PEEK Premium

What is PEEK?

A high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic for demanding technical and industrial applications.

PEEK stands for polyether ether ketone. The material belongs to the PAEK family and is used when standard engineering plastics do not provide sufficient resistance to heat, mechanical stress, or chemicals.

PEEK has a high melting temperature and therefore requires a specialized high-temperature printer. The entire printing process, including filament storage and nozzle, bed, and chamber temperatures, must be carefully controlled.

Advantages of PEEK

Very high temperature resistance
Good mechanical strength
High wear resistance
Good chemical resistance
Good dimensional stability
Suitable for demanding technical applications

Suitable applications

Industrial tools and fixtures
Machine and structural components
High-temperature housings
Wear-resistant guides and components
Technical prototypes
Parts for chemically demanding environments

PEEK is not a standard consumer filament Print PEEK only with a printer designed and approved by the manufacturer for this material category. A standard desktop printer is generally not suitable for this purpose.

General PEEK print settings

Start with the material profile for the exact PEEK grade, then adjust one process value at a time.

Setting	General range	Explanation
Nozzle temperature	375–410 °C	The exact temperature depends on the PEEK grade, hotend, print speed, and desired layer adhesion.
Print bed	120–160 °C	A very hot print bed supports the first layer and limits thermal shrinkage.
Heated print chamber	Grade- and printer-dependent	Use an actively heated and evenly regulated build chamber. Large or dimension-critical parts generally require a higher and more stable chamber temperature.
First layer	10–25 mm/s	A slow first layer gives the material time to adhere evenly to the print surface.
Other layers	20–60 mm/s	Start conservatively and increase the speed only when the material flow and layer adhesion remain stable.
Fan	0%	Part cooling can cause localized cooling, warping, and poor layer adhesion.
Brim	10–20 mm	A wide brim increases the contact area and helps keep the corners flat.
Nozzle	From 0.4 mm	Use a nozzle and hotend that can withstand the set temperature for extended periods.

Always check the technical datasheet Unfilled PEEK, PEEK-CF, PEEK-GF, and other compounds may require different nozzle, bed, chamber, and drying temperatures.

Which printer is suitable for PEEK?

Reliable PEEK prints require an industrial high-temperature printer with controlled process conditions.

Recommended printer features

Hotend suitable for at least 400 °C
Fully metal filament path
Print bed suitable for very high temperatures
Actively heated and insulated build chamber
High-temperature-resistant sensors and wiring
Suitable technical print surface

Check before printing

The maximum safe hotend temperature
The maximum safe bed temperature
The maximum safe chamber temperature
The temperature resistance of the electronics and motors
Whether the spool can withstand the drying program
The machine's ventilation and filtration

Do not use an unsuitable hotend PTFE components in or near the hot zone are not suitable for the temperatures required by PEEK. Use only a fully metal high-temperature hotend approved for this purpose.

Preparing the printer

Dry filament, a stable build chamber, and a precisely calibrated first layer are essential.

Dry the filament Dry PEEK according to the technical datasheet for the exact product variant. Preferably print directly from a heated dry box.

Clean the print surface Remove dust, grease, and old adhesive residue using a method suitable for the selected build plate.

Use the right adhesion layer Apply an adhesion or release agent suitable for PEEK and the set bed temperature.

Check the nozzle and hotend Make sure the nozzle is clean and that all hotend components are suitable for the set temperature.

Preheat the build chamber Allow the print bed, build chamber, and print surface to fully stabilize before the print begins.

Calibrate at operating temperature Check bed leveling, nozzle height, and Z-offset as much as possible under the actual process conditions.

Check the material profile Use a profile for the exact PEEK grade rather than a generic profile for high-temperature filament.

How to achieve a good first layer

An even first layer helps prevent the print from coming loose, warping, or lifting at the corners later.

A good first layer is recognizable by:

The print lines connect evenly to one another
The material adheres across the entire surface
The extrusion is consistent and free of gaps
The lines are lightly and evenly pressed flat
The edges remain completely flat

Check the following if adhesion is poor:

Whether the filament is completely dry
Whether the print surface is clean
Whether the bed temperature is correct
Whether the build chamber has been preheated sufficiently
Whether the Z-offset is set correctly
Whether the first layer is printed slowly enough

Use a wide brim A brim of approximately 10 to 20 mm increases the contact area and distributes thermal stress at the edges of the part.

Why a heated print chamber is important

PEEK is semi-crystalline and can shrink significantly during cooling. An evenly heated build chamber helps limit the temperature difference within the part.

Benefits of a heated chamber

Smaller temperature differences within the model
Reduced risk of warping
Better adhesion between layers
Reduced risk of delamination
Improved dimensional stability
More reliable printing of large parts

Avoid during printing:

Opening the build chamber
Sudden temperature drops
Uncontrolled air currents
An unevenly heated build area
Removing a hot print immediately
Rapid or forced cooling

Allow the part to cool in a controlled manner Allow the build chamber to cool gradually after printing. A rapid temperature change can cause deformation, residual stresses, and cracks.

Crystallinity and the appearance of PEEK

The temperature history during printing and cooling affects the structure and appearance of the printed part.

More amorphous zones

May appear darker or more transparent
Develop more quickly with strong localized cooling
May indicate an uneven thermal process
May result in different dimensional and material properties
Must be evaluated for technical components

More crystalline zones

Often have a lighter, more beige appearance
Occur during a controlled thermal process
May affect the thermal properties
May cause additional shrinkage
Requires a stable chamber and cooling temperature

Color differences are not only cosmetic Local differences in color or transparency may indicate differences in cooling and material structure. For technical parts, assess this as part of process control.

Useful slicer settings

Start conservatively and increase the print speed only once the entire process is stable and reproducible.

Part	Starting value	Effect
Layer height	0.20 mm	A practical starting point with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
Wall lines	4–6	More wall lines improve strength and make functional parts more robust.
Top and bottom layers	5–8	Creates closed and stronger top and bottom surfaces.
Infill	20–40%	Suitable as a starting point for many technical parts.
Heavily loaded part	40–60%	Adjust the infill, wall thickness, and print orientation to the actual load.
Brim	10–20 mm	Increases bed adhesion and helps prevent corners from lifting.
Fan	0%	Prevents rapid local cooling and additional thermal stress.
Print speed	20–60 mm/s	Start slowly and increase the speed only after process validation.
Retraction	Printer-dependent	Use sufficient retraction to limit oozing, but avoid unnecessary movement in the hot zone.

More wall lines often provide greater effective strength For many functional parts, adding wall lines provides more benefit than simply using a very high infill percentage. Also consider the direction of the load.

Adjusting the print temperature

Evaluate the nozzle, bed, and chamber temperatures as one combined process.

Temperature may be too low

Poor adhesion between the layers
A rough or irregular material flow
The extruder skips steps
The part breaks between the layers
Tall models show delamination
The extrusion contains gaps or interruptions

Temperature may be too high

A lot of oozing during travel moves
Details merge together
The material discolors
Material remains stuck to the nozzle
Overhangs become less clean
The material may degrade thermally

Change one process value at a time Adjust the nozzle temperature in small increments while recording the bed, chamber, and material conditions. This allows you to reproduce the process more reliably later.

Solving common PEEK problems

Click a problem to view the possible causes and solutions.

The model’s corners lift up

Check whether the build chamber has been fully preheated.
Increase the bed temperature within the permitted range.
Use a wider brim.
Check the print surface and adhesion layer.
Reduce the first-layer speed.
Prevent temperature fluctuations during printing.

Cracks form between the layers

Increase the chamber temperature if permitted.
Gradually increase the nozzle temperature.
Reduce the print speed.
Check that the filament is completely dry.
Turn off all part cooling.
Allow the part to cool in a controlled manner.

The print does not adhere to the print bed

Thoroughly clean the print surface.
Check the Z offset at operating temperature.
Use a suitable adhesive layer for PEEK.
Increase the bed temperature within the product specifications.
Reduce the first-layer speed.
Check whether the build chamber is warm enough.

The filament crackles or forms bubbles

Stop the print and dry the filament again.
Print directly from a heated dry box.
Check whether the desiccant is still active.
Limit exposure to ambient air.
Check whether the drying program was carried out correctly.

The extruder clicks or skips steps

Check the nozzle for a partial clog.
Gradually increase the nozzle temperature.
Reduce the print speed and volumetric material flow.
Check the extruder gear and tension.
Check whether the spool unwinds without resistance.
Check whether the hotend reaches the set temperature.

The surface is rough or contains small holes

Dry the material again.
Check the flow calibration.
Reduce the print speed.
Check the nozzle for contamination.
Check for temperature fluctuations.
Print directly from a dry material environment.

The part has different colors or gloss levels

Check the temperature distribution in the build chamber.
Check whether part cooling is completely turned off.
Check the layer and print speeds.
Avoid opening the build chamber.
Check for localized air currents.
Assess whether differences in crystallinity have occurred.

The part dimensions are incorrect

Check the stability of the chamber temperature.
Account for thermal and crystallization shrinkage.
Calibrate the flow and motion axes.
Check the actual filament diameter.
Use dimensional compensation in the slicer.
First print a representative calibration model.

The part deforms during cooling

Allow the model to cool in the closed build chamber.
Do not use forced cooling.
Do not open the printer immediately after printing.
Remove the model only at a safe temperature.
Check the design for large variations in thickness.
Adjust the print orientation if necessary.

The nozzle or hotend is damaged

Check the maximum temperature of each part.
Do not use PTFE parts in the hot zone.
Check the temperature sensor and firmware limits.
Use a nozzle suitable for prolonged exposure to heat.
Check the assembly at the specified temperature.
Replace damaged parts before the next print.

PEEK-CF or PEEK-GF clogs the nozzle

Use a wear-resistant nozzle with a sufficient diameter.
Check the minimum nozzle size for the product variant.
Reduce the print speed and material flow.
Check that the filament is completely dry.
Check the nozzle for wear.
Use the profile for the exact filled PEEK variant.

Designing PEEK parts for technical applications

Final performance depends not only on the material, but also on the design, orientation and validated printing process.

Recommended design choices

Use rounded internal corners
Avoid sudden changes in wall thickness
Add ribs to large flat sections
Reinforce heavily loaded mounting points
Use sufficient material around screw holes
Account for thermal expansion

Consider the following when choosing the print orientation:

The direction of the mechanical load
The weaker connection between the layers
The required support
The contact area with the print bed
The required dimensional stability
The final operating temperature

Validate critical parts Do not automatically use printed PEEK parts for medical, aerospace, food-related or safety-critical applications. A raw material certificate does not automatically apply to the final printed part.

Post-processing and annealing

Depending on the application, controlled heat treatment can be used to influence the material structure and dimensions.

Potential benefits

A more uniform material structure
Change in crystallinity
Improvement of certain thermal properties
Reduction of certain internal stresses
A more stable part at higher operating temperatures

Potential risks

Additional shrinkage
Changes in dimensions
Warping of thin parts
Deformation due to uneven heating
Differences between PEEK grades

Do not use a general annealing program Perform heat treatment only according to the technical data sheet and a validated procedure for the exact PEEK grade and application.

Storing and drying PEEK

Moisture control is important for consistent material flow, a smooth surface and strong adhesion between layers.

Store PEEK properly

Store the spool completely airtight
Use sufficient active desiccant
Use a heated dry box while printing
Do not leave the spool open unnecessarily
Seal the packaging immediately after use
Record drying time and storage conditions

Signs of moist PEEK

Crackling or popping sounds
Bubbles in the material flow
Small holes in the surface
A rough or foamy print result
More stringing than usual
Reduced adhesion between layers

Use the correct drying program Drying temperature and drying time vary by PEEK grade and spool type. Therefore, always follow the current technical data sheet and check that the spool and filament dryer can withstand the set temperature.

Material properties of TM3D PEEK

The exact properties depend on the selected PEEK grade and the printing process used.

Material	Polyether ether ketone, abbreviated PEEK
Material category	High-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic
Filament diameter	Depending on the selected TM3D version
Key properties	Heat-resistant, strong, wear-resistant, dimensionally stable, and chemically resistant
Melting temperature	Approximately 343 °C for many standard PEEK grades
General nozzle temperature	Approximately 375–410 °C, depending on the PEEK grade
General print bed temperature	Approximately 120–160 °C, depending on the printer and grade
Print chamber	Actively heated and carefully controlled
Recommended fan	0%
Moisture control	Dry the filament and process it dry
Suitable nozzle	High-temperature-resistant nozzle; for filled variants, a wear-resistant nozzle
Use	Industrial parts, technical aids, high-temperature components, and heavily loaded applications

Settings and material properties may vary by PEEK grade, product batch, printer, post-processing, and test method. Always consult the current technical data sheet for the supplied product before use.

Safe printing with PEEK

Due to the very high process temperatures, additional safety measures are necessary.

Use only a suitable industrial high-temperature printer.
Ensure suitable ventilation and filtration.
Inspect the machine before every production run.
Do not touch the nozzle, print bed, build chamber, or part while hot.
Use suitable heat-resistant protective equipment.
Keep flammable materials away from the machine.
Do not leave the printer unattended unnecessarily.
Do not use printed parts for medical, food-related, or safety-critical applications without validation.
Refer to the safety data sheet and technical data sheet.

Very high temperatures The nozzle, print bed, build chamber, and printed part may remain hot for a long time. Allow the machine to cool down in a controlled manner and always follow the printer manufacturer's safety procedures.

Frequently asked questions about PEEK

Can PEEK be printed on a regular desktop printer?

Usually not. PEEK requires a very hot nozzle, a heated print bed, and an actively heated build chamber. Use only a printer demonstrably designed for PEEK.

Do I need an actively heated build chamber?

Yes, for reliable and dimensionally accurate results, an actively heated and evenly regulated build chamber is strongly recommended. An enclosed housing alone is usually insufficient.

Does PEEK need to be dried before printing?

Yes. Use the drying program from the technical data sheet and, preferably, feed the filament from a heated dry box during printing.

Why is my PEEK print warping?

Warping is usually caused by thermal shrinkage, an insufficient ambient temperature, poor bed adhesion, or cooling that is too rapid. Therefore, check the entire thermal process.

Why is my PEEK print cracking between the layers?

Possible causes include a build chamber that is too cold, a nozzle temperature that is too low, a print speed that is too high, moisture in the filament, or unwanted cooling.

Which nozzle can I use for PEEK?

Use a nozzle that can withstand the required temperature for extended periods. For PEEK with carbon fiber, glass fiber, or other abrasive additives, a wear-resistant nozzle is required.

What is the difference between PEEK and PEI?

PEEK is a semi-crystalline PAEK plastic. PEI is an amorphous high-temperature plastic. Both are engineering materials, but they differ in processing, shrinkage, chemical resistance, thermal properties, and applications.

What is the difference between PEEK and PEKK?

PEEK and PEKK both belong to the PAEK family. Depending on the grade, PEKK may have a different crystallization rate and processing requirements. Always use the profile for the specific material.

Why does my PEEK print have different colors?

Differences in color or transparency may be related to the thermal history and crystallinity. Check the ambient temperature, cooling, and cooling procedure.

Can PEEK be annealed?

It can be for certain applications, but heat treatment can also cause additional shrinkage and dimensional changes. Use only a validated procedure for the exact PEEK grade.

Can a printed PEEK part be certified?

This depends on the raw material, printer, process parameters, traceability, post-processing, and tests performed. A certificate for the base material does not automatically apply to the printed end product.

Can PEEK be used outdoors for extended periods?

This depends on the exact PEEK grade, UV exposure, operating temperature, chemicals, and mechanical load. Always check the technical data sheet for the intended application.

The most important PEEK settings