Overview
PEI 2300 (Ultem™ 2300) is a 30% glass fiber reinforced Polyetherimide (PEI) grade engineered to provide exceptional stiffness, dimensional stability, creep resistance, strength retention at elevated temperatures, and flame retardancy.
Compared with unfilled PEI 1000, PEI 2300 delivers significantly higher rigidity, lower thermal expansion, and superior structural performance, making it ideal for precision engineering applications that demand long-term dimensional accuracy under heat and load.
PEI 2300 is widely used in:
- Aerospace Components
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Electrical Insulators
- Precision Fixtures
- Structural Engineering Parts
- Medical Equipment
- Industrial Machinery
- High-Temperature Mechanical Components
Due to its combination of thermal stability, mechanical performance, and dimensional precision, PEI 2300 is one of the most widely specified reinforced PEI grades for demanding industrial applications.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | PEI 2300 |
| Trade Name | Ultem™ 2300 |
| Full Name | 30% Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyetherimide |
| Material Family | High-Performance Thermoplastic |
| Glass Fiber Content | 30% |
| Density | 1.50–1.52 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Amber, Opaque |
| Transparency | No |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | Injection Molding, CNC Machining |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Rod, Pellets |
Chemical Composition
PEI 2300 combines Polyetherimide resin with glass fiber reinforcement to improve structural properties.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Polyetherimide Polymer | Structural Matrix |
| Glass Fibers | Strength & Stiffness Enhancement |
| Thermal Stabilizers | Heat Resistance |
| Processing Additives | Manufacturing Stability |
The glass reinforcement significantly improves rigidity and dimensional stability.
Common PEI Grades
| Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| PEI 1000 | Unfilled, Highest Toughness |
| PEI 2100 | 10% Glass Filled |
| PEI 2200 | 20% Glass Filled |
| PEI 2300 | 30% Glass Filled |
| Medical Grade PEI | Healthcare Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 150–170 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 145–165 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 2–4% |
| Flexural Strength | 220–260 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 9–11 GPa |
| Hardness | Rockwell M115–120 |
| Compressive Strength | 180–230 MPa |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Structural Strength | Outstanding |
| Stiffness | Outstanding |
| Creep Resistance | Outstanding |
| Dimensional Stability | Outstanding |
PEI 2300 provides approximately three times the stiffness of unfilled PEI 1000.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.50–1.52 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | 0.2–0.5% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.30–0.40 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 1100–1200 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | Very Low |
PEI 2300 offers superior dimensional stability under thermal cycling.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temperature | 217°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 210–220°C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | Up to 170°C |
| Short-Term Service Temperature | Up to 200°C |
PEI 2300 maintains structural integrity even under prolonged thermal exposure.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| PEI 2300 | 1.51 | 160 MPa |
| PEI 1000 | 1.27 | 110 MPa |
| PPS GF40 | 1.68 | 170 MPa |
| Aluminum 6061 | 2.70 | 310 MPa |
PEI 2300 offers excellent structural efficiency while remaining significantly lighter than metals.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Excellent |
| Steam | Excellent |
| Alcohols | Excellent |
| Oils & Greases | Excellent |
| Cleaning Agents | Excellent |
| Dilute Acids | Good |
| Dilute Alkalis | Good |
| Hydrocarbons | Good |
| Strong Organic Solvents | Moderate |
PEI 2300 performs well in demanding industrial and sterilization environments.
Hydrolysis Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Steam Resistance | Excellent |
| Hot Water Resistance | Excellent |
| Hydrolysis Stability | Excellent |
| Autoclave Resistance | Excellent |
Suitable for repeated sterilization cycles and high-humidity environments.
Flame Retardancy
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Self-Extinguishing | Yes |
| UL Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 |
| Flame Resistance | Outstanding |
| Smoke Generation | Very Low |
PEI 2300 is inherently flame retardant without halogen additives.
Electrical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁴ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | >10¹³ Ω |
| Dielectric Strength | 18–25 kV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 3.5–4.0 |
PEI 2300 maintains excellent electrical insulation despite glass fiber reinforcement.
Dimensional Stability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion Control | Outstanding |
| Moisture Stability | Excellent |
| Precision Retention | Outstanding |
| Long-Term Stability | Outstanding |
One of the primary advantages of PEI 2300 is exceptional dimensional stability.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Good |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Good |
| Precision Machining | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| PEI 1000 | Excellent |
| PEI 2300 | Good–Excellent |
| Glass Filled PEEK | Good |
| PPS GF40 | Good |
Glass fibers increase tool wear but allow highly precise machined components.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| Injection Molding | Excellent |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Extrusion | Good |
| Precision Manufacturing | Outstanding |
PEI 2300 is widely used for precision structural components requiring long-term dimensional stability.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| SABIC | Ultem™ 2300 |
| ISO | PEI GF30 |
| ASTM | Glass Fiber Reinforced PEI |
| DIN | PEI-GF30 |
| JIS | PEI GF30 |
| GB/T (China) | 30%玻纤增强聚醚酰亚胺 |
| UL | UL94 V-0 |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Rod | Yes |
| Pellets | Yes |
| Injection Molded Parts | Yes |
| CNC Machined Components | Yes |
Typical Applications
Aerospace Industry
- Aircraft Interior Structures
- Electrical Connector Systems
- Structural Brackets
- Precision Fixtures
Semiconductor Industry
- Wafer Handling Equipment
- Precision Alignment Fixtures
- Process Equipment Components
Electrical & Electronics
- High-Voltage Insulators
- Connector Housings
- Circuit Protection Components
Medical Industry
- Sterilizable Structural Components
- Medical Equipment Supports
- Instrument Fixtures
Industrial Machinery
- Precision Mechanical Components
- Structural Supports
- High-Temperature Fixtures
- Automation Equipment Parts
Advantages
Outstanding Structural Stiffness
Significantly higher rigidity than PEI 1000.
Exceptional Dimensional Stability
Excellent precision retention under thermal stress.
High Heat Resistance
Glass transition temperature of approximately 217°C.
Inherent Flame Retardancy
UL94 V-0 without additional flame retardants.
Excellent Creep Resistance
Maintains structural integrity under long-term loading.
Lightweight Alternative to Metal
Ideal for aerospace and industrial applications.
Limitations
Reduced Toughness
Less ductile than unfilled PEI 1000.
Increased Tool Wear
Glass fibers accelerate machining tool wear.
Lower Transparency
Opaque due to glass reinforcement.
Higher Cost
More expensive than standard engineering plastics.
Comparison with Other PEI Grades
| Property | PEI 2300 | PEI 2200 | PEI 2100 | PEI 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Fiber Content | 30% | 20% | 10% | 0% |
| Stiffness | Outstanding | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Toughness | Lower | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Dimensional Stability | Outstanding | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Outstanding |
Comparison with Glass Filled PEEK
| Property | PEI 2300 | Glass Filled PEEK |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | |
| Heat Resistance | Similar | |
| Chemical Resistance | Lower | |
| Dimensional Stability | Comparable | |
| Wear Resistance | Lower |
PEI 2300 is often selected when electrical performance and cost efficiency are more important than extreme chemical resistance.
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Machined Finish
- Molded Finish
- Matte Amber Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Ground Finish
- Aerospace Grade Finish
- Structural Engineering Finish
Specialty Grades
- Ultem™ 2300
- PEI GF30
- Aerospace Grade PEI 2300
- Medical Grade PEI 2300
- High-Precision PEI Components
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is PEI 2300?
PEI 2300 (Ultem™ 2300) is a 30% glass fiber reinforced Polyetherimide designed for high stiffness, dimensional stability, and structural performance.
What is PEI 2300 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Aerospace Components
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Electrical Insulators
- Structural Fixtures
- Industrial Machinery
Is PEI 2300 stronger than PEI 1000?
Yes. PEI 2300 offers significantly higher stiffness, tensile strength, and dimensional stability.
Is PEI 2300 flame retardant?
Yes. It is inherently UL94 V-0 rated without added flame retardants.
Can PEI 2300 be machined?
Yes. It offers excellent CNC machining performance for precision engineering components.
Why choose PEI 2300?
Because it combines:
- Outstanding Structural Strength
- Exceptional Dimensional Stability
- High Temperature Resistance
- Flame Retardancy
- Excellent Electrical Insulation
What is the difference between PEI 2300 and PEI 1000?
PEI 2300 provides higher stiffness and dimensional stability, while PEI 1000 offers greater toughness, transparency, and electrical insulation.
Does GCNOV provide PEI 2300 manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- PEI 2300 CNC Machining
- Injection Molding
- Aerospace Component Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Equipment Components
- Precision Structural Parts
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production