Protocol FP-103 // Thermal Annealing & Crystallinity

Annealing & Crystallinity
Shrinkage Calculator

Calculate semi-crystalline polymer degree of crystallinity (χc), anisotropic XY vs Z dimensional contraction, and multi-stage oven ramp/soak/cool profiles for PEEK, PEKK, and carbon-fiber composites.

1. Select Semi-Crystalline Polymer

2. Part Geometry & Nominal Target Dimensions

Maximum Solid Wall Thickness6 mm

Determines isothermal soak duration to ensure uniform core crystal nucleation without thermal lag.

Final Target Dimensions (Finished Part, mm)

X-Axis (Length)

Y-Axis (Width)

Z-Axis (Height)

Crystallinity & Shrinkage Report

PEEK-CF Kinetics

Estimated Crystallinity (χc)Degree of crystal fraction

33.1%

XY In-Plane Shrink-0.32%Fiber aligned

Z Inter-Layer Shrink-1.85%Void compaction

Recommended Slicer Scale Factors

Scale X & Y in Slicer100.32%

Scale Z in Slicer101.88%

Pre-scaled CAD X:100.32 mm

Pre-scaled CAD Y:50.16 mm

Pre-scaled CAD Z:30.57 mm

4-Stage Oven Annealing Schedule (7.6h total)

1. Controlled Ramp25°C → 200°C @ 1.5°C/min

117 min

2. Isothermal SoakHold steady at 200°C

2.5 hrs

3. In-Chamber Anneal Cool200°C → 50°C @ 0.8°C/min

188 min

4. Final Ambient ReleaseOpen oven door only below 50°C

Safe