Overview
Ultem™ is the registered trademark for PEI (Polyetherimide), a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic developed by SABIC. It is renowned for its exceptional high-temperature resistance, mechanical strength, flame retardancy, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation properties.
Ultem combines the performance of advanced engineering plastics with excellent processability, making it a preferred material for aerospace, medical, electronics, automotive, and industrial applications.
Ultem is widely used in:
- Aerospace Components
- Medical Devices
- Electrical Connectors
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Automotive Systems
- Industrial Machinery
- High-Temperature Insulators
- Food Processing Equipment
Due to its outstanding balance of thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance, Ultem is one of the most widely used high-performance thermoplastics in demanding engineering environments.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | PEI |
| Trade Name | Ultem™ |
| Full Name | Polyetherimide |
| Material Family | High-Performance Thermoplastic |
| Density | 1.27–1.30 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Transparent Amber |
| Transparency | Semi-Transparent |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | Injection Molding, Extrusion, CNC Machining, 3D Printing |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Rod, Pellets, Filament |
Chemical Composition
Ultem consists of aromatic imide groups within a high-performance polymer backbone.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Polyetherimide Polymer | Structural Matrix |
| Thermal Stabilizers | Heat Resistance |
| Processing Additives | Manufacturing Stability |
| Glass Fiber (Optional) | Stiffness Enhancement |
Its molecular structure provides exceptional thermal and mechanical performance.
Common Ultem Grades
| Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ultem 1000 | Virgin PEI |
| Ultem 2100 | 10% Glass Filled |
| Ultem 2200 | 20% Glass Filled |
| Ultem 2300 | 30% Glass Filled |
| Medical Grade Ultem | Healthcare Applications |
| Food Grade Ultem | FDA-Compliant Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values (Ultem 1000)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 100–115 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 105–115 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 40–70% |
| Flexural Strength | 150–180 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 3.0–3.5 GPa |
| Hardness | Rockwell M109–114 |
| Compressive Strength | 120–150 MPa |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Strength | Outstanding |
| Stiffness | Excellent |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent |
| Creep Resistance | Excellent |
Ultem maintains mechanical properties exceptionally well at elevated temperatures.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.27–1.30 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | 0.25–0.70% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.20–0.25 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 1200 J/kg·K |
| Refractive Index | 1.67 |
Ultem offers excellent dimensional stability and low thermal expansion.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temperature | 217°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 200–210°C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | Up to 170°C |
| Short-Term Service Temperature | Up to 200°C |
Ultem offers one of the highest heat resistance levels among amorphous engineering plastics.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Ultem 1000 | 1.28 | 110 MPa |
| PSU | 1.26 | 75 MPa |
| PPSU | 1.29 | 80 MPa |
| Aluminum 6061 | 2.70 | 310 MPa |
Ultem delivers excellent structural performance while remaining lightweight.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Excellent |
| Steam | Excellent |
| Alcohols | Excellent |
| Oils & Greases | Excellent |
| Dilute Acids | Good |
| Dilute Alkalis | Good |
| Hydrocarbons | Good |
| Strong Organic Solvents | Moderate |
Ultem performs well in a wide range of industrial environments.
Hydrolysis Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Steam Resistance | Excellent |
| Hot Water Resistance | Excellent |
| Hydrolysis Stability | Excellent |
| Sterilization Durability | Excellent |
Ultem can withstand repeated sterilization cycles without significant degradation.
Flame Retardancy
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Self-Extinguishing | Yes |
| UL Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 |
| Flame Resistance | Outstanding |
| Smoke Generation | Very Low |
Ultem is inherently flame retardant without halogen additives.
Electrical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁷ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | >10¹⁵ Ω |
| Dielectric Strength | 30–35 kV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 3.1–3.3 |
Ultem is widely used in electrical and electronic insulation systems.
Dimensional Stability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion Control | Excellent |
| Moisture Stability | Excellent |
| Precision Retention | Outstanding |
| Creep Resistance | Excellent |
Ultem is ideal for precision components operating in harsh environments.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Excellent |
| Precision Machining | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| Ultem | Excellent |
| PEEK | Excellent |
| PPSU | Excellent |
| POM | Outstanding |
Ultem machines cleanly while maintaining tight tolerances.
3D Printing Characteristics
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| FDM Printability | Excellent |
| Layer Adhesion | Excellent |
| High-Temperature Performance | Outstanding |
| Dimensional Accuracy | Excellent |
Ultem is widely used in industrial additive manufacturing.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| Injection Molding | Excellent |
| Extrusion | Excellent |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Additive Manufacturing | Outstanding |
| Precision Manufacturing | Outstanding |
Ultem is one of the most commonly used high-performance polymers in industrial 3D printing.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ISO | PEI |
| ASTM | Polyetherimide |
| DIN | PEI |
| JIS | PEI |
| GB/T (China) | 聚醚酰亚胺（PEI） |
| UL | UL94 V-0 |
| FDA | Food Grade Available |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Rod | Yes |
| Pellets | Yes |
| Filament | Yes |
| Injection Molded Parts | Yes |
| CNC Machined Components | Yes |
Typical Applications
Aerospace Industry
- Aircraft Interior Components
- Ducting Systems
- Electrical Connectors
- Structural Supports
Medical Industry
- Sterilizable Device Components
- Surgical Instrument Parts
- Diagnostic Equipment
Electrical & Electronics
- Connector Housings
- Circuit Board Fixtures
- Insulators
- High-Voltage Components
Semiconductor Industry
- Wafer Processing Components
- Precision Fixtures
- Electrical Insulators
Automotive Industry
- Lighting Components
- Sensor Housings
- Under-Hood Electrical Parts
Industrial Equipment
- Structural Components
- High-Temperature Fixtures
- Precision Engineering Parts
Advantages
Exceptional Heat Resistance
Glass transition temperature of approximately 217°C.
Outstanding Flame Retardancy
Naturally UL94 V-0 rated without additives.
Excellent Mechanical Strength
Retains performance at elevated temperatures.
Superior Electrical Insulation
Widely used in demanding electronic applications.
Excellent Dimensional Stability
Maintains precision under thermal stress.
Sterilization Compatibility
Suitable for medical and food processing equipment.
Limitations
Higher Material Cost
More expensive than conventional engineering plastics.
Sensitive to Strong Solvents
Certain aggressive solvents may affect performance.
Lower Chemical Resistance Than PEEK
PEEK performs better in extremely aggressive environments.
Amber Transparency
Not optically clear like polycarbonate or acrylic.
Comparison with High-Performance Plastics
| Property | Ultem (PEI) | PEEK | PPSU | PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Outstanding | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Flame Retardancy | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Electrical Insulation | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Outstanding | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | High | Very High | High | Moderate |
Comparison with PEEK
| Property | Ultem | PEEK |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | |
| Electrical Insulation | Better | |
| Heat Resistance | Similar | |
| Chemical Resistance | Lower | |
| Wear Resistance | Lower |
Ultem is often selected when excellent electrical performance and lower cost are more important than extreme chemical resistance.
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Natural Amber Finish
- Machined Finish
- Molded Finish
Functional Finishes
- Polished Surface
- Precision Ground Finish
- Aerospace Finish
Specialty Grades
- Ultem 1000
- Ultem 2100
- Ultem 2200
- Ultem 2300
- Medical Grade Ultem
- Food Grade Ultem
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ultem?
Ultem is the trade name for PEI (Polyetherimide), a high-performance thermoplastic known for heat resistance, flame retardancy, and electrical insulation.
What is Ultem used for?
Typical applications include:
- Aerospace Components
- Medical Devices
- Electrical Connectors
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Industrial Machinery
Is Ultem flame retardant?
Yes. Ultem is inherently UL94 V-0 flame retardant without additives.
Is Ultem autoclavable?
Yes. Ultem can withstand repeated sterilization cycles and steam exposure.
Can Ultem be machined?
Yes. Ultem offers excellent CNC machining performance and dimensional stability.
Why choose Ultem?
Because it combines:
- Outstanding Heat Resistance
- Excellent Flame Retardancy
- Superior Electrical Insulation
- High Mechanical Strength
- Dimensional Stability
What is the difference between Ultem and PEEK?
PEEK provides superior chemical resistance and wear performance, while Ultem offers excellent electrical properties and lower material cost.
Does GCNOV provide Ultem manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Ultem CNC Machining
- Ultem Injection Molding
- Aerospace Component Manufacturing
- Medical Device Components
- Industrial 3D Printing
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production