Ultem 1000 (Standard/Unfilled PEI)

Ultem 1000 (Polyetherimide) is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic that blends exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Renowned for its natural amber transparency and inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0), it is the material of choice for demanding aerospace, medical, and electronic applications. Jucheng Precision specializes in the precision CNC machining of Ultem 1000, utilizing advanced 5-axis milling and stress-relieving annealing processes. Our expertise ensures that complex PEI components, such as medical manifolds and electrical insulators, are produced with tight tolerances and superior surface finishes while remaining free from the stress cracking common in this high-performance polymer.

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Ultem 1000

Ultem (PEI) Material Variants

Grade Common Name Key Characteristics Typical Applications
Ultem 1000 Standard Unfilled Amber translucent. Excellent dielectric strength and flame resistance (UL94 V-0). FDA compliant. Electrical insulators, medical manifolds, microwave parts.
Ultem 2300 30% Glass Filled Highest rigidity and dimensional stability. Opaque tan color. Lower thermal expansion. Structural aerospace parts, high-load connectors.
Ultem 2100 10% Glass Filled Balanced strength and finish. Better impact resistance than 2300. Electronic housings, industrial brackets.
Ultem 9085 Aerospace Grade High performance with strict Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) compliance. Aircraft interior components, ducting.

Ultem 1000 Machining Capabilities

Capability Technical Description Jucheng Advantage
Optical Clarity Polishing Post-machining Vapor Polishing or mechanical buffing to restore transparency to machined features. We achieve high optical clarity for sight glasses and fluid manifolds, allowing for visual inspection of internal flows.
Stress-Free Precision Milling Using specific tool paths and annealing cycles to prevent “crazing” or stress cracking in Ultem. Ensures long-term dimensional stability and prevents material failure when exposed to cleaning agents or solvents.
High-Aspect Ratio Drilling Drilling high-precision internal channels for medical fluidics without melting or cracking the brittle amber plastic. Our Peck-drilling cycles and temperature control ensure straight, clean bores with Ra 0.8μm internal finishes.
Micro-Threading Machining fine external and internal threads (down to M1.6) for electronic connectors. Jucheng achieves sharp, burr-free thread profiles that maintain high dielectric integrity and secure fitment.

Fabrication Guidelines for Ultem 1000

Coolant Sensitivity:
Ultem is highly sensitive to certain oils and solvents, which can cause immediate stress cracking (crazing). Tip: We use strictly compatible water-soluble coolants or air-blast cooling to ensure material integrity.

Annealing Requirements:
Machining induces internal stress in PEI. Tip: For parts with tight tolerances or complex geometry, we perform in-process annealing to relieve stress and prevent warping after the final cut.

Tooling Selection:
Ultem is relatively brittle and abrasive. Tip: We use sharp, positive-rake carbide tools with polished flutes to shear the material cleanly, preventing heat buildup and surface smearing.

Clamping Care:
Ultem can crack under localized high pressure. Tip: We utilize vacuum tables or soft-jaws with distributed pressure to hold parts securely without inducing stress risers.

Primary Applications

Aerospace & Aviation
Electrical connectors, lighting housings, and thermal insulators requiring high flame resistance and low weight.

Medical Devices (ISO 13485)
Surgical instrument handles, sterilization trays, and manifolds requiring repeated autoclaving resistance.

Electronics & Semiconductor
Burn-in sockets, high-voltage switches, and wafer handling components requiring excellent dielectric properties.

Food Processing
Fluid manifolds and scraper blades requiring FDA compliance and resistance to hot water/steam cleaning.

Properties

Density 1.27 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 105 - 110 MPa
Elastic Modulus 3.2 GPa
Hardness 109 Rockwell R
Heat Deflection Temp 200 - 210 °C
Continuous Service Temp 170 °C
Water Absorption 0.25%
Dielectric Strength 33 kV/mm
Light Transmission Translucent Amber
Flammability Rating UL94 V-0
Max Part Size 2000 x 800 x 600 mm