Ultem® Use in Industrial Applications

June 21, 2022  |  , , ,

Ultem Polyetherimide is a material widely used in industrial applications.  It is an amorphous material with exceptional strength, flame resistance and generates very low levels of smoke. It is often used in the production of circuit boards, sterilization equipment, battery components and oil and gas equipment,

ULTEM is commonly used in industrial applications needing a durable, high-performance, cost-effective alternative to metal: strong enough to replace steel in some applications and light enough to replace aluminum in others.   It outperforms comparable thermoplastics when it comes to resisting creep and does not degrade under repeated mechanical stress. It also holds up well when brought into contact with various fuels, coolants, and lubricants

ULTEM has one of the highest dielectric strengths of any thermoplastic material. It works very efficiently as an electrical insulator. ULTEM also has one of the lowest rates of thermal conductivity, allowing parts machined from ULTEM to act as thermal insulators. ULTEM offers excellent long-term heat resistance with its mechanical and physical properties remaining stable at elevated temperatures.  Unlike most other amorphous plastics, ULTEM resins retain strength and resist strength cracking when exposed to environmental stresses.

Ultem is now widely used in:

  • Automotive
  • Semiconductor
  • Telecom Components
  • Molded Interconnect Devices
  • HVAC/Fluid Handling Devices
  • Oil & Gas Applications

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. Ultem® is an amorphous material, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Ultem®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enable us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and reinforced compounds.

Ultem® is one of the many high-performance polymers in which Performance Plastics specializes.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected].

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Ultem® Use in Aerospace Applications

June 1, 2022  |  , , ,

Ultem PEI Polyetherimide thermoplastic component

Ultem Polyetherimide is a material widely used in the aerospace industry.  It is often applied to aircraft components for weight reduction in place of metal parts.  Additionally, since it has a high thermal resistance rating, polymer components have the benefit of evading radar detection in military aircraft.

ULTEM is among the few resins approved for use in the aerospace sector. It outperforms comparable thermoplastics when it comes to resisting creep and does not degrade under repeated mechanical stress. It also holds up well when brought into contact with various fuels, coolants, and lubricants. Its flame-resistance ensures that it meets FAA regulations for flammability.

ULTEM has one of the highest dielectric strengths of any thermoplastic material. It works very efficiently as an electrical insulator. ULTEM also has one of the lowest rates of thermal conductivity, allowing parts machined from ULTEM to act as thermal insulators. ULTEM offers excellent long-term heat resistance with its mechanical and physical properties remaining stable at elevated temperatures.  It is also flame resistant with extremely low smoke generation. ULTEM is FDA and NSF approved for both food and medical contact resistance act and therefore is an excellent choice for aircraft galley equipment such as ovens, microwaves and hot or cold beverage dispensing systems.

Ultem is now widely used in:

  • Personal Service Units
  • Oxygen Panels
  • Ventilation Systems
  • Connectors
  • Cable Ducts
  • Latches
  • Hinges
  • Food Tray Containers
  • Door Handles
  • Interior Cladding Parts

Ultem offers exceptional balance of flame retardancy, low smoke emission and low smoke toxicity making it an excellent candidate for aerospace and aircraft applications.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. Ultem® is an amorphous material, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Ultem®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enable us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and reinforced compounds.

Ultem® is one of the many high-performance polymers in which Performance Plastics specializes.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected]

 

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Ultem® Use in Medical Applications

April 20, 2022  |  , , , ,

Ultem Polyetherimide is a material widely used in the medical industry.  It is a highly sought-after thermoplastic for its weight saving characteristics and for its use in reusable autoclave sterilization components.  Thermoplastic resins become more pliable at warmer temperatures which combined with strength characteristics, thinner walls and larger inner diameters make it a great option for medical tubing such as medical devices.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes dominate the catheter market and are used in some diagnostic and guiding designs. Extruded thermoplastic or thermoset materials are often used in cardiology or interventional radiology.   Polyamides and polyamide block copolymers dominate the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty catheter market. They are the polymer of choice for balloon catheters and for stent delivery catheters.

 

Thermoplastic urethanes and polyether block amides are perhaps the most used thermoplastic elastomers in applications such as catheter tubing, balloons, wound dressings, surgical drapes, storage bags, strain reliefs and numerous other medical device applications.

Ultem is now widely used in:

  • Structural Medical Components
  • In Vitro Diagnostics
  • Medical Respiratory Devices
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Radiation Therapy Systems

Ultem has exceptional dimensional stability and machinability which makes it suitable for intricate medical devices. It can be molded with different materials like glass fibers, minerals, carbon fibers, etc. to enhance the mechanical strength of the products.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. Ultem® is an amorphous material, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Ultem®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enable us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and reinforced compounds.

Ultem® is one of the many high-performance polymers in which Performance Plastics specializes.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected]

 

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Why use Ultem® in your Applications

April 6, 2022  |  , ,
Ultem PEI Polyethermide thermoplastic component

Ultem PEI Polyetherimide thermoplastic component

Ultem Polyetherimide is a material widely used in the aerospace industry.  It is a material with high thermal resistance, high dielectric strength and excellent durability.  Since it has a high thermal resistance rating, components have the benefit of evading radar detection. It is often used in military aircraft components for weight reduction in place of metal parts.

High performance thermoplastic materials such as Ultem are in increasing demand in industrial manufacturing applications.  As a lightweight alternative to metal, it is increasingly being utilized in automotive, medical and semiconductor applications.

Ultem is now widely used in:

 

 

  • Medical instrument components
  • Medical devices
  • Manifolds
  • Electro-hydraulic control valves
  • Semiconductor components

Ultem has exceptional heat resistance, performing continuously to 340° F.  It is hydrolysis resistant, extremely resistant to acidic solutions, and can easily tolerate repeated sterilizations for reusable devices.  It is also used in semiconductor components because of its arc resistance, and is well suited for applications that require deposition, removal, patterning, and modification of electrical properties.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. Ultem® is an amorphous material, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Ultem®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enable us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and reinforced compounds.

Ultem® is one of the many high-performance polymers in which Performance Plastics specializes.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected]

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Metal to Plastic Conversion for Medical Applications

February 3, 2022  |  , , , , , , ,

With the population aging and improving technology, medical device designers are being asked to increase performance and longevity of devices as well as decrease costs.  One of the most effective methods of achieving both these goals is a metal-to-plastic conversion.

Plastics can be used to replace even the most sophisticated medical device by incorporating simple design modifications.  High performance polymers offer the same strength and rigidity as some metals along with some additional advantages.

Advantages of the medical resins include:

  • Reduced Device Weight
  • Increased Design Freedom – Moldability of all Features
  • Improved Functional Aesthetics
  • Reduced Sterilization Burden
  • Improved MRI Compatibility

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics.  Ultem® PEI and Peek are premium medical grade resins that are ideal for the manufacturing of medical parts and components.  Medical grade resins provide excellent mechanical properties and are highly resistant to chemicals and thermal degradation, making them highly desirable materials for plastic injection molded products within the medical industry.

At Performance Plastics, we utilize a unique combination of extensive material knowledge, mold flow analysis, a design system and process expertise to eliminate or minimize the need for secondary operations. Our expertise in process control allows us to effectively injection mold medical resins into parts with extremely tight tolerances. This gives us the ability to provide an injection molded part made from the highest strength and stiffness of any medical resin.

PEI is one of the many high performance polymers Performance Plastics specializes.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected].

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Ultem – A Powerhouse Polymer

March 24, 2021  |  , , , , ,

Ultem PEI Polyethermide thermoplastic component

When trying to choose the correct polymer for your application, understanding the materials can help you make your decision.  For parts that require superior strength and durability, Ultem® is often a great choice.

 Ultem® is a semi-transparent high strength plastic material that can operate in high service temperature environments.  It is the ideal choice for demanding, high heat applications and can withstand continuous operating temperatures of 340 degrees F while maintaining strength and rigidity.

 Ultem® is a member of the PEI (polyetherimide) family of thermoplastic resins. It provides a unique balance of mechanical properties and processability that gives engineers superior flexibility and freedom in design. Ultem is available in a variety of grades that provide enhanced chemical, heat, and elasticity benefits. It also features high tensile strength, stiffness, strength to weight ratio and dimensional stability.

Ultem® is the high-performance polyetherimide material of choice for many aerospace, aircraft, medical and pharmaceutical applications, including medical components. It offers exceptional mechanical properties and exhibits natural flame resistance and extremely low smoke generation.

  • Heat, solvent and flame resistant
  • High dielectric strength and stability
  • Excellent mechanical properties
  • Rigid and strong
  • Exceptional resistance to environmental forces

Performance Plastics is highly skilled at designing and molding using high performance materials such as Ultem®, Torlon®, PEEK, POM, and PPS.  We work with our customers to solve technically challenging problems.   We can propose materials to implement part functionality in the design stage of development. We offer manufacturing solutions such as a clean room, the ability to offer direct gating of fluoropolymers, high volume production, visual inspection and automated facilities.

For more information and solutions, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513-321-8404 or email [email protected]

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