Ultem for high temperature, electrically insulating machined components
Unfilled Ultem™ 1000 is the standard, unreinforced polyetherimide (PEI) grade supplied in extruded rods, plates, and tubular bars. It is specifically engineered for precision-machined parts that must maintain mechanical integrity and electrical isolation in high-heat environments where other engineering plastics fail.
What Ultem offers
Performance characteristics that make Ultem 1000 suitable for high-temperature and electrically demanding applications.
Higher stiffness and rigidity
Glass fiber reinforcement significantly increases stiffness, making PEEK GF30 well-suited for structural components that must resist bending and deflection.
Improved dimensional stability
Lower thermal expansion and reduced creep enable machined parts to maintain tight tolerances under mechanical load and temperature variation.
Strong mechanical performance under load
Provides higher tensile and flexural strength compared to unfilled PEEK, supporting demanding load-bearing applications.
Better performance for thin-walled and precision parts
The added rigidity supports designs where thinner sections or tighter tolerances are required.
Reliable performance in harsh environments
Maintains stability in environments with heat, mechanical stress, and exposure to fuels, oils, and industrial chemicals.
Common components made from Ultem
Typical machined parts that benefit from Ultem's heat resistance and electrical performance.
Transportation and rail components
Used where flame retardancy and dimensional stability are required.
Structural panels and covers
Lightweight components that maintain rigidity at elevated temperatures.
Semiconductor equipment parts
Used in fixtures and supports requiring thermal stability and cleanliness.
Medical and analytical device housings
Suitable for components exposed to heat, cleaning agents, and repeated sterilization.
Aerospace interior components
Selected for parts requiring flame resistance and low smoke generation.
Electrical insulation components
Used in connectors, terminal blocks, and insulating supports exposed to heat.
Ultem 1000 Technical Properties
| Property | Test | ULTEM 1000 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D638 | 15,200 | PSI |
| Tensile Modulus | ASTM D638 | 430 | KSI |
| Elongation @ Break | ASTM D638 | 60 | % |
| Flexural Strength | ASTM D790 | 21,000 | PSI |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 | 480 | KSI |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM D695 | 18,000 | PSI |
| Izod Impact (notched) | ASTM D256 | 1.0 | ft-lb/in |
| Hardness Rockwell | ASTM D785 | M109 | — |
| Property | Test | ULTEM 1000 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDT @ 264 psi | ASTM D648 | 392 | °F |
| Melting Point | — | Amorphous | — |
| CLTE | ASTM E831 | 3.1 | in/in/°F × 10⁻⁵ |
| Thermal Conductivity | ASTM C177 | 1.7 | BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| Property | Test | ULTEM 1000 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | ASTM D149 | 830 | V/mil |
| Dielectric Constant | ASTM D150 | 3.15 | — |
| Dissipation Factor | ASTM D150 | 0.0013 | — |
| Surface Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 10¹⁷ | Ω/sq |
| Volume Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 10¹⁷ | Ω·cm |
| Property | Test | ULTEM 1000 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | ASTM D3702 | 0.35 | — |
| Wear Rate (K-factor) | ASTM D3702 | 200 | × 10⁻¹⁰ in³·min/ft·lb·hr |
| Property | Test | ULTEM 1000 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | 1.27 | — |
| Water Absorption (24hr) | ASTM D570 | 0.25 | % |
| Flammability | UL94 | V-0 | — |
Ultem rods, plates & tubular bars
Extruded stock shapes are supplied in standard diameters and thicknesses, with custom dimensions available for specific applications.
Rods
Extruded Ultem rods are supplied for electrical components, housings, and structural parts exposed to heat. Rods typically available from 3/8" to 8" diameter.
Plates
Ultem plates are supplied for machined panels, covers, and precision components. Plates available from 3/8" to 4" thickness.
Tubular bars
Tubular bars are available for applications requiring reduced weight with thermal stability.
Trusted by World's Leading Companies
How Ultem compares to glass-filled Ultem grades
Quick reference guide to help you choose the right Ultem material.
| Grade | Reinforcement | Stiffness | Key Advantage | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultem 1000 | Unfilled | Low | Insulation & Clarity: Highest dielectric strength and translucency. | Electrical insulators, medical manifolds. |
| Ultem 2100 | 10% Glass | Medium | Precision: Improved stability with high machinability. | Precision connectors and electronic spacers. |
| Ultem 2200 | 20% Glass | Moderate | Structural Balance: High strength with lower creep. | Internal shafts, pins, and structural mounts. |
| Ultem 2300 | 30% Glass | High | Rigidity: Maximum stiffness for load-bearing parts. | Aerospace housings, metal-replacement brackets. |
| Ultem CF15 | 15% Carbon | Very High | Extreme Strength: Highest modulus and static dissipative. | ESD-safe semiconductor nests, high-modulus aero. |
| Ultem CRS5201 | 20% GF Copolymer | Moderate | Chemical Shield: Resists aggressive acids and bases. | Oil & Gas downhole tools, chemical valves. |
| Ultem CRS5301 | 30% GF Copolymer | High | Ultimate Chemical Strength: Max resistance + stiffness. | Harsh industrial pumps, aggressive fluid handling. |
Need help determining if Ultem is the right choice?
Share your operating temperatures, electrical requirements, or part geometry and our technical team will guide you on grade selection, stock formats, and supporting documentation.
- Response within one business day
- Reviewed by our technical team
- No obligation or sales pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultem™ is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic based on polyetherimide (PEI). It is best known for its exceptional balance of high heat resistance, inherent flame retardancy (UL 94 V-0 and 5VA), and world-class electrical insulation.
Ultem™ is the preferred choice when dielectric strength, flame safety (FST), or cost-efficiency are primary drivers. While PEEK offers better chemical resistance and higher continuous service temperatures (260°C vs. 170°C), Ultem™ provides a higher dielectric strength (830 V/mil vs. 480 V/mil) at roughly one-third the cost of PEEK.
Yes. It features a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 217°C (423°F) and a continuous-use temperature of 170°C (340°F). Unlike many engineering plastics that soften prematurely, Ultem™ maintains high mechanical strength and stiffness throughout its entire operating range.
No. Ultem™ is inherently flame retardant. It achieves UL 94 V-0 and 5VA ratings without the need for halogenated additives. It also produces exceptionally low smoke and meets stringent aerospace FAA (FAR 25.853) and transit toxicity standards.
Yes. It provides the highest dielectric strength of any commercially available thermoplastic. These properties remain remarkably stable across a wide range of frequencies and temperatures, making it the industry standard for high-voltage connectors and semiconductor test sockets.
Unfilled (1000): Offers the highest ductility, toughness, and electrical insulation. Its translucent amber color allows for visual inspection of internal features. Glass-Filled (2100-2300): Provides significantly higher stiffness and reduced thermal expansion. Ultem™ 2300 matches the expansion rate of aluminum, making it ideal for precision-machined structural parts.
Absolutely. In aerospace, it is used for FST-compliant cabin interiors and avionics. In medical, it is a premier choice for reusable instruments because it can withstand thousands of steam autoclave cycles (132°C/270°F) while retaining 100% of its tensile strength.
Ultem™ has very low moisture absorption (0.25% at 24 hours). This helps machined components maintain excellent dimensional stability in humid environments and prevents the "swelling" issues common with materials like Nylon.
Quantum AEP supplies Ultem™ in extruded rods, plates, and tubular bars. Tubular bars are especially effective for reducing machining time and material waste when manufacturing bushings or housings.
Yes. Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, Ultem™ (particularly the glass-filled and carbon-filled grades) is a common replacement for aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. It provides significant weight reduction and corrosion resistance while maintaining the structural rigidity required for industrial housings and brackets.