Q: I need a polymer fastener that can withstand high temp pharma sterilization processes? There may also be chemical contaminants in the process.
A: Depending on the temperatures you are looking at, the three options to consider would be PEEK, PVDF or PTFE fasteners. PEEK fasteners can be used to 500F. They are also resistant to many chemicals. Another option are PVDF fasteners. PVDF fasteners can only be used to 300F but offer a higher level of chemical resistance than PEEK. Finally there is PTFE. PTFE fasteners could be taken to 500F and are the most chemically inert of all the polymers. However the trade-off with PTFE is that it is also the weakest. All these polymers PVDF, PTFE and PEEK screws are approved by the FDA and USDA, so they are ideal for high purity pharmaceutical processes.