS CF40 can reach a flexural modulus exceeding 22,000 MPa, making it the closest thermoplastic equivalent to a cast metal alloy in terms of resisting deflection.

Which material should I choose if my part is subject to high-frequency vibration or impact?

PEEK CF30 is the superior choice for dynamic loads. While PPS CF40 is stiffer, it is more brittle. PEEK's semi-crystalline toughness provides better fatigue resistance, meaning it is less likely to develop micro-cracks under constant cyclic loading or sudden mechanical shock.

Is Ultem CF15 strong enough to replace metal components?

Yes, in many structural applications. While it has the lowest stiffness in this "high-tier" group, it is still vastly stronger than standard engineering plastics. It is ideal for lightweight structural frames, aerospace brackets, or electronics housings where dimensional precision is more important than maximum crushing load.

How does the carbon fiber reinforcement affect the chemical resistance of these resins?

Carbon fiber is highly inert and does not degrade the chemical resistance of the base polymer. Impact-Modified PPS CF40 remains the "chemical champion," resisting almost all known solvents below 200°C. PEEK CF30 is nearly as robust, while Ultem CF15 remains sensitive to specific solvents like ketones or esters.

Are these materials electrically insulating like glass-filled grades?

No. This is a critical distinction. Carbon fiber is conductive. All three of these grades are electrically conductive or static-dissipative (ESD). If your part must act as an electrical insulator, you must switch to a glass-filled (GF) or unfilled grade to avoid short circuits.

Which material is best for parts that must maintain tight tolerances across temperature swings?

Impact-Modified PPS CF40 typically offers the lowest Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) due to its high fiber loading. However, PEEK CF30 is very close and is often used when those dimensions must be maintained at temperatures exceeding 200°C. Both materials expand at rates similar to aluminum.

Why is Impact-Modified PPS CF40 preferred over standard PPS CF40?

Standard 40% carbon-filled PPS is extremely brittle; it can be difficult to machine without the edges "chipping out" or splintering. The Impact-Modified version adds a toughening agent to the matrix, allowing for cleaner machining of fine threads and ensuring the part doesn't shatter if dropped during assembly.

Can PEEK CF30 be used for high-speed bearings and wear plates?

Yes, it is excellent for this. Carbon fiber is naturally lubricious and helps dissipate heat. Unlike glass-filled PEEK, which is abrasive and grinds away mating metal shafts, PEEK CF30 provides a low-friction surface that is ideal for high-speed bushings and wear rings.

Which material provides the best as-machined precision for complex internal geometries?

Ultem CF15 often wins for precision. Because it is an amorphous resin, it does not suffer from the internal crystalline stresses that can cause PEEK or PPS to warp or "bow" when a significant amount of material is removed during the milling process.

Do I need special tooling to machine these grades?

Absolutely. Carbon fiber is highly abrasive and will dull standard carbide tools in minutes. For production runs of PEEK CF30 or PPS CF40, PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) tooling is the industry standard to achieve clean fiber cuts and maintain the required tolerances.

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