Industrial Plastic Supply has a large inventory of performance plastic materials to offer, each with its own unique advantages and applications. In this article, we feature one of the many quality performance plastics that we supply, Sabic ULTEM™ sheet and rod.
Sabic ULTEM® is the brand name for the thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI), this unique commercially available resin has the ability to retain mechanical integrity even at extremely high temperatures. There are various types of this thermoplastic available, based on their formulation and the particular strength and resistance requirements of the end use it will serve. The most common is the virgin unfilled ULTEM™ 1000 sheet and rod. Our second most common version is 30% Glass Filled ULTEM™ Sheet and Rod, also known as ULTEM™ 2300.
Excellent Stability
The main advantage of ULTEM™ is its dimensional stability and strength, even when the material is exposed to extremely high operating temperatures. The Sabic ULTEM material is incredibly rigid and dimensionally stable as well, with better physical properties compared to similar performance plastic materials like Acetal or Nylon. It has excellent tensile strength and flexural strength, and is especially popular for applications that require plastics with improved stiffness and/or electrical properties.
Machined ULTEM 1000 rod
Broad Chemical Resistance
PEI/ULTEM™, regardless of which grade is used, has exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including the fats and oils found in foods, alcohols, acids, service fluids for various vehicles, and those found in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Its resistance to such a wide range of chemicals has made this plastic popular for use in reusable machined components in Medical Equipment manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals, as well as in commercial Aerospace applications. The Ultem – PEI material is produced into sheet and rod by a variety of Performance Plastic manufacturers under trade names, including: Tecapei®, Unitem®, Tempalux®, Sustatec®, Mechetec® PEI, and others.
Wide-ranging compliance
PEI / ULTEM™ is one of the few thermoplastics that can meet several of the strictest quality and performance standards in the world. It is FDA/USDA and USP class VI compliant. The thermoplastic is also ITAR compliant for use in firearms applications as well as RoHS compliant for use in electrical equipment. In addition to being resistant to many different chemicals, Sabic ULTEM™ is also highly flame resistant, which has made it very useful in various parts of the commercial aerospace market. This high performance plastic material also is available with factory lot and batch certification from this ISO-9001 certified supplier.
Looking for a quality supplier of ULTEM™ and other thermoplastics?
Industrial Plastic Supply has been in the business of plastics since 1975, specializing in the wholesale engineering, mechanical, and high-performance plastics for any industry.
For more information about this or any other performance plastic material, please check out our website today.
High Standards And Procurement From Reliable U.S. Manufacturers
Industrial Plastic Supply Inc. is ISO-9001:2015 certified. This benefits our customers since this certification communicates that we take quality and consistency seriously. We distinguish ourselves by providing Acetal Copolymer rods and sheets of exceptional quality over and over again so customers don’t have to wonder what they are getting when they do business with us.
American sourcing is another point of pride. In a time of global trade, a distributor may choose to do business with suppliers outside the U.S.. However, we believe that American quality and standards are top of the line. As such, our Acetal Copolymer is sourced from U.S. manufacturers. Our business partners – customers and vendors alike – can take pride knowing that their investments and dealings with Industrial Plastic Supply benefits U.S. customers, employees, and communities.
U.S. Sourcing Advantage
The benefit to customers in sourcing plastic from U.S. producers is more than patriotic or sentimental. Fact is, supply chains are more delicate than many of us imagine. Whether due to natural disasters, materials shortages, or politics, supply chains can fray and even snap. When that happens, price predictability and long-term supply/shipping agreements are thrown into disarray. Customers don’t want to hear excuses and “maybes” after they have signed contracts, paid money, and anticipate Acetal Copolymer products.
We pride ourselves on stocking and providing quality North American made Acetal Copolymer produced under the trade names: Tecaform® AH, Sustarin® C and ZL® 900. Each of these quality brand names are widely known for exceptional quality, consistency and durability.
Why Acetal Copolymer Is A Good Investment
Acetal Copolymer Performance Plastic
Acetal Copolymer is FDA compliant, opening up its use for food processing and packaging. The material is also stiff, resilient, and abrasion-resistant to a very high degree. Industrial Plastic Supply provides Acetal Copolymer materials in natural (white), black, and blue. Its stiffness and ability to hold shape under harsh conditions means that Acetal Copolymer sheets and rods can be shaped with standard cutting tools. This quality Copolymer Acetal material is FDA and NSF approved.
There are several special grades of Acetal that are formulated for tough food processing applications. Acetal Copolymer is available in a food grade blue for optical detection during food processing. This eliminates broken parts from getting into finished food products. There are also ultra detectable grades that are visual, x-ray and metal detectable for high end food processing applications. Contact us for more information on these special materials.
Automotive, Aerospace, and Medical Use
This plastic has exceptional ability to hold shape under stress, making it an excellent product in automotive and aerospace hardware. Gears, rollers, fuel lines, pumps and medical equipment all make use of Acetal Copolymer. However, care must be taken that the Acetal Copolymer is not exposed to temperatures above roughly 230 Fahrenheit (110 Celsius).
Safety Considerations
There are several factors to keep in mind when handling Acetal Copolymer:
Upon intense heating, Acetal Copolymer releases formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
If machining or grinding, small Acetal Copolymer dust particles pose an inhalation and explosion hazard.
Prolonged exposure to UV light degrades Acetal Copolymer exposed surfaces and may change physical resilience.
Therefore, proper procedures must be taken when handling and machining this material. This is something Industrial Plastic Supply Inc. takes very seriously, not just for compliance reasons but also for the health and well being of our employees, customers, and ultimately the end-users.
Contact Industrial Plastic Supply for Acetal Copolymer
Industrial Plastic Supply Inc. is proud to be a distributor of Acetal Copolymer and other polymers. Contact us today for a quote and details about products, delivery, prices, and more. Call us @ 866-832-9315
Industrial Plastic Supply has been an industry leader in Commercial Plastics, Mechanical Plastics, Industrial Plastic and Performance Plastic materials since 1975. We are not a plastic material broker. We are a full-line stocking distributor with most common performance plastic materials in stock and ready to ship. Some specialty or infrequently ordered materials may need to be special ordered.
Not sure what you need? We have the answers to all your plastic questions. Contact us.
We stock a complete line of plastic materials in basic shapes:
Plastic sheets and plates are available in over 80 different materials in a huge thickness range (from .125” – 6.0” or more in most materials).
Our plastic rods and plastic profiles are also available in over 80 different plastic materials in a huge range of diameters (from .125”– 8.0” or more in most materials).
We are ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Member of IAPD Since 1979
Your Trusted Business Partner Since 1975
Industrial Plastic Supply, Inc.
Supplying Only American Made Performance Plastics
Reviews from some of our many satisfield clients
〉 Kathrine Zoeller
Another wonderland here in Anaheim. This place has more kinds of plastic than anyone could imagine. The people knew there stuff, and were super helpful. My boss just needed some rod to make some parts, but they had like 50 kinds in stock. With a bit of back and forth questions, we found something that would work. Certainly this place will see us again.
〉 Kevin McBride
Industrial Plastic Supply is a great place to deal with! They are very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I learn something new about plastics every time I go there. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been great. They don’t mind small orders and have always gotten our orders correct. Their team has been especially helpful, teaching me about a our differing options with various materials. We use a few plastic suppliers depending on our needs from time to time but this place is the best in my opinion.
〉 Ian Volker
Called and spoke to Jasmine and she was very helpful! Had just left another local plastics supplier annoyed with the help and quote they had just given me. She was MUCH nicer to deal with, and gave me a MUCH better price and a less than 2 day turnaround compared to 2 weeks from the other guys…Looks like IPS will be my new go to for all my plastic related projects!
Plastic doesn’t pollute… People do! Please reuse, reduce and recycle!
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Specializing in plastic round rod and rods (aka: plastic dowel, plastic pin and plastic round bar); Industrial Plastic carries a huge variety of materials in round rod. Most materials are available in 96″ or 120″ lengths, however we normally cut these rods for shipment via UPS. Our plastic manufacturers are some of the best and largest in the industry and make the finest plastic rod and round rods available. We source only the best materials from American sources without any imports from China. Our plastic rods have the least amount of residual stress in the industry – providing the most consistent plastic rod, and thus the best finished parts.
Why chose Industrial Plastic Supply for your Plastic Rod and Round Rods
Huge selection of plastic rod materials
Most plastic round rod materials and sizes are sold by the foot (above 1.0″ diameter) and are in stock
Cut to length plastic rod, round rods, dowel, pin and round bar
Most variety of plastics available in round rod stock
Many materials available in up to 10″ diameter in stock (some materials available over 20″ diameter)
Plastic round rod generally starts at .250″ diameter (some materials available smaller)
Here’s a listing of the most popular plastic rod and round rods available:
Still not sure which product is the proper material for your application, consult our free Plastic Materials Selection Guide. We stock a large inventory of most major high performance plastic materials, mechanical plastics and engineering plastics. Stop by or call us to see if we have the materials you need in our inventory.
If there is a material not listed, please call. It might be in stock, but not on the website. While this is a large list of materials, we do stock dozens of additional materials in plastic round rod. Contact us today for your plastic rod requirements.
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UHMW Polyethylene material is used frequently in a self lubricating bearing surface or slide type application. In fact, many of our clients refer to UHMW as ‘machinable solid wax‘ sheet. The wear resistance of this awesome plastic will impress you, as it is the most wear resistant of any unfilled material available.UHMW Polyethylene Timing Roller
Resistant to most common chemicals. Commonly replaces aluminum, Acetals, and Nylons. Used frequently in Food and Dairy Processing, Material Handling, Fluid Handling, and Automotive. UHMW is great for wear strips, rub rails, guides, conveyor parts, feed screws, and many more applications.
UHMW Rod is machined to make pulleys, wheels, and washers. UHMW sheet is machined to produce FDA approved slip surfaces, food process fixtures, and scrapers. Some popular brand or trade names are Polystone® M, Lennite®, Tivar®, Duravar®, Gardur®, Solidur®, Polyslick®, UHMV®, Polyfend®, and Durasurf®.
We stock a very large inventory of UHMW performance plastic sheets and rods.
Superior wear resistanceVery low moisture Absorption
High chemical resistance
Very low cost vs. physical properties
This material is excellent wearing and very abrasion resistant – one of the best materials made for these properties. Promotes the flow of bulk material (sand, soy beans, coal, ect). Superior material for wear strip, conveyor rails, slide plate, wear pads.
Very low moisture absorption
FDA, USDA and 3-A dairy compliant
Superior wear resistance
Chemically resistant to chlorine and caustic/acidic cleaning agents
Offers excellent strength, rigidity and machinability
UHMW is ITAR compliant, and UHMW is RoHS compliant
Frequently used in:
Food, Dairy and Packaging equipment
Timing screws, wear and slide machined parts
Star wheels, idler sprockets and guide rails
FDA and 3-A approved material for Scraper blades
Hopper, chute lining, feeder lines and wear plates
Materials Available As
UHMW Sheet:
.125″ – 4″ in Natural (white) up to 48″ X 120″
Black available in many thicknesses
Some sheet available up to 8″ thick contact for details.
UHMW Rod:
.250″ – 8″ diameter in Natural (White) and in some diameter Black up to 120″ lengths
Larger diameter available in non-FDA grades, contact for details.
UHMW Film:
.005″ – .060″ in up to 48″ wide Natural with and without adhesive
Properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.
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