PEEK for Low Thermal Conductivity & Strength

Q: I’m currently cruising the internet looking for the best way to support a ceiling via suspension from structural steel. We’re building a freezer, and I don’t want thermal bridging from the inside of the freezer up to the structural steel, so a metal rod is pretty much out of the running. Any suggestions?

A: For this application I would recommend looking at a PEEK screw. PEEK is one of the strongest polymer fasteners, especially when reinforced with glass fibers, and like most polymers offers low thermal conductivity which would be ideal for your freezer application.

Non-conductive Screw with Strength of Steel

Q: We are looking for a non-conductive screw that gets close to the strength of 316 stainless steel, ideas?

A: The best we could offer would be our glass fiber reinforced PEEK screws. It has nearly double the tensile strength as natural PEEK at about 22,800 psi. You could also try alumina ceramic screws, but they would be very expensive and although strong, fragile from a toughness point of view.

PEEK Screw Strength vs FDA Approved PTFE Screws

Q: I work in the food industry and need a larger sized polymer fastener sized 1/4-20 x 2.5″. I tried PTFE but it isn’t does not seem to have enough strength. It also needs to be FDA approved and offer moderate corrosion resistance.

A: Not knowing the specific strength requirements of your application, I would suggest a PEEK fastener. PEEK screws are FDA approved and offers decent corrosion resistance. PEEK is also much higher strength than PTFE which will be important in a larger bolt. PTFE only can provide a yield strength of 1450 psi compared to PEEK screws which offer 13,600 psi in yield.