Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance, colorless polymer thermoplastic. It is semi-crystalline, is resistant to many chemicals, and has excellent mechanical properties. PEEK is used in medical implants, aerospace, and motorsports. PEEK melts around 662° F.

PEEK has been used to 3D print violins by the University of Exeter's Centre for Addititve Layer Manufacturing (CALM). Selecitve Laser Sintering (SLS) is used to create PEEK parts.

Watch the violin being played

A layer of PEEK powder is deposited onto the print bed and a laser fuses the powder together. A fresh layer of powder is deposited and fused. Unsintered powder surrounds the part as support material. The process of layering the powder and fusing it with a laser is repeated until the part is complete. The part is then removed from the powder and cleaned.