Material focus
PEI (Ultem) selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
PEI (Ultem)
PEI (Ultem) Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
Polyetherimide (PEI, Ultem) bridges cost between PPS and PEEK with strong heat, flame, and strength performance.
PEI (Ultem)
When to specify PEI (Ultem)
How procurement and design teams use PEI (Ultem) on injection molded programs.
Polyetherimide (PEI, Ultem) bridges cost between PPS and PEEK with strong heat, flame, and strength performance. Amber natural color is typical; pigmented grades exist for cosmetic industrial parts. It suits medical hardware, aircraft interiors, and electrical insulators when documented grades meet your compliance filters. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release.
Key traits
Why buyers specify PEI (Ultem)
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
10 business days on qualified programs, depending on part size and complexity.
Common grades
Common PEI (Polyetherimide) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes. Flame and smoke ratings vary by grade and color. Confirm them on the supplier TDS before specifying.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| General purpose | ULTEM 1000 | High heat electrical and industrial housings |
| Enhanced flow | ULTEM 1010 | Thin wall high heat parts needing easier filling |
| 20% glass fiber | ULTEM 2200 | Stiff structural parts with higher modulus |
| Healthcare listed program | ULTEM HU1010 | Clear or opaque parts for regulated healthcare programs |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Medical device hardware (non-implant) | Repeated sterilization temperature as a filter | Commercial grade name + supplier docs |
| Electrical insulators | Heat and dielectric requirements | Electrical standard context from customer |
| Industrial high-heat windows | Stiffness at elevated temperature | Continuous use temperature notes |
| Aircraft interior brackets | Heat and smoke behavior is grade-specific | Name the program fire spec, such as FAR 25.853, on the RFQ |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Heat deflection requirement under load
Flame performance requirement, as listed in the supplier data
Smoke and toxicity requirement if your program has one
Color constraints (natural PEI is amber; colors are grade dependent)
Unfilled or glass-filled grade
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (20% GF, flame rating, regulated healthcare program, high heat)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note PEI (Ultem) on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
PEEK vs Ultem
Heat and cost routing.
PEEK vs Ultem
PEEK
Higher performance tier.
PEEK
PPSU
Tougher sulfone for sterilization.
PPSU
PPS
Tougher sulfone for sterilization.
PPS
PSU
Tougher sulfone for sterilization.
PSU
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
PEI (Ultem) injection molding FAQ
PEI vs PEEK?
PEEK wins on chemical and continuous high heat; PEI wins on cost in many electrical apps.
Is Ultem always amber?
Natural resin is amber; colored grades mask it but check optical needs.
Does PEI need drying?
Yes, follow supplier drying instructions before molding.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment and compliance notes, and upload CAD. At NetProto, engineers use DFM review to narrow grades before tooling release.
Next step
Quote PEI (Ultem) parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list PEI (Ultem) or the target grade on the instant quote platform.