FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive ManufacturingPublished
Dec 11, 2025
PEEK Laser Cleaning
The key with PEEK lies in its unmatched ability to endure extreme heat and harsh chemicals without compromising strength, so it thrives in demanding industrial setups where lesser plastics simply break down.
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
616
K
228
616
715
Laser Absorption
0.25
0.28
0.25
1.3e5
Laser Damage Threshold
1.2
J/cm²
0.71
1.2
2.6
Ablation Threshold
0.58
J/cm²
0.39
0.58
2.8
Thermal Expansion
4.7e-5
10^{-6} K^{-1}
5.9e-5
4.7e-5
0
Specific Heat
1,170
J/(kg·K)
1
1,170
2,500
Thermal Conductivity
0.25
W/m·K
0.02
0.25
3
Laser Reflectivity
0.06
0.02
0.06
0.05
PEEK Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
1.3
g/cm³
0.84
1.3
2.2
Surface Roughness
0.6
μm
0
0.6
1.2
Tensile Strength
100
MPa
10
100
400
Youngs Modulus
3.6
GPa
0.01
3.6
5,000
Hardness
0.11
GPa
51.8
0.11
123
Flexural Strength
170
MPa
20.7
170
96.4
Oxidation Resistance
5
μm/year
0.76
5
1,575
Corrosion Resistance
0.95
mm/year
0
0.95
105
Compressive Strength
100
MPa
20
100
200
Fracture Toughness
8
MPa m^{1/2}
0.7
8
2.9
Electrical Resistivity
1e16
Ω·m
9.5e12
1e16
1e17
PEEK surface magnification
Before Treatment
When examining the contaminated PEEK surface at 1000x, you spot thick layers of debris clinging everywhere. Dark spots and irregular bumps cover the entire view, blocking any smooth areas. This mess creates a rough, uneven texture that hides the material's natural form.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, you see the PEEK surface restored to a clear, uniform shine at 1000x. Smooth planes and fine details emerge without any clinging residues. The treatment wipes away all traces, revealing a clean
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
PEEK Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: How do I safely start laser cleaning PEEK parts without causing damage?
A: You must begin by selecting a low-power laser setting to match PEEK's heat resistance, ensuring the beam gently removes contaminants without overheating the surface. Make sure you scan the area slowly and evenly, allowing the material's strong structure to handle the process without warping or weakening. This approach brings back the smooth finish effectively, keeping the part's durable properties intact for continued use.
Q: What happens if PEEK surfaces discolor during laser cleaning?
A: Start with checking your laser intensity right away, as PEEK's low absorption can lead to uneven heating if the power is too high. You should adjust the pulse duration to shorter bursts, which helps dissipate heat quickly through its moderate conductivity and prevents any color changes. Keep monitoring the surface closely, and this will restore the original appearance without compromising the material's toughness.
Q: Can laser cleaning affect PEEK's strength after multiple sessions?
A: You must test a small area
Related Plastic › Thermoplastic Materials
PEEK Laser Cleaning Dataset Download
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