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Ultem® 1000 & 2300 PEI Sheet & Rod: High-Performance Polyetherimide

Quick Answer

Ultem (Polyetherimide - PEI) is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic first introduced by General Electric Plastics in 1982, prized for its exceptional strength at elevated temperatures and broad chemical resistance. This material is extremely rigid, dimensionally stable, and can withstand continuous operating temperatures of 340 degrees F. Ultem PEI is frequently specified for reusable machined components in the medical and pharmaceutical industries due to its superior resistance to autoclave sanitizing and compliance with FDA/USDA and USP class VI standards. Additionally, Ultem offers excellent electrical and mechanical properties, making it suitable for extreme conditions.

Sabic Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300



Ultem® Sheet and Rod

Stocked in Ultem® 1000 Rods and Sheets, natural and black – and Ultem® 2300 (a 30% glass filled version) in natural (a dark amber) and black.

Ultem products are excellent for applications that require improved stiffness, glass fiber filled grades with filler levels of 10% – 40% are available, however, the 30% glass fill is the most readily available.

Because it offers superior resistance to autoclave sanitizing and is FDA/USDA and USP class VI compliant, PEI / Ultem is frequently specified for reusable machined components used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Ultem® Resins were first introduced by General Electric Plastics (GE Plastic) in 1982 and later sold to Sabic. Other material trade names for Sabic Ultem PEI: Tecapei®, Mechetec® PEI, Unitem®, Tempalux®, Sustatec®, and others. The Ultem®PEI materials are high-performance plastics that perform well at high temperatures and under extreme conditions. Ultem is a High Tech Performance Plastic.

Natural Ultem 1000 and 2300 Sheet

Other Plastic Materials

What are the key benefits of using Ultem?

  • Exceptional Tensile and Flexural Strength
  • Drastically Improved Physical Properties Compared to Acetal or Nylon
  • Easily Machined and Fabricated
  • Excellent electrical and mechanical properties
  • Superior Electrical Properties
  • Meets ASTM-D-5205
  • FDA, USDA, 3A and USP Class VI Compliant
  • ULTEM is ITAR compliant, and ULTEM is RoHS compliant

This materials is…an excellent machining amorphous thermoplastic which possesses a combination of useful characteristics, including high strength at elevated temperatures, high modulus, and broad chemical resistance. Material displays property retention and resistance to environmental stress cracking when exposed to a wide variety of chemicals. Material is extremely rigid, dimensionally stable and able to withstand continuous operating temperatures of 340 degrees F.

  • Excellent Machining Properties
  • Extremely Low NBS Smoke Evolution
  • Inherent Flame Resistance UL 94 5VA at .075″
  • 340 degrees F Continuous Use Temperature
  • Chemically Resistant to Chlorine and Caustic/Acidic Cleaning Agents
  • Offers excellent strength, rigidity and machinability
Ultem materials are available in various forms and sizes, including: Ultem Sheet: .250″ (1/4?) – 4.0″ thick in Natural (Amber), 24″ X 48″. Ultem Round Rod: .250″ – 6.0″ diameter in Natural (Amber), up to 120″ lengths. Film: .005″ – .187″ thick in Natural (Amber), up to 24″ wide (roll up to .030″). Special Formulations: Glass Filled Versions, Custom Sizes, Shapes, Colors and Formulations. Ultem Blocks, Ultem Slab, Ultem Pieces, Ultem Cut Parts are also available. Please Call For Specific Details – (866) 832-9315. Special order/minimums may apply for film.

Typical Resin Properties for Sabic Ultem 1000

Sabic Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300 are excellent performance plastic materials

Ultem Data Sheet

Ultem SDS

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.

Other Plastic Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is Ultem and why is it used in medical and aerospace applications?

Ultem (Polyetherimide / PEI) is an amorphous high-performance thermoplastic first introduced by GE Plastics in 1982 and now produced by SABIC. It combines a 340°F continuous use temperature, inherent UL 94 5VA flame resistance, exceptional tensile and flexural strength, superior electrical properties, extremely low NBS smoke evolution, and autoclave sterilization capability. It is FDA, USDA, 3A, and USP Class VI compliant, making it the go-to specification for reusable machined components in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical processing, and aerospace applications.

2 What is the difference between Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300?

Ultem 1000 is the unfilled base grade of PEI, available in natural (amber) and black. It offers the highest optical clarity and is the standard specification for most medical and general-purpose applications. Ultem 2300 is a 30% glass-fiber-filled grade that provides significantly improved stiffness and strength for applications requiring higher rigidity. Glass-filled grades from 10% to 40% are available, but Ultem 2300 (30% glass) is the most readily stocked.

3 What sizes of Ultem sheet does Industrial Plastic Supply stock?

IPS stocks Ultem sheet from 0.250 inch (1/4 inch) to 4.0 inch thickness in Natural (Amber) in 24 inch x 48 inch sheets. Ultem film is available from 0.005 inch to 0.187 inch in Natural (Amber) up to 24 inch wide; roll stock is available up to 0.030 inch thickness. Film is special order with minimums.

4 What sizes of Ultem rod does Industrial Plastic Supply stock?

IPS stocks Ultem round rod from 0.250 inch to 6.0 inch diameter in Natural (Amber) in lengths up to 120 inches. Ultem blocks, slabs, and custom cut parts are also available — call (866) 832-9315 for details.

5 Is Ultem autoclavable and compliant for medical use?

Yes. Ultem PEI has superior resistance to autoclave sanitizing and is FDA, USDA, 3A, and USP Class VI compliant, making it one of the most frequently specified plastics for reusable machined components in medical device, pharmaceutical, and food processing applications.

6 How does Ultem compare to Acetal or Nylon?

Ultem PEI offers drastically improved physical properties compared to both Acetal (Delrin) and Nylon. It operates at 340°F continuously versus roughly 180–220°F for Acetal and Nylon, provides superior flame resistance (UL 94 5VA), far better chemical resistance to chlorine and caustic/acidic cleaners, lower moisture absorption, and greater dimensional stability under elevated temperatures and loads.

7 What are the common trade names for Ultem PEI sheet and rod?

Ultem PEI sheet and rod is sold under several trade names in addition to SABIC's Ultem brand, including Tecapei (Ensinger), Mechetec PEI, Unitem, Tempalux, and Sustatec. Industrial Plastic Supply stocks SABIC Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300 grades.