Ultem® is a brand name for polyetherimide (PEI), an amorphous, amber-to-transparent thermoplastic with characteristics similar to the related plastic PEEK. Relative to PEEK, PEI is less expensive, but is lower in impact strength and usable temperature.  Other trade names for polyetherimide include SUSTAPEI and TECAPEI™.

Ultem 1000Ultem 1000Ultem 2300Ultem 2300Semitron ESD410
MechanicalASTM Test MethodExtruded PolyetherimideInjection Molded PolyetherimideExtruded 30% Glass-filled PolyetherimideInjection Molded 30% GF PolyetherimideStatic Dissapative PolyetherimideUnits
Strength to Weight Ratio------ksi
Specific Gravity @73 FD7921.281.271.511.511.41-
Tensile Strength @73 F, (ult)/(yld)D63816,500 (ult)15,200 (yld)17,000 (ult)24,500 (yld)9,000psi
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity @73 FD638475,000-800,0001,260,000850,000psi
Tensile Elongation at Break @73 FD638807332%
Flexural Strength @73 FD79020,00022,00030,00033,00012,000psi
Flexural Modulus of Elasticity @73 FD790500,000480,000900,0001,300,000850,000psi
Shear Strength @73 FD73215,00015,000-14,000-psi
Comprehensive Strength, (% Deformation) @73 FD69522,000 (10)21,900 (10)32,000 (10)30,700 (10)19,500 (10)psi
Comprehensive Modulus of Elasticity @73 FD695480,000480,000625,000938,000600,000psi
Hardness, Rockwell, Scale as noted @73 FD785M112 (R125)M109M114 (R127)M114M115 (R125)-
Hardness, Durometer, Shore D @73 F-D86-D86-D85-
Izod Impact, (Notched) @73 FD256 Type A0.51.01.02.00.8ft-lb/in of notch
Coefficient of Friction, (Dry vs Steel) Dynamic-0.42---0.18-
Limiting PV, (with 4 to 1 factor of safety applied)-1,875---12,000psi-ft/min
ThermalASTM Test MethodExtruded PolyetherimideInjection Molded PolyetherimideExtruded 30% Glass-filled PolyetherimideInjection Molded 30% GF PolyetherimideStatic Dissapative PolyetherimideUnits
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion @73 FE-831 (TMA)3.1 E-053.1 E-051.1 E-051.1 E-051.8 E-05in/in/F
Heat Deflection Temperature @264 psiD648392392410410410F
Tg-Glass transition termperature, (Amorphous)D3418419-419-428F
Melting Point, (VS=Vicat Softening Temp.)D3418---442 (VS)-F
Continuous Service Temperature in Air, (Max.)-340340340340338F
Thermal Conductivity-0.900.22 W/M-C1.15--BTU-in/hr-ft2-F
ElectricASTM Test MethodExtruded PolyetherimideInjection Molded PolyetherimideExtruded 30% Glass-filled PolyetherimideInjection Molded 30% GF PolyetherimideStatic Dissapative PolyetherimideUnits
Dielectric Strength, Short TermD149830830770770-Volts/mil
Volume ResistivityD2576.7 E+171.0 E+173.0 E+163.0 E+161E5 - 1E7ohm-cm
Dielectric Constant @10E6 HzD1503.2-3.7---
Dissipation Factor @10E6 HzD1500.001-0.002---
Flammability @3.1 mm unless notedUL94V-05VA (1.9mm)V-0V-0 (0.25mm)V-0-
H2OASTM Test MethodExtruded PolyetherimideInjection Molded PolyetherimideExtruded 30% Glass-filled PolyetherimideInjection Molded 30% GF PolyetherimideStatic Dissapative PolyetherimideUnits
Water Absorption, Immersion, 24 hoursD570(7)0.250.250.180.160.30% by weight
Water Absorption, SaturationD570(7)1.251.250.900.901.25% by weight