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Ultem® 1000 and 2300 Sheets and Rods – Polyetherimide or PEI

Apr 5, 2013 | High Performance Plastics, Made In The USA, Material Comparison, Mentor Nuggets | 0 comments

Quick Answer

Polyetherimide (PEI), commonly known by the trade name Ultem®, is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic resin recognized for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Ultem® exhibits inherent flame resistance, achieving UL 94 5VA at .075″, and can be used continuously at temperatures up to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. The material is available in varieties such as Ultem® 1000 (unfilled, transparent amber) and Ultem® 2300 (30% glass-filled, creamy tan), making it highly suitable for critical applications, particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical industries where it outperforms most plastics in handling heat, chemicals, and stress.

Premium Sabic Ultem 1000 sheet and Ultem 2300 rod

Ultem® Sheets Rods – Polyetherimide, PEI

Polyetherimide or PEI is the generic name for one of the popular engineering resins. The most common resin supplier for this material is Sabic Plastics (formerly known at G.E. Plastics). This High quality, high temp Ultem 1000 amorphous thermoplasticamorphous thermoplastic material comes in two common resin varieties used in the production of plastic shapes, the first is Ultem® 1000 which is an unfilled – natural material, the standard color for unfilled PEI (Ultem Sheet) is a transparent amber. The second is Ultem® 2300, which is a 30% glass filled PEI resin, this resin is a creamy tan color. Several other resins are available, including different percentages of glass fill, black pigment or color, and a few high end specialty grades. Some members our our industry refer to Ultem® as the ‘ultimate’ in plastic materials. With some of the best available properties, this material out performs most plastics in critical applications. This material is certified to: FDA compliance, USDA, 3A and also USP Class VI for medical use. Polyetherimides have exceptional tensile and flexural strengths and excellent electrical properties. Ultem® resins have inherent flame resistance and are UL 94 5VA at .075″. Ultem Sheet and rod machines very well, and can be used at temperatures of 340 degrees continuous.

Why is Polyetherimide (PEI) considered an ultimate resin for demanding applications?

Polyetherimide (PEI) is considered an ultimate resin for demanding applications because it excels in industries like medical and pharmaceutical, handling heat, chemicals, and stress better than most other materials. These industries have incredible demands on plastic materials, where most plastics fail quickly. Several major manufacturers produce Ultem® PEI resins into stock sheets and rods, with trade names such as Tempalux®, Sustatec®, and Unitem®. Ultem sheet and rod possess some of the best properties among available plastic materials, with similar properties to Acetal, Radel, PEEK, and PTFE. Rods are normally available in .375″ – 4.0″ diameters, and sheets from .125″ – over 2.0″ thickness, with many items stocked for immediate shipment. Additional sizes, including larger diameters, thicknesses, molded tube, extruded shapes, strips, and bars, are available on request. Contact us for more details on this exceptional material via email or call us at 866-832-9315.

Rod is normally available in rod from .375″ – 4.0″ diameters, and sheets from .125″ – over 2.0″ thickness, and we stock many items for immediate shipment. Additional sizes are available on request, including larger diameters, thicknesses, molded tube, extruded shapes, strips and bars.
Contact us for more details on this exceptional material. Email us or call us at 866-832-9315

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is Ultem 1000 and 2300 (PEI)?

Ultem is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) known for its excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Ultem 1000 is the unfilled grade, while Ultem 2300 is a 30% glass-filled version.

2 What are the key properties of Ultem (PEI) that make it suitable for engineering applications?

Ultem (PEI) exhibits high heat resistance, inherent flame retardancy, and good dimensional stability. It also offers excellent strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance, making it suitable for demanding engineering applications.

3 In what forms are Ultem 1000 and 2300 available, and are they American-made?

Ultem 1000 and 2300 are supplied in both sheet and rod forms. Industrial Plastic Supply provides performance plastic sheets and rods, which are American-made.

4 Can Industrial Plastic Supply provide custom cuts for Ultem sheets and rods?

Industrial Plastic Supply offers cutting services for Ultem sheets and rods. They have the capability to cut sheets up to 5 inches thick to meet specific project requirements.