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The Possible Downsides of ULTEM™

The Possible Downsides of ULTEM™

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Choosing A Plastic Material, Educational Post, FDA and NSF Approved Materials, High Performance Plastics, Performance Plastic

In a previous post, we explored the advantages of Sabic Ultem™, the trademarked name for a special type of high-performance plastic that is often the go-to choice for any industry in need of exceptional physical properties in a thermoplastic. With Ultem™ polyetherimide resins, this type of plastic can retain its mechanical properties even at extremely high temperatures, which is especially important in applications that require good structural integrity under harsh conditions–aerospace and automotive applications for example. 

Why is ULTEM™ so popular?

This material is known for its excellent mechanical properties, dimensional stability, as well as chemical and temperature resistance. Because of these properties, Ultem™ has been used widely and with success in many different industries, such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, medical equipment, electronics, and industrial equipment. There are, however, a few disadvantages to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to use Ultem™ for your manufacturing project.

Sabic Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300 are excellent performance plastic materials

Sabic Ultem 1000 and 2300 sheet and rod

A few disadvantages of using ULTEM™

Also, the polyetherimide thermoplastic can be vulnerable to stress cracking if exposed to polar chlorinated solvents. This can restrict its use in certain applications.

In addition, while Ultem™ is a very high performance thermoplastic, it does tend to be more expensive compared to similar materials and can be difficult to process due to its high melting point and viscosity. For optimal results, you may need to use specialized equipment or work with someone specialized in working with this thermoplastic, which could drive up production costs even more. If the material is not properly controlled during manufacturing, Ultem™ plastic parts can experience surface defects or cracks as well as dimensional instability. If large amounts of material are removed during machining, parts should be annealed after production to prevent warp and twist. Proper quality control needs to be in place to avoid these problems. 

Looking for a supplier of high performance thermoplastics?

Industrial Plastic Supply, Inc. has been supplying performance plastic sheet, rod, and tube since 1975, and specializes in wholesale Engineering Plastics, Mechanical Plastics, and High Performance Plastics for a wide range of industries. Check out our website to learn more!

Ultem® / PEI

by | Apr 6, 2022 | Uncategorized

thick-plastic-sheet

Ultem® – Polyetherimide – PEI

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.

Great 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

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Why you should use 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

Materials Available As:

Ultem Sheet: .250″ (1/4?) – 4.0″ in Natural (Amber) in 24″ X 48″

Ultem Round Rod: .250″ – 6.0″ diameter in Natural (Amber) up to 120″ lengths

Film: .005″ – .187″ in Natural (Amber) up to 24″ wide (roll up to .030″) Special Order/Minimums May Apply

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

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.

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