Ultem® (polyetherimide) is an extremely strong and stiff semi-transparent plastic that can operate in high service temperature environments. Resistant to hydrolysis when exposed to hot water and steam, Ultem® can withstand repeated sterilization cycles in a steam autoclave. It has one of the highest dielectric strengths of any thermoplastic material.
Ultem® is often used for medical instrument components, scientific and semiconductor equipment components, chip test sockets, and more. It is easy to machine, fabricate, and thermoform. Ultem® is available in unfilled, glass-filled, and FDA compliant grades. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information.
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For a glossary of terms, see our Plastic Properties Descriptions.
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
15,200 |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
480,000 |
| Izod Impact (notched) |
ft-lbs/in of notch |
D256 |
1.0 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
410 392 |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
0.25 |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Specific Gravity |
- |
D792 |
1.27 |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
0.25 |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
15,200 |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D638 |
430,000 |
| Tensile Elongation |
% |
D638 |
60 |
| Flexural Strength |
psi |
D790 |
22,000 |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
480,000 |
| Compressive Strength |
psi |
D695 |
21,900 |
| Hardness |
scale as noted |
D785, D2240 |
M114, R123, Shore D 86 |
| Izod Impact |
ft-lbs/in |
D256 |
1.0 |
THERMAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion |
in/in/°F x 10-5 |
D696 |
3.1 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
410 392 |
| Max Continuous Service Temperature In Air |
°F |
- |
338 |
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Dielectric Strength |
V/mil |
D149 |
830 |
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Light Transmittance |
% |
D1003 |
- |
| Haze |
% |
D1003 |
- |
OTHER
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Friction |
- |
Dynamic |
- |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
Still Not Sure if You Need Ultem®? Research Ultem® or Ask a Plastics Expert.