X-ray equipment uses gear wheels made from PEEK polymer
A German manufacturer of clinical X-ray equipment is using gear wheels
made from Victrex polyaryletherketone (PEEK) polymer in a mechanism that
provides the linear motion for a beam restrictor. Exposed to an X-ray
dose of up to 80 rad, the wheels transmit large mechanical forces at
temperatures up to 80oC. PEEK has a low coefficient of thermal expansion,
enabling a precise fit that avoids gaps. The material also has good
tribological properties, with minimal dry abrasion in contact with
aluminium - an essential feature for operating room environments.