6 Best PEEK 3D Printers
The use of high-performance polymers like PEEK and PEI in 3D printing has advanced greatly in recent years. These materials are essential in many fields due to their high strength, high-temperature tolerance, and high chemical stability. PEEK printing, however, demands more specialized machinery. In this piece, we'll take a look at the best PEEK 3D printers on the market today and see how far the technology has come in terms of high-temperature 3D printing.
What to Look for in a PEEK 3D Printer?
Not all PEEK printers are the same, and that's something to remember before plunging into PEEK 3D printing. Finding a happy medium between necessary functions and optional perks is key when you make your decision. Using a 3D printing on-demand service bureau like Craftcloud by All3DP can save you time and money if you only need PEEK parts on occasion or if you are unsure of your long-term PEEK printing demands.
When comparing PEEK printers, keep in mind these salient features:
1. Air filter: A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter is essential for capturing potentially dangerous gases and particles produced during PEEK printing.
2. Well-insulated chamber: A well-insulated chamber is necessary for PEEK printing because the process generates very high temperatures. This not only keeps the printing temperature consistent but also keeps the heat inside the machine where it belongs, improving both safety and productivity.
3. Dual extruders: With dual extruders, you may print complicated pieces and support structures with materials besides PEEK, expanding your printing possibilities. It is possible to use soluble support materials, which cuts down on post-processing work and waste.
4. Integrated filament dryer: A properly dried PEEK filament is crucial for producing high-quality prints, which is why an integrated filament dryer is a must-have feature.
5. Temperature controlling mechanism: Controlled cool-down mechanisms are essential for preserving the structural integrity of your PEEK prints and avoiding warping. This quality assures a slow cooling rate, which reduces the potential for distortion.
6. High print speed: A high print speed is essential because, although PEEK printing is slower than printing with ordinary materials, a faster printer can significantly reduce manufacturing time. Try to find printers that can produce both fast output and high quality.
7. Filament sensor: Sensors that keep track of your filament and can alert you to a jam are a must if you want to keep printing without interruptions. These sensors will notify you immediately if there is an issue with the filament path or if there isn't enough filament to finish the print job.
PEEK 3D Printers: 6 Best Options
Below are some of the best PEEK 3D printers that you can purchase.
1. AON3D AON M2+ 3D Printer
The capabilities of the AON3D AON M2+ industrial FFF 3D printer are remarkable. Its construction volume of 450 x 450 x 565 mm makes it one of the largest in its category, enabling mass production in factories and other large-scale applications. The vacuum print bed mechanism and removable build plates on this 3D printer allow for optimal adhesion with any filament. Its enhanced auto bed leveling feature and a heated print bed that can reach temperatures of 200+ °C ensure precise, high-volume printing at any temperature.
Excellent part quality with constant characteristics, high crystallinity, and little porosity is one of the AON M2+'s most distinguishing qualities, made possible by the build chamber's active heating to 135 degrees Celsius and the freedom to adjust any printing settings. Printing with carbon and glass fiber composites is possible thanks to the IDEX dual extruder system and its 0.6 mm stainless steel nozzles heated to 500 °C. A water-cooling system efficiently cools the hotends.
If you want to print with various filaments, the AON M2+ has you covered. It's compatible with ABS, ASA, Nylon, PAEK, PC, PEEK, PEI, and more. With its flexible printing settings and wide range of material options, industrial 3D printing has quickly become a popular production method.
Main Features:
- 500+ °C composite-ready nozzles
- Independent dual extrusion system (IDEX)
- 200+ °C heated print bed with interchangeable build plates
- Configurable process parameters for unlimited material compatibility
Where to buy: Top3dshop.
2. Tractus3D T850P
Unique among desktop delta 3D printers, the Tractus3D T850P excels at producing prints made of PEEK and PEI. This lightweight yet sturdy printer features an aluminum and polycarbonate frame, a five-inch touchscreen, automatic bed-leveling, and a filament sensor. When it comes to desktop delta printers, this is the only one that can print PEEK.
The T850P packs a powerful punch despite its diminutive stature. Among the many materials it's capable of working with are carbon-filled PEEK, PEEKQ, Ultem, PLA, and PETG. Because of its compact size, it is a good fit for cramped labs and offices.
Key Features:
Technology: FDM
Price: $15,000
Max. Extruder Temp: 450°C
Max. Bed Temp: 175°C
Max. Chamber Temp: 65°C
Where to buy: Tractus3d.
3. CreatBot PEEK-300
Chinese company CreatBot produces the PEEK-300 3D printer to meet the rising demand for printing with high-performance materials. This printer is ideal for PEEK and other challenging materials due to its high extruder temperature (up to 500°C) and heated chamber temperature (up to 120°C). Having two extruders means you may print with several materials, including supports. HEPA air filtering and a carbon fiber construction base make for a hygienic printing environment.
The PEEK-300 is up to the task of processing a wide range of high-performance materials, from PLA and TPU to Nylon and Ultem and even PVA and, of course, PEEK. Industries that require consistent high-quality printing can rely on it because of its adaptability and accurate temperature management.
Key Features:
- Hotend max. 480°C with dual extruder
- Heatbed max.200°C
- Hot chamber max. 120°C
- Build volume: 300 x 300 x 400 mm
- Triple heat isolation and liquid cooling system
Where to buy: Creatbot.
4. Intamsys Funmat HT
If you're interested in getting into PEEK 3D printing, the Intamsys Funmat HT is a great place to start. This desktop 3D printer is an awesome entry-level option for PEEK printing thanks to its advanced features that are more commonly found in larger, more expensive industrial equipment.
The enclosed chamber can keep temperatures stable up to 90 degrees, making it ideal for PEEK printing. Its filament alarm stands out because it notifies users when the filament is running low, avoiding unnecessary print delays.
The Funmat HT has a built-in camera, so you can keep an eye on your prints from afar. In addition to PEEK, it is compatible with a wide range of high-performance materials, including PEI, nylon, PPSU, Ultem, and ABS.
Key Features:
- Build volume: 260 x 260 x 260 mm
- Max. Extruder Temp.: 450°C
- Max. Bed Temp.: 160°C
- Max. Chamber Temp.: 90°C
- Min. Layer Height: 50 microns
Where to buy: Intamsys.
5. Zortrax Endureal
Zortrax, a Polish 3D printing company, makes the two extruder Endureal printer, which works well with PEEK and other tough plastics. During the printing process, it meticulously monitors and controls the filament temperature to guarantee the best possible mechanical qualities. For post-printing improvement of mechanical qualities, the Endureal includes an automatic annealing function.
The heated filament cabinet, power failure prevention, a built-in camera for real-time video monitoring, and filament sensors to identify jams and low filament supply- all contribute to its dependability. The Zortrax inCloud 3D printing management solution enables remote control.
Key Features:
- Build space measuring 400 x 300 x 300 mm
- Build platform heated up to 220° C
- Printing chamber temperature up to 200° C
- Extrusion temperature up to 480° C
Where to buy: Zortrax.
6. Orion AM A150 Series
Orion AM's dedication to 3D printing in PEEK has resulted in the creation of technology that evenly heats the print to 300°C in all directions to produce parts with the same strength and density. With the unique Thermal Radiation Heating Technology, semicrystalline materials like PEEK can generate superior crystalline structures without shrinking or warping.
The A150 and the rest of the A150 Series are injection-molded, industrial-strength parts. It is suitable for many high-performance polymers, such as PEEK, ULTEM, PPSU, PA6, PA12, etc. A 7-inch touchscreen and a modular, detachable printhead make operating the printer a breeze.
Key Features:
- Max. Extruder Temp.: 500°C
- Max. Bed Temp.: 300°C
- Max. Chamber Temp.: 315°C
- Min. Layer Height: 20 microns
Where to buy: Orion-am.
Best 3D Printing Software
There are various 3D printing software available, but the challenge is that most of them are either complex and take time for one to learn or they are expensive. Also, those that are easy to learn lack advanced tools that one can use to create complex 3D models. But there are easy-to-use and powerful 3D printing software available that are available and affordable at the same time. A good example is SelfCAD. SelfCAD is a 3D design software that comes with 3D modeling and 3D printing tools, and it has been designed for both beginners and professionals.
The software comes with powerful 3D sculpting brushes for artistic design, freehand drawing and sketching for technical drawing, and various easy-to-use selection and modification tools that you can use to edit your designs and modify them based on your needs. In addition to being able to create files from scratch, you can also use the software to edit files designed in other programs. For example, you can import an STL file and color it, as shown below.
There is also the magic fix tool helpful in fixing non-manifold meshes and ensure that they are ready for 3D printing. Get to know how the magic fix tool of SelfCAD works in the video below.
When you finish creating your 3D model, you don’t need to switch to a different software to slice your files. You can simply use the in-built online slicer of SelfCAD to slice your 3D models and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The slicer of SelfCAD is compatible with most of the common FDM 3D printers and it is easy to use. Learn how the slicer of SelfCAD works in the video below.
The software also comes with many learning resources that you can use to learn the software. One of them is interactive tutorials that help you learn step-by-step guidance while working on actual projects. It not only helps beginners, but professionals can also use it to create their own tutorials for designing specific designs and share them with others. In addition to the interactive tutorials, there is also SelfCAD academy where you can find step-by-step courses on not only SelfCAD, but also general 3D modeling. There are also many YouTube videos to help you learn. They include 3D modeling tutorials for beginners as well as 3D modeling 101 playlists.
PEEK 3D Printers for Enhanced Manufacturing Processes
High-performance polymers like PEEK require a certain type of 3D printer in order to achieve optimal results. These leading PEEK 3D printers are perfect for professionals and industries that want high-quality results every time. They have remarkable build volumes, a wide range of features, and compatibility with a wide variety of materials.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.