PEI GF10

PEI GF10 is a 10% glass-fiber-reinforced polyetherimide that builds on the performance of the unfilled PEI family with moderate reinforcement for applications requiring greater rigidity and reduced deformation under sustained load. The glass-fiber content raises tensile and flexural modulus compared to the unfilled base grade, improving resistance to creep and deflection in mechanically demanding assemblies — without eliminating the machinability that makes PEI a practical precision-machining material. Ready Plastics stocks PEI GF10 sheet for structural components in aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial electronics applications.

The 10% fiber loading improves dimensional stability under load and reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion compared to unfilled PEI, supporting components that must maintain tight tolerances across temperature cycles in service. PEI GF10 retains the inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance of the polyetherimide backbone — flame resistance is a property of the base polymer, not an additive, so it carries through to all filled grades without any additional treatment. High-temperature performance is preserved; the glass transition temperature and service temperature ceiling of the polyetherimide matrix are essentially unchanged by the 10% fiber loading. The material is well suited for brackets, housings, circuit board support structures, and structural panels that operate under moderate mechanical loads at elevated temperatures.

Machining considerations. At 10% glass content, PEI GF10 remains among the more machinable glass-filled engineering plastics. Standard carbide tooling is recommended over high-speed steel because the abrasive glass fibers accelerate edge wear. Sharp tooling, moderate cutting speeds, and controlled chip clearance produce smooth finishes and accurate tolerances on precision parts. Tool life is shorter than for unfilled PEI but significantly better than for higher-content grades such as GF20 or GF30, making GF10 a practical choice when reinforcement is needed but machining efficiency must remain high. Consult the datasheet for specific feed rate and speed recommendations.

Grade selection within the PEI family. When unfilled PEI provides sufficient stiffness, it is the preferred grade for maximum toughness, machinability, and electrical performance. For cleanroom-sensitive environments, see PEI CRS. When GF10 reinforcement is insufficient for the structural requirement, PEI GF20 (20% fiber) offers higher modulus, and PEI GF30 (30% fiber) delivers maximum stiffness and dimensional stability for the most demanding structural applications.