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PEI - ULTEM 3D Printing Service

Engineering plastic, high performance applications, flame retardant. PEI (ULTEM) is an engineering thermoplastic with good mechanical properties and exceptional heat, chemical and flame resistance.

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ULTEM 1010

ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer known scientifically as polyetherimide (PEI). It’s prized for its excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.

Applications:

Aerospace components: Structural parts, brackets, and housings that must withstand high temperatures and harsh environments.
Automotive parts: Engine components, connectors, and under-the-hood parts needing thermal and chemical resistance.
Medical devices: Sterilizable parts and components exposed to harsh chemicals.
Electrical and electronics: Insulators, connectors, and parts requiring flame retardancy and high dielectric strength.
Industrial applications: Machinery parts that face mechanical stress and elevated temperatures.

Material Properties	Test Method	Typical Value
Tensile strength at yield	ISO 527	105 MPa
Elongation strain at yield	ISO 527	6 %
Tensile (E) modulus	ISO 527	3200 MPa
Flammability behaviour	UL94	V-0
Heat deflection temp	ISO 75	200 °C

Field insight:

ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance polyetherimide (PEI) thermoplastic widely used in industries requiring excellent strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. It is ideal for demanding aerospace, automotive, and medical applications where parts must withstand continuous use at high temperatures (up to around 217°C) without losing mechanical integrity.

ULTEM 9085

ULTEM 9085 is another type of polyetherimide (PEI) thermoplastic, similar to ULTEM 1010 but specifically formulated for easier 3D printing and aerospace-grade applications.

Applications:

Aerospace: Interior cabin components, ducting, brackets, and structural parts that need to meet strict flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) standards.
Automotive: Under-the-hood parts, electrical connectors, and components requiring heat resistance and flame retardancy.
Electrical and Electronics: Insulating parts, connectors, and housings that must withstand high temperatures and electrical stress.
Industrial: Functional prototypes and end-use parts where strength, durability, and thermal stability are important.

Material Properties	Test Method	Typical Value
Tensile strength at yield	ISO 527	88 MPa
Elongation strain at yield	ISO 527	6.7 %
Tensile (E) modulus	ISO 527	3050 MPa
Flammability behaviour	UL94	V-0
Heat deflection temp	ISO 75	152 °C

Field insight:

ULTEM 9085 is a flame-retardant, high-strength polyetherimide (PEI) material commonly used in aerospace and transportation industries for lightweight, durable parts. It offers excellent mechanical performance combined with good chemical resistance and can withstand continuous use at temperatures up to about 152°C.

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What is FDM 3D Printing?

FDM 3D Printing stands for Fused Deposition Modelling, also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). It’s one of the most common and accessible 3D printing technologies.

Strengths:

Low cost and fast turnaround times

Weaknesses:

Limited dimensional accuracy and print layers are likely to be visible.

Characteristic	Value
Price	£££££
Tolerance	± 0.50 mm below 100mm / ± 0.60 % above 100mm
Minimum feature size	0.8 mm
Lead time	6 - 10 working days
Layer height	100 to 200 µm
Max X	260 mm
Max Y	260 mm
Max Z	260 mm

Frequently Asked Questions

What 3D printers can handle ULTEM?

ULTEM requires high extrusion and bed temperatures, making it compatible only with industrial-grade 3D printers. Modifying consumer-grade printers to handle ULTEM is challenging and often impractical.

How do I prevent warping when printing with ULTEM?

Warping is a common issue due to ULTEM’s high thermal expansion. To mitigate this, ensure the use of a heated bed, an enclosed chamber, and proper adhesion techniques. Additionally, consider using a brim or raft to enhance first-layer adhesion

Can I print ULTEM on a standard 3D printer?

Printing ULTEM on standard 3D printers is generally not feasible. These printers often lack the necessary high-temperature capabilities and may not withstand the required conditions, leading to potential damage.

What are the best practices for printing with ULTEM?

Dry the filament at 120°C for 8+ hours before printing.
Use a heated bed and chamber to maintain consistent temperatures.
Avoid using cooling fans during printing.
Employ slow print speeds (15–30 mm/s) for better layer adhesion.