Issue 10, 2020 - The first PEEK filament for 3D printed medical implants is launched

Evonik launched the world's first implant-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) filament
for 3D printing of medical implants.
This product complies with ASTM F2026, the standard specification for polyetheretherketone polymers for surgical implants, allowing polyetheretherketone implants to be produced
using additive manufacturing processes.

The implantable-grade PEEK filament is based on Evonik's highly viscous implantable-grade PEEK granules VESTAKEEP i4 G and is marketed
under the brand name VESTAKEEP^®®i4 3DF.
The filament is easy to handle and has high biocompatibility, biostability and X-ray permeability
.
The product is manufactured in a clean workshop and follows strict quality management standards
for medical materials.

The new high-performance filament is suitable for fused filament manufacturing technology (FFF).

The natural PEEK filament has a diameter of 1.
75mm, neatly wound on the wire reel, and is available in 250g and 500g specifications, which can be directly used in standard FFF technology 3D printers
suitable for PEEK printing.

In addition to implantable-grade products, Evonik also offers research-grade PEEK filaments
.
It has the same performance as implantable grades, except that the documentation
required to apply for marketing authorization for a medical device is not provided.
This provides a cost-effective way
for high-performance polymers to study and adjust process parameters on established 3D printing equipment.