FabDigit

PEKK-ESD

also ESD PEKK, PEKK ESD

PEKK-ESD is polyetherketoneketone loaded with a small fraction of carbon nanotubes or conductive carbon, supplied mainly as FDM filament (for example Antero 840CN03) plus injection-moulding pellets and laser-sintering powder.

3D printingSpecialty cost $$$$$

Values for the CNT-XZ condition

PEKK-ESD grades and fills

PEKK-ESD is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. CNT-XZ is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
CNT-filled ESD filament, FDM printed upright
Design allowable for loads across the build layers — expect roughly 60–75 % of in-plane strength and near-brittle failure.52551.685 Shore D
CNT-XZDefault
CNT-filled ESD filament, FDM printed flat
Standard commercial form: 2–3 % carbon-nanotube PEKK filament printed in-plane; use for ESD aerospace and electronics fixtures needing best strength.7882386 Shore D
CNT-filled ESD, annealed / heat-treated printed part
Post-print anneal above Tg raises crystallinity, stiffness and continuous-use temperature at the cost of a little ductility and ~0.3–0.8 % shrink.84882.288 Shore D
Carbon-black conductive/ESD PEKK injection-molding compound
Lower-cost route for volume ESD parts (wafer handling, connectors); tighter resistivity control than printed parts but needs 380–400 °C barrel and hot molds.9095587 Shore D
Carbon-fiber reinforced ESD PEKK
Pick when stiffness and dimensional stability dominate and 10⁴–10⁶ Ω surface resistance is acceptable; more anisotropic and abrasive to nozzles/tools.1051.5

Supply forms, finishes and certifications

Ways PEKK-ESD is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.

OptionWhat it isType
PWD-ESD
ESD PEKK powder for laser powder-bed fusionPrinting process

What is PEKK-ESD?

PEKK-ESD is polyetherketoneketone loaded with a small fraction of carbon nanotubes or conductive carbon, supplied mainly as FDM filament (for example Antero 840CN03) plus injection-moulding pellets and laser-sintering powder. It combines PAEK-level heat resistance (Tg ≈160 °C, long-term use above 200 °C, 220 °C rated service), chemical resistance and low outgassing with a controlled 10⁶–10⁹ Ω surface resistance at 82 MPa tensile and 3.5 GPa modulus. Cost is very high, printing needs a 400 °C nozzle and a 200 °C-class heated chamber, Z-direction strength and 3% elongation are low, and the conductive filler rules out insulating uses. PEKK-ESD has a density of 1.33 g/cm³ (0.048 lb/in³), heavier than 73% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 162°C (324 °F). PEKK-ESD has a yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) — stronger than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 3.5 GPa (0.508 Msi).

What is PEKK-ESD used for?

  • Aerospace ducting
  • Fuel system parts
  • ESD-critical tooling

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 92/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
  • High service temperature — 220°C (428 °F), better than 89% of polymer grades
  • High strength — 78 MPa (11.3 ksi), better than 86% of polymer grades
  • Stiff — 3.5 GPa (0.508 Msi), better than 83% of polymer grades
  • Conducts heat well — 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polymer grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 18 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 99% of polymer grades
  • Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 83% of polymer grades

PEKK-ESD properties

Typical room-temperature values for PEKK-ESD-CNT-XZ; bars are the position among polymer grades.

Physical5

PEKK-ESD has a density of 1.33 g/cm³ (0.048 lb/in³), heavier than 73% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 162°C (324 °F).

Density1.33 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
Melting Temperature (Tm)305°C581 °F
Glass Transition (Tg)162°C324 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)0.14%
Water Absorption (Saturation)0.5%

Mechanical16

PEKK-ESD has a yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) — stronger than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 3.5 GPa (0.508 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus3.5 GPa0.51 Msi
Shear Modulus1.3 GPa0.18 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.4
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)82 MPa11.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)78 MPa11.3 ksi
Elongation at Break3%
Compressive Strength115 MPa16.7 ksi
Compressive Modulus3.2 GPa0.46 Msi
Flexural Strength128 MPa18.6 ksi
Flexural Modulus3.6 GPa0.52 Msi
Shear Strength55 MPa8 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)3.2 MPa·√m2.9 ksi·√in
Izod Impact, Notched32 J/m0.6 ft·lbf/in
Hardness, Shore D86 Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M100 HRM
Hardness, Rockwell R125 HRR

Thermal11

PEKK-ESD is rated for continuous service to 220°C (428 °F). It conducts heat at 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 42 µm/m·K (23.3 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,050 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)42 µm/m·K23.3 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)220°C428 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa175°C347 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa158°C316 °F
Vicat Softening Point (B50)170°C338 °F
Flammability (UL 94)V-0 at 1.5 mm (inherently flame retardant, halogen free); very low smoke and heat release
Limiting Oxygen Index40%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)280°C536 °F

Electrical3

PEKK-ESD has an electrical resistivity of 10,000 Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity10,000 Ω·m3.94×10¹¹ µΩ·in
Volume Resistivity1,000,000 Ω·cm
Surface Resistivity1×10⁸ Ω

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (92/100), better than 91% of polymer grades. UV resistance is very good.

Corrosion ResistanceExcellent92/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceVery good70/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent against hydrocarbons, jet fuel, hydraulic fluids, dilute acids/bases, steam and radiation; attacked only by concentrated sulfuric acid and some halogenated/aromatic solvents at elevated temperature.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of PEKK-ESD takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 18 kg of CO₂ — more than 100% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)350 MJ/kg150,473 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)18 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability8

PEKK-ESD's machinability is good (62/100, better than 60% of polymer grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (20/100).

MachinabilityGood62/100
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Poor20/100
PolishabilityFair50/100
Mold Shrinkage1%
Melt Flow Rate4 g/10 min
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)390°C734 °F
Mold Temperature (typ.)190°C374 °F

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated62 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated2.6 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated869 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated0.2 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated0

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.

Strength versus weight in the polymer family

Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. PEKK-ESD is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleStratasys Antero 840CN03

Working with PEKK-ESD

Is PEKK-ESD easy to machine?

Machines like PEEK but the CNT/carbon filler is abrasive — use sharp polished carbide or diamond-coated tools, high speed, light feeds, air or mist cooling, and stress-relieve near Tg before final passes.

Can PEKK-ESD be welded?

No solvent bonding; joining is by ultrasonic/laser/hot-plate welding at PAEK temperatures or by mechanical fasteners and high-temperature epoxy after plasma/abrasion prep.

Can PEKK-ESD be formed, bent or molded?

FDM needs ~400 °C liquefier with a 190–200 °C heated chamber and dried filament (<0.05 % moisture); injection molding needs 370–400 °C melt, 175–200 °C mold and slow cooling for consistent crystallinity.

Manufacturability

The process limits FabDigit applies to PEKK-ESD. Every PEKK-ESD part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.

3D printing

TechnologiesFDM
Layer height50 – 300 µmdefault 100 µm
Minimum wall / feature1 / 0.5 mm
Build envelope300 × 300 × 380 mm
SupportsYes
AnisotropyModerate

PEKK-ESD chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)conductive network for 10^6–10^9 Ω surface resistance1 – 42.5
processing additives / pigments0 – 10.3
poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) resinterephthaloyl/isophthaloyl (T/I) ratio sets Tm and crystallization rate≥ 95 (balance)

What surface finishes work on PEKK-ESD?

Vapor smoothing is not applicable; bead-blast or sand and lightly buff. Do not paint or coat with insulating films if the ESD surface path must be preserved — conductivity comes from the bulk filler network.

Surface treatments FabDigit runs on polymer parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).

Equivalent designations

Standards and trade names that resolve to PEKK-ESD in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.

Trade names
ESD PEKKPEKK ESD

How much does PEKK-ESD cost?

PEKK-ESD is a specialty-cost polymer ($$$$$), pricier than about 100% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

PEKK-ESD — frequently asked

What is PEKK-ESD used for?

PEKK-ESD is typically used for aerospace ducting, fuel system parts and ESD-critical tooling. In short: ESD-safe high-performance PEKK.

What is the yield strength of PEKK-ESD?

PEKK-ESD has a typical yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) — stronger than 86% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is PEKK-ESD easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 60% of polymer grades). Machines like PEEK but the CNT/carbon filler is abrasive — use sharp polished carbide or diamond-coated tools, high speed, light feeds, air or mist cooling, and stress-relieve near Tg before final passes.

Can PEKK-ESD be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). No solvent bonding; joining is by ultrasonic/laser/hot-plate welding at PAEK temperatures or by mechanical fasteners and high-temperature epoxy after plasma/abrasion prep.

What surface finishes work on PEKK-ESD?

Vapor smoothing is not applicable; bead-blast or sand and lightly buff. Do not paint or coat with insulating films if the ESD surface path must be preserved — conductivity comes from the bulk filler network.

Can PEKK-ESD be formed, bent or molded?

FDM needs ~400 °C liquefier with a 190–200 °C heated chamber and dried filament (<0.05 % moisture); injection molding needs 370–400 °C melt, 175–200 °C mold and slow cooling for consistent crystallinity.

What is the maximum service temperature of PEKK-ESD?

PEKK-ESD is rated for continuous use to about 220°C (428 °F), and briefly to 280°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between PEKK-ESD CNT-XZ and PEKK-ESD CNT-ZX?

CNT-XZ is the default condition — standard commercial form: 2–3 % carbon-nanotube PEKK filament printed in-plane; use for ESD aerospace and electronics fixtures needing best strength. CNT-ZX: design allowable for loads across the build layers — expect roughly 60–75 % of in-plane strength and near-brittle failure. Yield strength is 78 MPa in CNT-XZ versus 52 MPa in CNT-ZX.

How much does PEKK-ESD cost?

PEKK-ESD is a specialty-cost polymer ($$$$$), pricier than about 100% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Can FabDigit make parts in PEKK-ESD?

Yes — PEKK-ESD is available for 3D printing; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.

Sources

  1. Antero 840CN03 (PEKK-based ESD FDM material) datasheet — Stratasys (2023)
  2. Kepstan PEKK 6000/7000 series product data — Arkema (2022)
  3. PAEK/high-temperature thermoplastics property overview — ASM International (2016)
  4. CAMPUS / UL Prospector PAEK compound entries — CAMPUS Plastics (2024)
  5. ANSI/ESD S541 and IEC 61340-5-1 surface resistance classification — ESD Association / IEC (2019)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.