Machining Ultem (PEI)

JACO Machine Works has extensive experience machining Ultem (Poly Ether Imide or PEI), a plastic known for providing superior strength and machinability, as well as resistance to chemicals, solvents, and high temperatures. Ultem® therefore plays an instrumental role across a wide range of medical, aerospace, semiconductor, and electrical applications.

Attributes and Properties

Superior strength and stiffness
High temperature and flame resistance
Outstanding electrical properties and dielectric strength
Resistance to hydrolysis, hot water and steam – ability to withstand repeated autoclave and gamma radiation sterilization cycles.
Resistance to a wide variety of chemicals
Very low smoke and toxic gas emissions
Excellent machinability and ease of fabrication
Great dimensional stability

Industrial Applications

Medical: Ultem® is used extensively in laboratory-ware and healthcare applications due to its excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals, strong alkaline cleaning processes, autoclaving, and gamma radiation sterilization. Ultem® is able to maintain its high strength for up to 1000 autoclave sessions - or following 10,000 hours of immersion in high temperature water (up to 212oF). Ultem’s ability to be repeatedly sterilized and reused reduces costs and waste, while helping to minimize the healthcare industry’s environmental impact.

Aerospace and Aviation: Ultem’s creep resistance and durability in harsh operating environments have led to the resin’s use in a variety of aerospace applications, including interior paneling, engine parts, lighting and seating components. Additionally, its low smoke and toxic gas emissions - along with high temperature and flame resistance - make it ideal for manufacturing aircraft ducting, electrical insulators, and radomes.

Electrical Applications: Ultem’s ability to withstand high temperatures and inherent flame resistance - combined with its outstanding strength, stability and electrical properties - make this resin a popular and widely used material in a number of electrical applications. Ultem® provides a high continuous service temperature when compared to epoxy circuit boards, and is also commonly used in sockets, switches, and high-temperature lighting.

Semiconductors: Ultem® is used to manufacture manifolds in the semiconductor industry due to its excellent chemical resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures. These properties ensure reliable performance in the demanding environments of semiconductor processing, where precision and durability are crucial.

Machining Plastic at JACO

If you’re developing plastic machined components and wish to know more about their machinability, JACO Machine Works is ready to review your program and offer support. No matter your application, our skilled engineers and operations professionals are dedicated to helping you succeed. We are pleased to offer the following machining services for your next project: