Processing

G-PAEK^TM (PEK-Polyether Ketone) can be processed by injection molding, extrusion as well as compression molding similar to other engineering plastics. For injection moulding & extrusion, the screw and barrel assembly should be of bimetallic construction. Melting point of PEK is 373°C and therefore, barrel and cylinder temperature should be set at a higher value i.e. between 385°C ~ 410°C. For compression moulding of components from G-PAEK^TM, baking temperatures from 400°C-420°C is used followed by annealing at 200°C-220°C.

GAPEKK^TM – 3000 Series (PEKK) is also a thermoplastic and can be processed by injection moulding, extrusion & compression molding. Just like G-PAEK^TM (PEK), bimetallic screw and barrels are required for injection moulding and extrusion operations. Since the melting point is 390°C for GAPEKK^TM, barrel and cylinder temperatures should be between 400°C -430°C. Compression moulding baking temperatures also will be slightly higher as compared to G-PAEK^TM i.e. from 420°C – 440°C.

GAZOLE^TM – 5000 Series ( ABPBI- 2,5 Polybenzimidazole) is a crystalline sintering polymer having melting point of 473°C. Parts from GAZOLE^TM 5000 are prepared by high pressure sintering process at temperatures between 450°C – 500°C. Sintering pressure > 10000 psi applied for 3 – 4 hours at 450°C – 500°C is required to make parts from ABPBI less then 7 – 10mm in thickness and 100mm in diameter. For making thicker parts and larger diameters, sintering pressures of around 30,000 psi is required, which cannot be achieved by normal Axial pressing compression moulding process. These pressures are achieved by HIP (Hot Isotactic Pressing) traditionally used for powder metallurgy applications. As ABPBI polymer has imidazole linkages, it tends to absorb moisture. The powders should be well dried at 180°C to remove moisture and volitiles.

GAZOLE^TM – 6000 Series (PEK/ABPBI blends) grades are thermoplastic alloys, which can be processed like G-PAEK^TM and GAPEKK^TMon conventional moulding and extrusion equipment. The material has excellent surface release properties, which facilitates easy ejection from mould cavities. The processing temperatures for GAZOLE^TM 6000 blends vary from 410°C – 440°C in injection and extrusion processes. Pre-drying of the blend required at 160°C – 180°C for 3-4 hours to remove moisture. Compression moulding grades of GAZOLE^TM 6000 blends are not available today.