Contents Page

1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Preparation and Handling of PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer 2
2.1 Drying
2.2 Re-work
2.3 Thermal Stability and Break-down Procedures
2.4 Inspection
3.0 Equipment and Processing 3
3.1 Pre-cleaning Injection Moulders and Extruders Equipment
3.2 Shut-down
3.3 Materials of Construction for PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer Processing Equipment
4.0 Injection Moulding 5
4.1 Machine Design
4.1.1 Barrel Temperatures
4.1.2 Barrel Capacity
4.1.3 Nozzles and Shut-off Systems
4.1.4 Injection and Clamping Pressures
4.1.5 Screw Design
4.2 Mould Design 7
4.2.1 Melt Flow
4.2.2 Gating
4.2.3 Shrinkage
4.3 Operating Conditions 9
4.3.1 Injection Pressures and Screw Speed
4.4 Troubleshooting 10
5.0 Extrusion 12
5.1 Machine Design
5.1.1 Barrel Temperatures
5.1.2 Drive Motor
5.1.3 Barrel Capacity and Residence Time
5.1.4 Screw Design
6.0 Finishing Operations 13
6.1 Machining
6.2 Annealing
6.2.1 An Overview of Annealing for Optimum Crystallinity
6.2.2 An Overview of Annealing to Remove Stresses
6.2.3 An Overview of Annealing to Remove Thermal History and Shrinking
1.0 Introduction
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is a high quality biomaterial suitable for medical implants. It has been manufactured to enhanced high
standards of production and rigorously tested and certified to key physical and chemical quality control parameters by Invibio
and by an independent NAMAS/UKAS certified laboratory. The polymer is provided as granules for injection moulding and
extrusion, and in rods for machining.
This document provides guidelines for the melt processing of Unfilled PEEK-OPTIMA polymer by injection moulding and
extrusion and for the machining of rods.
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This document is NOT a guideline for filled, reinforced or other grades of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer, or for
other Invibio producers. For processing information on other Invibio grades and materials, please contact
Invibio Biomaterial Solutions at:
UK: Tel +44 (0) 1253 898000
US: Tel +484 342 6004
Asia Pacific: Tel +852 2366 4448
info@invibio.com
2.0 Preparation and Handling of PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer granules are packed in a clean environment, free from extraneous contamination. It is imperative that
they remain contamination free at all stages of preparation and subsequent handling during production. To aid this they are
presented in sealed, double bag-lined HDPE kegs fitted with a plastic tamper evident tab. DO NOT use if a keg of polymer has
a broken tab prior to opening. If the keg has been partly used (for example, from a previous moulding campaign) then it must
be ensured that the polythene bag liners were sealed and that the lid was replaced at the earliest opportunity during the
previous session. Do not use the material if it has become contaminated by any means or if there is a chance that it has become
contaminated. To avoid doubt, no material should be used if the processor cannot assure that the material has a clean history
from delivery.
Double lining with polyethylene bags provides a means of minimizing the risk of contamination, as polymer can be removed
from the kegs in clean, sealed bags for use in production.
PEEK-OPTIMA extruded stock shapes are also packed in a clean environment, free from extraneous contamination. To retain
their original condition, the rods are supplied in a polymer sleeve, and should be kept in this condition during storage and
handling.
2.1 Drying
Whilst PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is supplied nominally dry, it has been shown that the material typically absorbs up to 0.5% by
weight of atmospheric moisture which can affect part quality. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that the granules are
pre-dried to a level of less than 0.1% by weight prior to moulding. This can be achieved using an air-circulating oven at 150C
(300F) for 3 hours or 160C (320F) for 2 hours or, nominally 12 hours at 120C (250F). Polymer should be spread onto clean
trays to a depth of no greater than 25mm (1 inch) to achieve the best results.
Extreme care should be taken to avoid any extraneous contamination from mixing with PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. It is imperative,
therefore, that the material is dried in isolation from any other polymer materials or other potential contaminants. The oven
must be clean and free from any agent of contamination. This could mean the use of air filtration in some air drying systems.
The use of hopper dryers is allowed if fitted with suitable clean air filtration.
2.2 Re-work
DO NOT USE RECLAIMED MATERIAL
Re-work of ground material, such as sprues and runners, is not possible with PEEK-OPTIMA polymer because of the strong risk
of contamination.
2.3 Thermal Stability and Break-down Procedures
In common with other polymers, prolonged exposure to melt processing temperatures will result in some degree of
polymer degradation; the severity of which will depend upon the duration. Under normal operation this will present
no problems, as PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is quite thermally stable. However, in the event of a protracted interruption to
the moulding cycle, care must be taken to avoid the formation and subsequent moulding of degraded material.
For interruptions of a short duration (less than 15 minutes) the degradation of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is negligible and the
barrel temperatures may remain at the processing set point. However, as a precaution the barrel should be purged with fresh
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer prior to recommencing moulding. Mouldings should only be collected when inspection shows no
evidence of discoloration or other indications of degraded material contamination. In the event of a prolonged shutdown
(greater than 15 minutes), it is advisable to empty the screw of polymer and to reduce the temperatures as rapidly as natural
cooling will allow. The temperatures should be reduced to at least below 240C (465F) at which temperature PEEK-OPTIMA
polymer will be solid and stable. Restart will require the temperatures to be re-adjusted to the processing temperature and the
barrel will need to be purged with fresh polymer.
If this material shows any evidence of degraded polymer that might have come from hang-up points in the screw/barrel
assembly, it should be discarded. Only mouldings that are free from degraded material should be used. Persistent problems
with degraded material will require the screw and barrel assembly to be stripped and cleaned.
2.4 Inspection
All mouldings should be inspected for contamination. Contaminated mouldings should be discarded.
Partially degraded material is evident as brown or black streaks or speckles on a background of normal buff coloured
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PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. Mildly degraded material is darker than normal. Severely degraded material is brown or black.
Degraded material should not be confused with amorphous material, which is also dark brown, but which in contrast to
degraded material reverts to the standard PEEK-OPTIMA polymer colour when annealed.
3.0 Equipment and Processing
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer can be processed on conventional thermoplastic processing equipment with a high temperature
capability. An appropriate size of machine should be chosen for the size of component to be moulded to avoid excessive
polymer residence time in the barrel.
The melting temperature of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is approximately 340C (645F), but it is conventionally processed at 360C
to 400C (680F to 750F). At these temperatures the melt is stable and workable with a shear viscosity (for LT1) similar to
polycarbonate melts. As with most conventional polymers there is a reduction of viscosity with increasing shear rate and
temperature. Figure 1 shows how PEEK-OPTIMA polymer compares with a range of conventional engineering polymers.
The viscosity has been shown to be shear rate and temperature sensitive. Polymer melt behavior can be classified by measuring
viscosity over a range of shear stresses or shear rates at constant temperature. The viscosities of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer grades
LT1, LT2 and LT3 are plotted versus shear stress over two decades of shear rate in Figure 2.
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3.1 Pre-cleaning Injection Moulders and Extruders Equipment
It is essential that PEEK-OPTIMA polymers and compounds are moulded or extruded on completely clean equipment. This will
mean that the screw and barrel assembly should be stripped and cleaned beforehand. On no account should any other
material be used for purging the barrel, as this will present an unacceptable risk of contaminating the polymer. Only purge
with PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and use the same grade. Cleaning should avoid the use of solvents that might pose a
contamination risk.
3.2 Shut-down
Owing to the excellent adhesion between PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and the materials of construction, cooling the equipment to
below the melting point with a fully charged barrel can lead to damage when the material shrinks as it cools. PEEK-OPTIMA
polymer must be removed from the processing equipment before switching off the machine.
a) Empty the barrel of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer by turning the screw without feeding it with fresh polymer.
b) When the polymer stops flowing, terminate screw rotation and switch off the heaters.
3.3 Materials of Construction for PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer Processing Equipment
The problem of machine wear is common to all engineering thermoplastics. To minimize wear in such processes, screws, dies
and barrels should be hardened. The most common way of hardening tool steel is to nitride. This technique provides the
surface hardness necessary to resist excessive wear from the melt. Care must be taken to ensure that PEEK-OPTIMA polymer
does not cool and solidify in contact with the nitride coating. The bond between the polymer and the nitride coating is often
sufficiently strong to lift the layer from the steel substrate.
The following steels are generally recommended for the construction of process equipment suitable for PEEK-OPTIMA
polymers:
D2 Tool Steel (A martensitic chromium tool steel)
Stavax (A chrome alloy tool steel)
Hastalloy (A high nickel alloy)
Although not generally required, corrosion resistant and bi-metallic screws and barrels have proved satisfactory in service.
Avoid copper and its alloys as some degradation may occur at PEEK-OPTIMA polymer processing temperatures.
The surface finish of metallic components which are used in melt transportation should be smooth and highly polished.
Increasing the surface roughness of these components causes the melt to adhere locally to the metal, which increases
residence time and disturbs polymer flow.
4.0 Injection Moulding
Most standard reciprocating screw injection moulding machines are capable of moulding PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. Complex high
performance components can be readily mass-produced without the need for annealing or conventional machining.
4.1 Machine Design
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and compounds can be readily injection moulded. However, due to the high melt temperature, certain
design and process variables need to be considered. These are listed below.
4.1.1 Barrel Temperatures
In order to successfully mould PEEK-OPTIMA polymer materials, the cylinder heaters connected to the barrel of the injection
moulder must be able to reach 400C (750F). Most injection moulding machines are capable of these temperatures without
the need for modification. In the exceptional cases where modification is required it is a simple task to install higher
temperature range controllers and ceramic heaters.
In order to achieve correct hopper feeding, the feed throat should be maintained between 70C and 100C (160F and 210F).
Thermal conduction along the screw and barrel towards the hopper may reduce the feed efficiency. Thermal control in the
feed section may be achieved by water cooling, but care must be taken to maintain the rear zone temperature.
4.1.2 Barrel Capacity
Residence times must be kept as short as possible due to the high processing temperatures of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. Ideally,
the barrel capacity should be between 2 and 5 times the total shot weight including sprue and runners. If it is necessary to
mould PEEK-OPTIMA polymer on a machine which has a large number of shots in the barrel, then the rear zone temperatures
may be reduced by 10C to 20C (18 to 36F) below the recommended temperature settings.
4.1.3 Nozzles and Shut-Off Systems
The nozzle of the barrel is in contact with the sprue-bush for a high percentage of the total cycle time during normal
operations. The temperature of the sprue-bush is considerably lower than that of the melt and the nozzle (see section 4.3).
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer has a sharp melting point and will solidify quickly if the melt temperature is allowed to fall below 343C
(650F). Therefore, it is important to ensure that an adequately large heater is fitted to the nozzle to prevent freeze-off and
'cold slugging'. Extended nozzles are not generally recommended for use with PEEK-OPTIMA polymer because they increase
the likelihood of solidification in the nozzle.
Over the recommended process temperatures the viscosity of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is generally still sufficiently high to allow
an open nozzle system. Shut-off nozzles are not recommended because they frequently contain melt 'dead spots' and restrict
injection pressures. If excessive die drool is encountered, melt decompression should be employed in the process cycle.
4.1.4 Injection and Clamping Pressures
The injection pressures required for correct component moulding are system dependent. However, in general, injection
pressures rarely exceed 14 MPa (2000 psi) with secondary holding pressures of 10 MPa (1430 psi).
The projected area of the moulding and runner determines the clamp force required to prevent the mould opening under
maximum injection pressure. This typically corresponds to 50-80 MPa (500-800 bar, 7000 -11600 psi) for Unfilled PEEK-OPTIMA
polymer. However, parts with thin sections and long flow lengths will require higher clamping pressures than those with thick
sections and short flow lengths.
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4.1.5 Screw Design
Most general purpose and 'nylon' type screws are suitable for processing PEEK-OPTIMA polymer grades. Two such screws with
appropriate length to diameter (L/D) ratios, are shown in Figure 3.
The minimum recommended L/D ratio screw is 16:1, L/D ratios between 18:1 and 24:1 are preferred. Long feed sections are
required to prevent compaction of non-melted granules in the compression section of the screw. The compression ratio should
be between 2:1 and 3:1.
Check rings must always be fitted to the screw tip to ensure development of a full and sustained injection pressure. Ring
clearance should allow for an unrestricted flow of material on forward movement of the screw. This typically corresponds to
a 3mm (~1/8) clearance from the screw tip diameter for a medium size moulding machine.
Figure 3: Screw Types Recommended for the Processing of PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer
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4.2 Mould Design
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and compounds can be readily processed using many existing moulds. However, certain design criteria
must be met for successful moulding.
4.2.1 Melt Flow
It is recommended that sprues are at least 4 mm (1/6") thick and are as short as possible. Larger diameter sprues have been
shown to aid filling in complex moulds, which feature long flow lengths and thin sections. PEEK-OPTIMA polymer components
require a minimum taper angle of 2 on the sprue and on the inside of the sprue bush for successful de-moulding. When
possible a 'cold-slug' well should be incorporated into the sprue design.
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer moulds require circular or trapezoidal runners with large section thickness. Melt flow paths should be
kept as short as possible and sharp changes of direction should be avoided. The success of moulding components with thin
flow sections is a function of thermal, geometrical and pressure variables. An approximate guide to the effects of section
thickness on the resultant flow length is shown in Figure 4.
The data in Figure 4 were derived from measurements made on a spiral flow mould with an injection pressure of 140 MPa
(140 bar, 20300 psi). It is not recommended to design moulds for Unfilled PEEK-OPTIMA polymer with a section thickness of
less than 1 mm (~40 mil).
All materials in the PEEK-OPTIMA grade range are suitable for hot-runner mouldings. However, not all commercial hot-runner
systems are robust enough to be used with PEEK-OPTIMA polymer materials. A list of recommended systems may be obtained
from Invibio Ltd.
4.2.2 Gating
The size and style of gating appropriate for a moulding will depend on the melt volume, the number of cavities and the
component geometry required. Most gates are suitable for PEEK-OPTIMA polymer moulding although long thin flow
sections are to be avoided. Gates should be as large as possible. The minimum recommended gate diameter or thickness is
1mm (40 mil) for Unfilled PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. Sprue gates should be between 1-1.5 times the thickness of the moulding.
Submarine or tunnel gates should be avoided. Advice on suitable gates for moulding PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is available on
request from Invibio.
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4.2.3 Shrinkage
In common with all injection moldable thermoplastics, PEEK-OPTIMA polymer components shrink while cooling in the mould.
Shrinkage within mouldings is due to thermal contraction and the development of crystallinity.
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is a semi-crystalline thermoplastics. Many of the outstanding physical properties which are associated
with these materials are a function of the degree of crystallinity. The level of crystallinity may be controlled by melt and mould
temperatures. Using the recommended injection molding conditions, PEEK-OPTIMA polymer mouldings should be nominally
30% crystalline.
The mould shrinkage values shown in Table 1 are for fan-gated test plaques (150 x 150 x 3mm) (6" x 6" x 1/8") moulded under
the recommended conditions.
The difference between the 'with flow' and 'across flow' shrinkage values in Table 1 represents typical minima and maxima
observed in PEEK-OPTIMA polymer molding. The fan-gated plaque mold orientates the melt, fibers and crystalline regions, so
that a less orientated molding should exhibit mold shrinkage values between these two extremes. The annealed shrinkage
values in Table 1 are obtained by post process thermal treatment in order to reach the maximum degree of crystallinity. These
values of shrinkage may be expected in components which are subsequently used in high temperature environments.
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4.2.4 Shrinkage cont.
Most injection moulding machines have the facility for a multi-stage injection. In order to reduce mould shrinkage and to
enhance filling, a second stage packing pressure should be applied once the mould is full. The potential for severe mould
shrinkage may be prevented at the tool design stage by minimizing section thickness.
Moulded component tolerance may be defined as the dimensional variation observed in seemingly identical mouldings. The
tolerances shown in Table 2 were determined using the fangated test plaques previously described
(a) These data represent variation from the mean found in 20 samples.
4.3 Operating Conditions
The optimum operating conditions for each individual injection moulding machine will depend on many variables. This section
presents an overview of the practical aspects of injection moulding PEEK-OPTIMA polymer based on our general experience.
Table 3 shows the recommended temperatures required to successfully mould PEEK-OPTIMA polymer.
Invibio generally suggests that the mould surface is maintained between 175 and 205C (350 and 400F). These temperatures
have been found to give good mould filling characteristics and a high level of crystallinity within mouldings. Components
formed with lower mould temperatures often have amorphous skin layers. These may be removed by post process annealing.
However, it is advantageous to create uniform crystallinity throughout the specimen during moulding because post process
crystallization may lead to component distortion.
4.3.1 Injection Pressures and Screw Speed
Injection pressures of 7 to 14 MPa (1000-2000 psi) are initially used with holding pressures of 4 to 10 MPa (570-1430 psi).
To create an homogeneous melt to aid consistency of shot size a nominal back pressure of 0.2 to 5MPa (30-715 psi) should
be used.
A screw speed of between 50 and 100 rpm is the optimum for transporting and melting PEEK-OPTIMA polymer. Screw
speeds lower than 50 rpm are to be avoided as this results in longer cycle times. Screw speeds higher than 100 rpm are not
recommended as they may result in excessive localised shear heating.
Table 3: Recommended Starting Temperatures for an Injection Moulding Machine Prepared for PEEK-OPTIMA Polymer
4.4 Troubleshooting
Table 4: Troubleshooting Guide
Fault Possible Cause Remedy
Short Mouldings Insufficient Material Injected Increase Injection Pressure
Inadequate Flow of Melt Increase Barrel Temperatures
Increase Mould Temperatures
Increase Injection Speed
Incorrect Design Increase Gates, Sprues or Runners Size
Improve Gates, Sprues or Runners Size
Improve Gates, Sprues or Runners Design
Change Position of Gate
Increase Venting
Brittle Mouldings Overheating in the Barrel Decrease Barrel Temperatures
Reduce Injection Pressure
Increase Cycle Time
Moulded in Stresses Increase Barrel Temperatures
Reduce Injection Pressure
Increase Cycle Time
Increase Mould Temperatures
Increase Gates, Sprues or Runners Size
Weld Lines Increase Barrel Temperatures
Increase Injection Speed
Increase Mould Temperatures
Change Gate Design or Position
Cold Slug of Polymer Material Freezing in the Nozzle Increase Nozzle Temperature
in the Moulding Thermally Insulate Nozzle
Employ Decompression
Use a Sprue Break
Voids and Surface Sinking Insufficient Time or Pressure in the Mould Increase Injection Pressure
Increase Holding Time
Reduce Barrel Temperatures
Incorrect Mould Design Increase Gates, Sprues or Runners Size
Increase Holding Pressure
Streaking Overheated Material Reduce Barrel Temperatures
Reduce Nozzle Temperature
Reduce Residence Time
Reduce Injection Speed
Reduce Screw Speed
Damp Material Dry Material
Dead Spots in Barrel Streamline Barrel and Nozzle
Clean Screw, Barrel and Nozzle
Check for Damages, Pitting, etc.
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Fault Possible Cause Remedy
Burn Marks Air Trapped in Cavity Reduce Injection Pressure
Reduce Injection Speed
Improve Venting of Cavity
Change Gate Position, Size or Type
Flashing or Mould Inadequate Locking Force Reduce Injection Pressure
Opening Reduce Injection Speed
Reduce Cylinder Temperature
Reduce Mould Temperature
Reduce Speed Setting
Increase Locking Force
Incorrect Mating or Re-grind and Re-align
Bending of the Mould Install Heavy Backing Plates
Check for Foreign Matter Between the Plates
Warping or Distortion Temperature Difference in the Mould Adjust Temperature so That it is the Same on
Both Halves of the Mould
Lack of Section Symmetry Consider Re-design of Cavity, Runners & Gates
Use a Temperature Differential Between the
Two Halves of the Mould to Compensate
Use a Cooling Jig
Increase Cooling Time
Increase Cooling Time
Early Ejection Reduce Mould Temperatures
Add More Ejectors Pins
Insufficient Rigidity Change Design of Components
(e.g. Add Ribs, etc)
Increase Section Thickness
Jetting Material Entering the Cavity Too Quickly Change Position and/or Type of Gate
Melt too Cold Increase Melt Temperature
Excessive Shrinkage Processing Conditions Reduce Tool Temperature
Increase Injection Pressure
Increase Holding Pressure
Gate too Small Increase Gate Size
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5.0 Extrusion
5.1 Machine Design
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and compounds can be extruded using conventional process technology. There are specific
requirements, which are detailed below.
5.1.1 Barrel Temperatures
Cylinder heaters must be capable of reaching 400C (750F) and maintaining set temperatures to within 2C. Therefore, cast
aluminum heaters are not suitable and should be replaced with either high temperature alloy or ceramic heaters. Cylinder
heaters should cover all exposed metal surfaces to ensure an even temperature distribution. Areas that cannot be heated
directly should be covered with high temperature thermal insulation to prevent the formation of 'cold spots'.
5.1.2 Drive Motor
The power output of the motor must be at least 0.25 HP/Kg/hr.
5.1.3 Barrel Capacity and Residence Time
The size and the output of the extruder should be matched to obtain a short residence time, typically 5 to 10 minutes. There
should be no dead spots i.e. gaps around flanges or badly fitting blanking plugs. All internal surfaces should be cleaned and
polished before extrusion commences.
5.1.4 Screw Design
The materials in the PEEK-OPTIMA polymer grade range are compatible with most conventional screw designs. The only screw
specifically not recommended is a continuous compression PVC type. This screw has virtually no feed section which results in
the compaction of granular polymer leading to excessive torque.
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6.0 Finishing Operations
6.1 Machining
The following table provides a guide to the tool geometry and materials required for machining PEEK-OPTIMA
polymer. The process of machining and finishing polymeric materials is prone to propagating residual stresses and
therefore annealing of PEEK-OPTIMA parts is recommended to relieve stress (see section 6.2 Annealing). When
large material volumes need to be machined it may be necessary to relieve residual stress after rough cutting of
the part.
Due to the low thermal conductivity of polymeric materials, machining processes tend to generate heat rapidly and
it may be necessary to use a coolant. For all grades of PEEK-OPTIMA water is generally recommended. However, it is
more preferred that parts are machined dry, which can be achieved by selecting cutting speeds and removal rates
that generate minimum heat.
* If a coolant is used, it must be selected by the device manufacturer and must not affect the biocompatibility of
PEEK-OPTIMA polymer.
6.2 Annealing
Components formed from PEEK-OPTIMA polymer materials may be annealed to increase levels of crystallinity, remove any
thermal history, limit subsequent dimensional changes at high temperatures or to remove stresses. The appropriate annealing
protocol will depend on the objective of the process.
6.2.1 An Overview of Annealing for Optimum Crystallinity
Increasing crystallinity within a component may be necessary if a brown amorphous skin is observed (this can also be
eliminated by increasing mould temperature) or enhanced strength and chemical resistance is required.
a) Dry the component for a minimum of three hours at 150C (300F).
b) Allow the component to heat up at 10C (18-20F) per hour until an equilibrium temperature of 200C (390F)
is reached.
c) The holding time for components is dependent on section thickness. It is recommended that annealing
temperatures are held for at least 4 hours.
d) Allow the component to cool at 10C (18-20F) per hour until the system falls below 140C (280F).
e) Switch off the oven and allow the component to cool down to room temperature.
Annealing temperatures close to 300C (570F) have been used to maximize mechanical performance (strength and
modulus) and chemical resistance. However, these effects may be accompanied by embrittlement and surface oxidation
because of the high annealing temperature.
6.2.2 An Overview of Annealing to Remove Stresses
Injection moulding or machining operations may impart stress to a component. This stress reduces the physical
performance of devices and may be reduced by annealing the sample.
a) Dry the component for a minimum of three hours at 150C (300F).
b) Allow the component to heat up at 10C (18-20F) per hour until an equilibrium temperature of 250C (480F)
is reached.
c) The holding time for components is dependent on section thickness. It is recommended that annealing
temperatures are held for at least 4 hours.
d) Allow the component to cool at 10C (18-20F) per hour until the system falls below 140C (280F).
e) Switch off the oven and allow the component to cool down to room temperature.
6.2.3 An Overview of Annealing to Remove Thermal History and Shrinkage
Dimensional stability over a wide temperature range may be crucial to some applications. Components may be annealed
to remove distortion effects or thermal history.
a) Dry the component for a minimum of three hours at 150C (300F).
b) If the maximum in-service temperature (including sterilization) exceeds 150C, allow the component to heat up at
10C(18-20F) per hour until an equilibrium temperature is reached equal to this temperature.
c) The holding time for components is dependent on section thickness. It is generally recommended that
temperatures are maintained for at least 4 hours.
d) Allow the component to cool at 10C (18-20F) per hour until the system falls below 140C (280F).
e) Switch off the oven and allow the component to cool down to room temperature.
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Disclaimer
The information contained herein is believed to be an accurate description of the typical characteristics and/or uses of Invibio product(s). However, it is your
ultimate responsibility to determine the performance, efficacy and safety of using Invibio product(s) for a specific application. Suggestions of uses should not
be taken as inducements to infringe any particular patent or as a representation that the product is suitable for such uses. Invibio makes no warranties,
express or implied, including without limitation, a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or of intellectual property non-infringement, including, but not
limited to patent non-infringement, which are expressly disclaimed, whether express of implied, in fact or by law. Further, Invibio makes no warranty to your
customers or agents, and has not authorized anyone to make any representation or warranty other than as provided above.
Invibio shall in no event be liable for any general, indirect, special, consequential, punitive, incidental or similar damages, including without limitation,
damages for harm to business, lost profits or lost savings, even if Invibio has been advised of the possibility of such damages, regardless to the form of action.
Invibio and PEEK-OPTIMA are registered trademarks of Invibio Ltd in the United States, European Community and elsewhere. Biomaterial Solutions is a
trademark of Invibio Ltd.
Invibio Ltd.
Technology Centre, Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire
FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 898000
FAX: +44 (0) 1253 898001
Invibio Inc.
300 Conshohocken State Road
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
USA
866-INVIBIO (468 4246)
Tel: +484 342 6004
FAX: +484 342 6005
Invibio Ltd.
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Tel: +852 2366 4448
FAX: +852 2366 7667
info@invibio.com www.invibio.com
PO-ENG-B-02(07/09.02)