PEEK CF30 Rod — Diameters, Lengths & Tolerances
PEEK CF30 rod is round bar stock produced from carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with 30% carbon fiber content. The carbon fiber reinforcement dramatically increases stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability compared to unfilled PEEK while reducing the coefficient of thermal expansion — producing a rod stock that maintains tight tolerances and structural integrity under sustained mechanical and thermal loads in the most demanding industrial, aerospace, and semiconductor environments.
At a glance:
- Diameter range: standard rod sizes available up to approximately 4" OD
- Standard lengths: standard cut lengths available
- OD tolerance: close commercial tolerances; grinding recommended for critical-tolerance applications
- Material: Polyetheretherketone with 30% Carbon Fiber Reinforcement (PEEK CF30)
- Color: Black (carbon fiber filled)
- Long-term service temperature: 260 °C / 500 °F
Standard Diameter Table
PEEK CF30 rod is stocked in selected diameters to support high-performance precision machining:
| Diameter | Standard Lengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (0.250") | 2 ft, 4 ft | Precision pins, small structural parts |
| 1/2" (0.500") | 2 ft, 4 ft | Bushings, structural components |
| 1" (1.000") | 2 ft, 4 ft | Aerospace and industrial machined parts |
| 1.5" (1.500") | 2 ft, 4 ft | Larger precision components |
| 2" (2.000") | 2 ft, 4 ft | Structural machined components |
| 3" (3.000") | 2 ft | Heavy-section applications |
| 4" (4.000") | 2 ft | Maximum standard diameter |
Contact Ready Plastics to confirm current diameter inventory. PEEK CF30 is a specialty material; confirm stock before finalizing designs.
Mechanical & Thermal Properties
From Ready Plastics PEEK CF30 specification data:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.39 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 242 MPa / 35,000 psi |
| Tensile modulus | 24,400 MPa / 3,538,000 psi |
| Elongation at break | 1.8 % |
| Impact strength (Charpy) | 44 kJ/m² / 20 ft·lbf/in² |
| Molding shrinkage (longitudinal) | 0.3 % |
| Molding shrinkage (transverse) | 0.9 % |
| Glass transition temp. | 143 °C / 285 °F |
| Melting temperature | 343 °C / 645 °F |
| Heat deflection temp. | 332 °C / 625 °F |
| Service temp. (long term) | 260 °C / 500 °F |
| Service temp. (short term) | 300 °C / 570 °F |
| Surface resistivity | 10⁵ Ω |
| Volume resistivity | 10⁴ Ω·cm |
Note: The carbon fiber reinforcement makes PEEK CF30 electrically semi-conductive. Surface and volume resistivity values are significantly lower than unfilled PEEK. Do not use PEEK CF30 as an electrical insulator.
Typical Applications
PEEK CF30 rod delivers the strength and stiffness needed for structural components in extreme environments:
- Aerospace structural brackets and fittings — exceptional strength-to-weight ratio at high temperatures
- Semiconductor wafer-handling and process components — dimensional stability in thermal cycling environments
- High-performance pump shafts and impellers — tensile strength and thermal capability for high-temperature fluid handling
- Precision bearing cages and retainers — low thermal expansion maintains bearing clearances
- Oil and gas downhole components — chemical resistance and sustained mechanical strength
- High-load bushings and wear components — carbon fiber improves wear resistance vs. unfilled PEEK
Machining PEEK CF30 Rod
PEEK CF30 machines with standard carbide tooling; however, the carbon fiber reinforcement is highly abrasive and wears tooling faster than unfilled materials. Use polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or fine-grain carbide tools for production runs. Apply coolant or compressed air to manage heat buildup. The low elongation (1.8%) means PEEK CF30 is more brittle than unfilled PEEK — take moderate depths of cut to avoid microcracking at edges. Fine surface finishes require sharp tooling and lighter passes. Grinding is effective for final OD sizing to tight tolerances.