Tag: PEEK Screws

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.

PEEK Screws for Steam & Radiation Sterilization Processes

Q:  I have a question regarding a type of fastener that can handle sterilization. What I need is a polymer if possible that can handle both steam and radiation sterilization processes, but doesn’t leach into my process. Contamination is an issue.

A:  You can definitely use a polymer for this type of process. Here you have a few choices depending on the specifics. PEEK offers excellent resistance to steam and hot water, usable to 500F. It is also resistant to high doses of ionizing radiation. PTFE fasteners are another polymer worth considering as it has excellent inertness as its a fluorpolymer  but (better than PEEK), but is not nearly as strong as PEEK fasteners.