Ultem (PEI)

Ultem (PEI - Polyetherimide) is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic with excellent strength, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. It is one of the few plastics certified for aircraft interior use (FAR 25.853) and can be repeatedly steam-sterilized.

Machinability

55/100

Tolerance

±0.02 mm

Category

Engineering Plastics

Material Properties

Property	Value
Tensile Strength	85 MPa (12.3 ksi)
Yield Strength	85 MPa (12.3 ksi)
Hardness	Rockwell M109
Density	1.27 g/cm³
Machinability Rating	55/100
Thermal Conductivity	0.22 W/m·K
Melting Point	217 °C (Tg)
Tolerance	±0.02 mm

Common Grades

Ultem 1000Ultem 2300Ultem 1010

Advantages

High temperature resistance (continuous 170°C)
Inherently flame retardant
Steam sterilizable
Low smoke emission
Good electrical properties

Limitations

Expensive
Notch-sensitive
Limited chemical resistance to some solvents
Amber color only

Common Applications

Electrical connectors

Aerospace structural parts

Sterilizable medical devices

Semiconductor test sockets

Aircraft interior parts

Industries Served

AerospaceMedicalSemiconductorElectronics

Available Surface Finishes

As-MachinedPolished

Material Comparisons

Ultem (PEI) vs PEEK: Premium Engineering Plastics Compared

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Related Materials

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)

Machinability: 60/100

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Delrin (POM / Acetal)

Machinability: 85/100

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Nylon 6 (PA6)

Machinability: 70/100

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Nylon 66 (PA66)

Machinability: 68/100

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Core CNC Services for Ultem (PEI)

CNC MillingView service →CNC TurningView service →5-Axis CNCView service →Wire EDMView service →Surface FinishingView service →Rapid PrototypingView service →

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