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- Inherently flame resistant
- UV stable; can withstand some gamma radiation depending on grade
- Excellent electrical insulation properties
- Great performance at elevated temperatures
- High tensile strength and stiffness
- Highly resistant to most chemical types
- Sterilizable
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Biocompatible & FDA compliant
- Versatile & easily manufactured
- Takes polishing processes well
ULTEM is another type of high-performance, "powerhouse plastic" material made from a family of thermoplastic materials known as polytherimides (PEI). Their unique structure by combining bisphenol-A and assorted anhydrides gives this family its exceptional qualities including strength, dimensional stability, and stiffness.
ULTEM features a high level of chemical and temperature resistance as well as having flame retardant and USP Class Vl rating options. Designers consider ULTEM ideal for diagnostics, medical devices, electronics, and other applications that demand durability despite extreme environments. ULTEM is one of the most commonly selected material for diffusion bonded multilayer manifold applications due to its many advantages.
ULTEM has excellent heat and flame resistance, performing continuously to 171°C (340°F) before becoming compromised. Sometimes, that temperature can max out at 217°C (423°F) before reaching glass transition temperature. Additionally, its dimensional stability when exposed to these high temperatures still keeps stable with minimal thermal expansion. That combined with having a high limiting oxygen index (LOI), it works to self-extinguish once removed from an ignition source.
When it comes to chemicals, the material is not only hydrolysis resistant but also highly resistant to acids, alcohols, and salts. These means that UTLEM can easily tolerate repeated sterilizations for reusable medical devices without concern for the plastic's integrity. It also can handle steam, gamma, and EtO sterilization methods for varying medical-based devices. For more information on ULTEM's chemical resistance, visit our chart here.
Electronic components often use ULTEM as it holds extensive insulating benefits. As it has good arc resistance, many choose to use ULTEM for other electrical applications that can stand the tests of the current. It is also well-suited to applications that require consistent dielectric properties over a wide range of frequencies.
Many machinists have reported the ease of machining that ULTEM has. Due to its innate stability and strength, it holds it shape throughout the entire manufacturing process, granted that the designs are sound. This also provides a level of flexibility as manufacturers can process the material through extrusion, injection molding, or thermoforming depending on the end product.
ULTEM is also recyclable, depending on regional and local guidelines. Knowing that this can be part of future efforts towards sustainability makes this material that much more readily used in other applications.
When it comes to different varieties, Controlled Fluidics uses several types of ULTEM, including:
- Ultem 1000 plate 0.100” – 3” thick
- Ultem 1000 rod up to 4’’ diameter
- Ultem 2300 rod up to 3” diameter
- Ultem 2300 plate 0.250” – 4” thick
When considering other materials, most designers elect ULTEM with this versatility as an added bonus. Most of these grades, though, can vary in terms of certain properties, i.e. heat resistance and chemical resistance. We strongly advise all designers to consider all the details that their end product will require in terms of use and how it needs care for longevity.
Because of the material's versatility, medical devices are not the only applications where designers choose it. Others include:
- Aircraft components
- Electronics
- Food processing equipment
- Automotive components
ULTEM POLISHING
Though dark amber in color, our machinists can polish ULTEM components via vapor polishing or optical machining. Optical machining will provide finishes below 1 micro-inch for optical applications, while vapor polishing will produce a surface finish of fewer than 12 micro-inches.
Our team can reduce ULTEM's light transmittance based on thickness. As a result, polishing of thicker blocks (>2’’) takes on a black-like appearance. Note that clear surfaces can be degraded by handling scratches.