How to Buy Ultem: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Ultem

Overview

Ultem is a highly versatile, thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) material that is used in a variety of applications across many industries. This buying guide will provide an overview of the features, benefits, and considerations when purchasing Ultem, along with answers to commonly asked questions. Whether you are looking to purchase Ultem for medical, industrial or commercial applications, this buying guide will provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Key features

  1. Chemical Properties - Polyetherimide (PEI) exhibits excellent chemical resistance. It is highly resistant to hydrocarbons, solvents, and chemicals, making it an ideal choice for applications exposed to harsh environments.
  2. Thermal Properties - Ultem features excellent heat resistance, with a glass transition temperature of 217° C and a melting point of 240-246° C. It can withstand temperatures up to 140° C, making it an ideal choice for high-temperature applications.
  3. Mechanical Properties - Ultem has a high tensile strength of 8,000 psi, making it suitable for structural applications. It also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which helps maintain the stability of the material under extreme temperatures.
  4. Dielectric Properties - Ultem has excellent electrical properties, including a low dielectric constant, high dielectric strength, and high resistance to electrical tracking.
  5. Aesthetic Properties - Ultem has a natural light gray color that is aesthetically pleasing. It can also be colored with dyes and pigments to match specific requirements.
  6. Availability - Ultem is available in a variety of forms, including sheets, rods, tubes, and films. It can also be machined into complex shapes and sizes.

See the most popular Ultem on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • High strength and stiffness - Ultem material has a much higher strength to weight ratio than other materials, making it an excellent choice for many applications where stiffness and strength are important.
  • High heat resistance - Ultem material can withstand temperatures up to 400°F, making it a great choice for applications where high-temperature resistance is critical.
  • Excellent chemical resistance - Ultem is extremely resistant to many chemicals, making it a great choice for applications that require resistance to corrosive chemicals.
  • Low water absorption - Ultem has a very low water absorption rate, meaning it remains dimensionally stable when exposed to moisture, making it a great choice for applications where moisture resistance is important.
  • Low thermal expansion - Ultem has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it a great choice for applications that require a stable dimension over a wide range of temperatures.

Cons

  • High Heat Resistance - Ultem has a very high heat resistance, which can make it difficult to machine and shape.
  • Cost - Ultem is more expensive than other engineering plastics, making it less accessible for some budget-conscious buyers.
  • Chemical Resistance - Ultem is more resistant to chemicals than many other engineering plastics, but it can still be affected by certain chemicals.
  • Vibrational Resistance - Ultem is not as resistant to vibrational forces as some other engineering plastics, so it may not be suitable for some applications.
  • Limited Color Options - Ultem is only available in natural and black, which may not fit with some designs.

Best alternatives

  1. Polycarbonate - a lightweight and durable thermoplastic.
  2. PEEK - a high-performance thermoplastic that has excellent chemical and fatigue resistance.
  3. PTFE - a strong and heat resistant thermoplastic.
  4. Nylon - a versatile thermoplastic that is strong and resistant to wear and tear.
  5. UHMW - an ultra-high molecular weight thermoplastic that has excellent abrasion resistance.
  6. ABS - an economical and lightweight thermoplastic that has good impact strength.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Ultem Sheet - Material in sheet form, commonly used as a heat resistant thermoplastic.
  • Ultem Rod - Material in rod form, commonly used as a high-performance machining stock.
  • Ultem Tube - Material in tube form, commonly used for industrial or consumer product applications.
  • Ultem Film - Material in film form, commonly used for shielding, insulation, or protection.
  • Ultem Fabric - Material in fabric form, commonly used for insulation, protection, or reinforcement.
  • Ultem Filament - Material in filament form, commonly used for 3D printing.
  • Ultem Powder - Material in powder form, commonly used for composite applications.
  • Ultem Adhesives - Adhesive compounds used to bond Ultem materials together.
  • Ultem Fasteners - Fasteners used to connect Ultem materials together.
  • Ultem Finishing Tools - Tools used to finish the surface of Ultem materials.
  • Ultem Sanding Supplies - Supplies used to sand Ultem materials.
  • Ultem Cutting Tools - Tools used to cut Ultem materials.
  • Ultem Drilling and Boring Supplies - Supplies used to drill and bore Ultem materials.
  • Ultem Specialty Tools - Specialty tools used to work with Ultem materials.

Common questions

  1. What is Ultem?
    Ultem is a type of thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) that is highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and flames. It has excellent mechanical properties and electrical insulation properties, making it a great choice for many applications in the medical, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
  2. What are the advantages of using Ultem?
    Ultem is very strong, durable, and reliable. It can withstand extremely high temperatures and is resistant to chemical and flame exposure. It has excellent electrical insulation and dielectric properties, which make it ideal for medical and electronics applications. It is also lightweight and easily machinable, so it can be used in a variety of applications.
  3. What types of products can I make with Ultem?
    Ultem can be used to make products such as electronics, medical implants, automotive components, aircraft components, and food processing equipment.
  4. What are the disadvantages of using Ultem?
    Ultem is a relatively expensive material compared to other thermoplastics. It can also be difficult to work with because it is very strong and has a high melting point.
  5. What are the safety considerations when using Ultem?
    Ultem should be handled with care and protective equipment should be worn when working with it. It is important to make sure the material is adequately cooled before handling, as it can cause burns if not handled properly. Additionally, it is important to make sure the material is not exposed to any chemical solvents.
  6. What is the best way to store Ultem?
    Ultem should be stored in a cool, dry place away from any direct sunlight or sources of heat. It should be sealed in a plastic bag to prevent exposure to moisture or other contaminants.

Trivia

A fun fact about Ultem is that it was the first plastic to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use in commercial aircraft. It is a very strong and durable material and due to its lightweight properties, has been used in the aerospace industry for more than 30 years. In addition to its use in aircraft, Ultem is also used in medical and food processing applications due to its excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. This makes it a great choice for a wide range of projects and products. Source: https://www.professionalplastics.com/ULTEM

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.