Structural applications for high performance stock shape machined parts

High-performance fiber-reinforced polymers engineered for metal replacement and critical load-bearing assemblies. These grades combine the extreme thermal and chemical stability of PEEK, PPS, and Ultem with the mechanical rigidity of glass and carbon fiber to deliver superior stiffness, minimal deflection, and exceptional dimensional stability under stress.

Key Highlights

Vibration Damping

Superior internal damping characteristics compared to metals, reducing mechanical noise and fatigue in high-speed rotating or reciprocating equipment.

Thermal Integrity

Maintains structural load-bearing capacity at temperatures where standard engineering plastics would soften, ensuring safety in "under-the-hood" and "downhole" environments.

Weight Optimization

With a strength-to-weight ratio significantly higher than aluminum or steel, these materials are the premier choice for aerospace and portable medical equipment where every gram matters.

Dimensional Precision

Reduced coefficients of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) ensure that machined parts maintain tight tolerances across extreme temperature fluctuations (from cryogenic to 260°C).

Extreme Creep Resistance

Designed for components under constant mechanical stress; these grades resist permanent deformation (creep) over long service life, even at elevated temperatures.

Maximum Specific Stiffness

Carbon and glass fiber reinforcements nearly triple the flexural modulus of base resins, providing a "metal-like" rigidity for structural frames and brackets.

Technical data

Quick Selection: Carbon vs. Glass Reinforcement

Material Grade	Reinforcement	Tensile Strength (psi)	Flexural Modulus (psi)	Key Advantage
Ultem 2100	10% Glass Fiber	16,800	650,000	Baseline structural PEI
Ultem 2200	20% Glass Fiber	16,900	700,000	Mid-range rigidity
Ultem 2300	30% Glass Fiber	17,000	850,000	Standard for rigid PEI parts
Ultem-CF15	15% Glass Fiber	24,500	1,500,000	High strength/weight + ESD
PEEK-GF30	30% Glass Fiber	23,000	1,500,000	High-heat structural insulator
PEEK-CF30	30% Carbon Fiber	31,000	2,800,000	Extreme strength and stiffness
PPS-GF40	40% Glass Fiber	27,500	2,100,000	Superior chemical resistance, stiffness
PPS-CF40	40% Carbon Fiber	29,000	3,200,000	Maximum modulus/chem-resistance

Feature	Carbon Fiber (CF) Grades	Glass Fiber (GF) Grades
Primary Goal	Max Strength-to-Weight	Rigidity + Electrical Insulation
Conductivity	Electrically Conductive / ESD	Electrically Insulative
Modulus	Highest (up to 1.5M+ psi)	High (up to 1.1M+ psi)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PPS GF40 as a lower-cost replacement for PEEK in chemical pumps?

Yes, often. PPS is frequently called "the smart man's PEEK" because its chemical resistance is actually superior in some specific cases (it has no known solvents below 200°C). If the operating temperature is below 220°C and there is no high impact, PPS GF40 is the most cost-effective choice.

Why would I pay 3–4x more for PEEK GF30 when PPS GF40 is actually stiffer?

While PPS GF40 has a higher flexural modulus (it is more rigid), it is notoriously brittle. PEEK GF30 is chosen when you need that high stiffness combined with toughness. If your part is subject to impact, vibration, or "snap-fit" assembly, PPS GF40 will likely shatter, whereas PEEK GF30 will hold.

Is there any chemical that will destroy PEEK GF30 but not Ultem?

Actually, it's usually the other way around. However, Concentrated Sulfuric Acid and Nitric Acid will quickly degrade PEEK. On the flip side, Ultem is very sensitive to Ketones (like Acetone) and Methylene Chloride, which can cause it to crack instantly (Environmental Stress Cracking), while PEEK remains unaffected.

How does the glass fiber content affect tool wear during machining?

All three are "tool killers" because of the glass reinforcement. However, PPS GF40 is the most abrasive due to its higher (40%) glass loading and ceramic-like hardness. You must use PCD (Diamond) or high-grade carbide tooling for all three to maintain a good surface finish.

Can these materials be used for metal replacement to reduce weight?

Yes, all three offer significant weight savings (roughly 80% lighter than steel). PEEK GF30 is the most common metal replacement for structural aerospace or oil-field parts because its strength-to-weight ratio remains stable even at high temperatures where aluminum or other plastics might fail.

Which material handles "Thermal Shock" (rapid temp changes) the best?

PEEK GF30 is the most resilient to thermal cycling. Its balance of high ductility and high-temperature strength allows it to expand and contract without developing the micro-cracks that can occur in more brittle materials like PPS.

Which material is best for parts exposed to high-pressure steam?

PEEK GF30 is the gold standard for hydrolysis resistance. It can survive thousands of autoclave cycles or "downhole" steam environments without losing mechanical properties. PPS is also good, but Ultem GF30 (PEI) can begin to lose its strength over long-term continuous exposure to high-pressure steam.

If I need the tightest possible tolerances, should I choose Ultem or PEEK?

For "as-machined" precision, Ultem GF30 often wins. As an amorphous polymer, it has very low and uniform shrinkage.

Why is Ultem GF30 considered better for electrical connectors than PEEK?

Ultem (PEI) has one of the highest dielectric strengths of any available thermoplastic. While PEEK is a good insulator, Ultem's electrical properties remain more stable across a wide range of temperatures and frequencies, and it is inherently flame-retardant (V-0) with very low smoke evolution.

Which material is less likely to "creep" (deform) under a permanent heavy load?

PEEK GF30 generally offers the best long-term creep resistance at elevated temperatures. While PPS GF40 is very stiff initially, PEEK's semi-crystalline structure allows it to maintain its "geometric memory" better when pushed to 200°C+.