Discover ULTEM® (PEI), a flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic for FDM 3D printing, known for its exceptional strength,
thermal stability, and chemical resistance—ideal for demanding applications requiring high heat and flame
resistance.
Material Name:
ULTEM® (Polyetherimide) Flame Retardant
Description:
ULTEM® (PEI) is a high-performance thermoplastic offering outstanding mechanical properties, inherent
flame retardancy, and exceptional thermal stability. With a UL94 V-0 flammability rating, it meets
stringent safety standards without the need for additives. ULTEM® maintains its strength and rigidity at
elevated temperatures up to 170°C, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics
industries. It also provides excellent chemical resistance and dielectric properties. While more
challenging to print due to high processing temperatures and equipment requirements, ULTEM® enables the
production of functional prototypes and end-use parts capable of withstanding extreme environments.
Material Type:
High-Performance Thermoplastic (Polyetherimide)
Price:
Available color:
Amber
Black
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Composite compatible
Special Properties:
Flame Retardant (UL94 V-0)
High Thermal Stability
Excellent Mechanical Strength
Chemical Resistance
Limitations:
Difficult to Print
Requires High-Temperature
Equipment
Expensive Material
Limited Color Options
Material rating
Key Flame Retardant PLA properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.
Strength5 of 5
Flexibility2 of 5
Detail Resolution3 of
5
Surface Smoothness3 of
5
Heat Resistance5 of 5
Chemical Resistance5 of
5
Ease of Printing1 of 5
Cost Efficiency1 of 5
Applications
ULTEM® (PEI) is ideal for producing high-performance parts requiring flame retardancy,
high heat resistance, and exceptional mechanical properties. Suitable for applications in demanding
environments where standard thermoplastics would fail.
Aerospace Applications
Aircraft interior components
Electrical enclosures
Ducting systems
Automotive Applications
Under-the-hood components
Sensor housings
High-temperature fixtures
Medical Devices
Surgical instrument components
Sterilization trays
Diagnostic equipment parts
Electronics Applications
Circuit board carriers
Connectors and insulators
Enclosures
Additional Applications
Functional Prototypes
Flame-Retardant Parts
High-Temperature Tooling
Chemical-Resistant Components
Mechanical Properties
Exhibits high tensile strength and rigidity with excellent dimensional stability, suitable for parts under
mechanical stress at elevated temperatures.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 95 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 3,200 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
5%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 155 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 3,100 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 85 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 90
Characteristics
Printing with ULTEM® (PEI) requires specialized high-temperature 3D printers capable of
extruder temperatures above 350°C and heated build chambers. Precise control over printing parameters is
essential to achieve optimal layer adhesion and minimize warping.
Type
Value
Lead Time
3-10 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.5 mm
Tolerance
±0.20%, minimum ±0.2 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height
0.1 mm to 0.25 mm
Thermal Properties
Exceptional heat resistance, maintaining mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 170°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 50 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
50
Max Service Temperature
Up to 170°C before significant deformation may occur
Electrical Properties
Excellent dielectric properties, suitable for electrical and electronic applications.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Not inherently ESD safe; specialized grades may be available.
Conductivity
Non-conductive; excellent insulating properties
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific Flame Retardant formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is ULTEM® (Polyetherimide), and what are its main characteristics?
ULTEM® PEI is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its flame retardancy, high thermal
stability, and excellent mechanical properties.
What applications are suitable for ULTEM® (PEI)?
It's used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics industries for parts requiring high
heat resistance and flame retardancy.
How does ULTEM® (PEI) compare to materials like ABS and Nylon?
ULTEM® offers superior thermal and mechanical properties but is more challenging to print and
significantly more expensive.
Is ULTEM® (PEI) inherently flame retardant?
Yes, it has a UL94 V-0 flammability rating without the need for additional flame-retardant
additives.
Is ULTEM® (PEI) suitable for food-contact applications?
Certain grades of ULTEM® are FDA-approved for food contact, but it's essential to verify with
the manufacturer.
What are the ideal print settings for ULTEM® (PEI)?
Print temperatures above 350°C, bed temperature of 140-160°C, and a heated chamber are
necessary.
Do I need a special printer to print ULTEM® (PEI)?
Yes, specialized industrial 3D printers capable of high temperatures and heated build chambers
are required.
How can I improve bed adhesion when printing with ULTEM® (PEI)?
Using high-temperature adhesives, specialized build plates, or surface treatments designed for
ULTEM® helps with adhesion.
Does ULTEM® (PEI) require an inert gas environment?
Some industrial printers use inert gases like nitrogen to prevent oxidation at high
temperatures.
Is ventilation necessary when printing with ULTEM® (PEI)?
Yes, proper ventilation is important due to potential fumes at high printing
temperatures.
Can ULTEM® (PEI) prints be machined or drilled?
Yes, parts can be machined, drilled, and tapped with appropriate tools due to the material's
high strength.
Is it possible to bond ULTEM® (PEI) parts together?
Specialized adhesives designed for high-temperature plastics or mechanical fastening methods are
recommended.
Can ULTEM® (PEI) be smoothed or polished?
Mechanical sanding and polishing are possible. Chemical smoothing is not commonly used due to
the material's resistance to solvents.
How do I remove support material from ULTEM® (PEI) prints?
Supports can be removed manually or with the aid of tools. Soluble support materials compatible
with ULTEM® may be used.
Can ULTEM® (PEI) parts be sterilized?
Yes, ULTEM® parts can withstand steam autoclaving and other sterilization methods, making them
suitable for medical applications.
Why is my ULTEM® (PEI) print warping or failing to adhere?
Due to high thermal contraction, warping is common. Use a heated chamber, ensure proper bed
adhesion, and maintain consistent temperatures.
How can I prevent nozzle clogging when printing with ULTEM® (PEI)?
Use a larger nozzle size (0.4 mm or larger), ensure the filament is dry, and maintain correct
extrusion temperatures.
What causes layer separation in ULTEM® (PEI) prints?
Inadequate temperature control or cooling too quickly can lead to poor layer adhesion. Maintain
optimal chamber temperatures.
Why are my ULTEM® (PEI) prints brittle or weak?
Printing at incorrect temperatures or using degraded filament can affect mechanical properties.
Use fresh filament and proper settings.
How do I fix surface defects in ULTEM® (PEI) prints?
Adjust print speeds, temperatures, and ensure equipment is calibrated to improve surface
quality.
Can ULTEM® (PEI) be used in dual-extrusion printers?
Yes, but equipment must support high temperatures, and materials must be compatible. Soluble
supports like high-temperature breakaway materials are used.
How does moisture affect ULTEM® (PEI) filament?
It is hygroscopic, and moisture can cause print defects. Filament should be thoroughly dried
before use.
Are there different grades of ULTEM® (PEI) available?
Yes, various grades offer different properties, such as higher impact resistance or
transparency.
Is ULTEM® (PEI) suitable for electrical applications?
Yes, it has excellent dielectric properties and is used in electrical and electronic
components.
Can ULTEM® (PEI) be recycled or reused?
Recycling options are limited due to its specialized nature. Proper disposal and recycling where
possible are important.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
This material is used with FDM 3D printing technology. Explore other materials that may suit your project:
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