Polyetherimide


Polyetherimide is an amorphous, amber-to-transparent thermoplastic with characteristics similar to the related plastic PEEK. Relative to PEEK, PEI is cheaper, but is lower in impact strength and usable temperature.
Because of its adhesive properties and chemical stability it became a popular bed material for FFF 3D printers.

Structure

The molecular formula of the repeating unit of PEI is and the molecular weight is 592.61 g/mol.

Properties

The glass transition temperature of PEI is 217 °C. Its amorphous density at 25 °C is 1.27 g/cm3. It is prone to stress cracking in chlorinated solvents. Polyetherimide is able to resist high temperatures with stable electrical properties over a wide range of frequencies. This high strength material offers excellent chemical resistance and ductile properties suitable for various applications, even those including steam exposure.

Ultem

Ultem is a family of PEI products manufactured by SABIC as a result of acquiring the General Electric Plastics Division in 2007, developed by Joseph G. Wirth in the early 1980s. Ultem resins are used in medical and chemical instrumentation due to their heat resistance, solvent resistance and flame resistance. Ultem 1000 has a high dielectric strength, inherent flame resistance, and extremely low smoke generation. Ultem has high mechanical properties and performs in continuous use to 340 °F and is easily machined and fabricated with excellent strength and rigidity. Ultem 1000 has typical thermal conductivity of 0.22W/m·K. It has "Questionable usage on alkaline solutions."

Ultem Grades

All Ultem grades exhibit high strength while performing in continuous use to 340°F. Unfilled is UL94 V-0 rated with low smoke KPSI
FDA, USDA, USP Class VI & NSF Approved. Available in glass-reinforced grades 30% glass-filled, 20% glass-filled, 10% glass-filled.