PEEK vs PTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
PEEK and PTFE are both polymer grades. PEEK is the stronger of the two: yield strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for PTFE, about 8.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi). In exchange, PTFE is the more ductile: elongation 350% versus 30% for PEEK, and PEEK is harder (86 Shore D vs 56 Shore D). PEEK is lighter (1.3 g/cm³ vs 2.17 g/cm³ for PTFE) and PEEK is stiffer (3.7 GPa vs 0.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PTFE machines more easily (80 vs 70 out of 100), PEEK welds better (fair vs not recommended), and PTFE sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PEEK (specialty, $$$$$).
PEEKChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PTFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
PEEK vs PTFE: 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
Hardness, Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.25 W/m·K0.14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 300°C572 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
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
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · 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 | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Virgin | Virgin |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$ Premium |
| 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 PTFE — frequently asked
Is PEEK stronger than PTFE?
Yes. PEEK has a typical yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for PTFE — about 8.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PEEK or PTFE?
PTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium 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 PTFE?
PTFE, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 80/100 against 70/100 for PEEK; for welding the order is PEEK first (fair, 45/100) then PTFE (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PEEK and PTFE 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.