PEEK CF30 Tube — IDs, ODs, Wall Thicknesses & Lengths
PEEK CF30 tube is hollow cylindrical stock produced from carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with 30% carbon fiber content. The carbon reinforcement increases stiffness and strength, reduces thermal expansion, and improves wear resistance compared to unfilled PEEK tube. PEEK CF30 tube is used in aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial applications where annular components must maintain precise bore and OD dimensions at sustained elevated temperatures.
At a glance:
- Standard OD range: selected OD/ID configurations available
- Wall thicknesses: standard wall options; consult Ready Plastics for current inventory
- Standard lengths: standard cut lengths available
- Material: Polyetheretherketone with 30% Carbon Fiber (PEEK CF30)
- Color: Black (carbon fiber filled)
- Long-term service temperature: 260 °C / 500 °F
- Semi-conductive: not suitable for electrical insulation
Standard Size Table
PEEK CF30 tube is stocked in selected OD/ID combinations for high-performance hollow components. Due to the specialty nature of the material, confirm availability with Ready Plastics before finalizing designs:
| OD | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1.0" | Precision sleeve bearings and bushings |
| 1.5" | Medium bore structural sleeves |
| 2.0" | Larger bore aerospace and industrial components |
| 3.0" | Heavy-section annular parts |
Contact Ready Plastics for current OD/ID availability and custom wall configurations.
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 % |
| 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 |
PEEK CF30 is semi-conductive; do not use as electrical insulation. For insulating hollow PEEK stock, consider unfilled PEEK tube.
Typical Applications
PEEK CF30 tube is machined into hollow components for high-performance environments:
- High-load bearings and sleeve bushings — carbon fiber improves wear resistance; elevated thermal capability vs. PEEK homopolymer
- Aerospace actuator and structural tubes — high strength and stiffness with low thermal expansion
- Semiconductor process equipment bushings — dimensional stability through repeated thermal cycling
- Oil and gas downhole guide sleeves — chemical resistance and sustained strength in aggressive environments
- High-temperature pump sleeves — withstands elevated process fluid temperatures
- Precision bearing retainer tubes — low thermal expansion maintains bearing geometry
Machining PEEK CF30 Tube
PEEK CF30 tube requires carbide tooling and careful turning practice. The carbon fiber content is highly abrasive — tool wear is faster than with unfilled materials. Use polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools for production runs or fine-grain carbide with frequent tool life monitoring. Support thin-wall tube sections with a plug mandrel when finish-turning the OD to maintain concentricity. Apply coolant or compressed air to manage heat. Final bore tolerances are best achieved through precision boring or honing rather than drilling alone.