PEKK 3D printing: Antero 800NA data and design guidance

What is PEKK?

Polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) is a semi-crystalline polyaryletherketone. Its chain contains two ketone groups for every ether group, and the ratio of terephthalic to isophthalic units in the chain sets how fast it crystallises. PEKK formulations for printing generally crystallise more slowly than PEEK, which gives each new layer more time to fuse to the one below before the material sets. That is one reason PEKK-based materials such as Antero™ 800NA were developed for extrusion printing.

Like PEEK, PEKK offers chemical resistance and toughness at temperature. Typical uses are housings exposed to fluids, lightweight brackets, jigs and manufacturing tools.

Antero 800NA reference data

Named grades are manufacturer references, not a Print Forge stock list or Print Forge test results. Specify the grade your application requires; the quotation confirms the material supplied. The printer, tip and layer height are the manufacturer's test set-up, given as context; they are not a statement of Print Forge equipment.

Reading XZ and ZX: what the orientation labels mean

Orientation codes describe how the test specimen sat on the build plate. In XZ the specimen lies on its edge, so its length runs in the build plane and the tensile load follows the deposited beads. In ZX the specimen stands upright, its length runs up the build, and the load pulls the layers apart. The same material, printer and settings give 86.7 MPa in XZ and 59.4 MPa in ZX. The interlayer bond, not the polymer, sets the upright figure.

For design, treat the ZX value as the working number for any feature loaded across layers, such as a boss pulled upwards or a tall rib in bending about its base. Where you can, rotate the part so the load runs along the layers instead. The heat deflection value is for XY specimens; heat deflection is deformation under load in a short test, not a continuous service temperature.

PEKK or PEEK?

The numbers cannot be ranked directly. VICTREX 450G PEEK's 98 MPa tensile yield is resin data at 23 °C to ISO 527-2; Antero 800NA's 86.7 MPa is printed-coupon data in XZ to ASTM D638. Compare grades on the same test basis, in the orientation that carries your load. As a starting point:

• Choose PEKK when you want PAEK chemical resistance in a formulation designed for extrusion printing, and the part will be printed rather than machined from stock.
• Choose PEEK when you need the widest choice of grades, including filled, bearing and implant-grade options, or a machined-from-stock route. See PEEK 3D printing.
• Choose PEI when an amorphous material's dimensional stability and flame, smoke and toxicity documentation matter more than chemical resistance. See ULTEM (PEI) 3D printing.

Design notes for printed PEKK parts

• Mark the load direction on the drawing so the build orientation can be chosen around it.
• Drying, chamber conditions and the thermal cycle affect crystallinity and dimensions. Write them into the build specification rather than leaving them to default settings.
• Keep sections uniform and add fillets at transitions to limit warping.
• Leave machining stock on bores, sealing faces and datums; machine them after any thermal treatment.
• If the part must be pressure-tight, specify a leak test. Printed walls can contain small voids.

What to send for a PEKK quote

• CAD: STEP or IGES for design review and quoting; STL or 3MF if you only have print-ready mesh geometry.
• A PDF drawing with units, revision, datums, the critical dimensions and their tolerances, threads and fits.
• Material: the PEKK grade if it is mandatory, otherwise the temperature, load and chemicals the part must survive.
• Build requirements: load direction, any thermal treatment and the surfaces to be machined.
• Quantity and timing: the first batch, expected repeat volumes and a target delivery date.
• Inspection and documents: whether you need a dimensional inspection report, material traceability or other records.
• Confidential designs: tick discuss an NDA before sharing files in the quote form. You can start the conversation without attaching CAD.

Quotes are returned within 24 hours of a complete brief. The design-review checklist lists the questions an engineering review will ask.