ULTEM

PEI is an advanced expert-reserved material and is one of the highest-performing thermoplastics in the industry with excellent mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Its mechanical properties can be compared to this of aluminum. Unfortunately, it is reserved for advanced 3D printers with a nozzle going up to 400°C and an actively heated chamber. PEI is often interchangeably referred to as ULTEM. ULTEM is a brand name and a subset of PEI and many variants exist, with drastically varying thermal and mechanical properties. The most common variants in 3D printing are ULTEM 1010 and ULTEM 9085.

Printability of PEI filament

The temperature in the chamber must be maintained at all times, otherwise, irregularities may occur and the adhesion of the different layers may suffer. As the temperature of the PEI is between 345 and 400°C, you will need an extruder capable of rising to these levels. 

For printing, it is necessary to apply special glue (e.g. MAGIGOO HT) to the mat, for a perfect first layer we recommend applying the glue in three layers.  It is also necessary to use a printer with a closed chamber heated to at least 70° C. After it's printed, the material shrinks as the chamber gradually cools and, due to its strength, is able to damage the pad, so be sure to move the printout away as quickly as possible. Ultem is extremely susceptible to moisture and it can easily absorb water even from the air which can affect the strength of the final print. It is necessary to dry the material preferably at 110 ° C before each use (in case of doubts ULTEM spools are able to handle the heat).

PEI mechanical and thermal properties

Depending on the type of ULTEM the mechanical and thermal properties can vary.

Looking at high heat applications, ULTEM 1010 boasts a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of 216ºC whereas ULTEM 9085 only has an HDT of 153ºC.

ULTEM 1010 is actually the strongest material available in the FDM materials family. Looking at tensile strength rating in the XZ orientation, ULTEM 1010 carries a rating of 9,300 psi while ULTEM 9085 is only 6,800 psi.

Some applications such as panels, tools, jigs, fixtures, and clips may require some controlled flexibility. When a tough and durable material with some ductility is needed, ULTEM 9085 is the best choice. Due to its lower flexural strength of 16,200 psi, it’s slightly more forgiving than ULTEM 1010 when it’s necessary for your design.

Tips and other notable benefits

• Capable of Withstanding Multiple Autoclaving Cycles

• High Continuous Use Temperature

• High Dielectric Strength

• High Heat Deflection Temperature

• Hydrolysis Resistant

• Inherently Flame Retardant – UL 94 V-0 Rated

• UV Resistant

• Low Outgassing Material

• High Strength 

Browse all ULTEM filaments in stock in our warehouse in Senec, Slovakia. For comparison, see also PPS and PC.