PEEK vs PSU
Polymer · grade comparison
PEEK and PSU are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. PEEK is the stronger of the two: yield strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for PSU, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 71 MPa (10.3 ksi). In exchange, PSU is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 30% for PEEK. PSU is lighter (1.24 g/cm³ vs 1.3 g/cm³ for PEEK) and PEEK is stiffer (3.7 GPa vs 2.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PSU welds better (good vs fair) and PSU sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PEEK (specialty, $$$$$).
PEEKChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PSUChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PEEK vs PSU: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PEEK | PSU |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Virgin | Medical Grade |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. They share 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PEEK vs PSU — frequently asked
Is PEEK stronger than PSU?
Yes. PEEK has a typical yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for PSU — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 71 MPa (10.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PEEK or PSU?
PSU is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PEEK is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PEEK or PSU?
PEEK. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for PSU; for welding the order is PSU first (good, 60/100) then PEEK (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PEEK and PSU side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.