PAI Sheet — Thicknesses, Sizes & Stock Forms
PAI sheet is flat stock produced from polyamide-imide (PAI), a high-performance thermoplastic engineered for extreme temperature resistance, strength, and precision. PAI sheet is used in applications where service temperatures exceed 250 °C (482 °F) and where dimensional stability, wear resistance, and structural integrity must be maintained simultaneously — requirements that rule out most other engineering plastics.
At a glance:
- Thickness range: thin sheet and standard plate thicknesses available; see datasheet for full size list
- Standard sheet sizes: selected standard sizes available
- Material: Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
- Color: Amber/tan (natural)
- Continuous service temperature exceeds 250 °C / 482 °F
- Outstanding dimensional stability and low thermal expansion
Standard Thickness Table
PAI sheet is available in selected thicknesses. As a specialty high-performance material, PAI sheet is typically stocked in a narrower range than commodity engineering plastics:
| Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1/8" (0.125") | Precision flat parts, thin insulators |
| 1/4" (0.250") | Structural flat components |
| 1/2" (0.500") | Heavier machined sections |
| 3/4" (0.750") | Thicker structural applications |
| 1" (1.000") | Block thickness, tooling blanks |
Consult Ready Plastics for current thickness and sheet size availability. Cut-to-size is available on request.
Properties
PAI sheet delivers high-temperature performance that standard engineering plastics cannot match:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous service temperature | >250 °C / >482 °F |
| Wear resistance | Outstanding |
| Thermal expansion | Low |
| Dimensional stability | Strong — suitable for precision flat components |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent in most industrial and process environments |
Consult the Ready Plastics PAI datasheet or contact our technical team for grade-specific numeric property tables.
Typical Applications
PAI sheet is fabricated into flat components for the most thermally and mechanically demanding environments:
- Semiconductor process equipment components — dimensional stability and chemical resistance for wafer handling and test fixtures
- Aerospace structural panels and bulkheads — maintains load-bearing capacity at elevated temperatures
- High-temperature electrical insulators — excellent dielectric performance at temperatures other plastics cannot sustain
- Precision tooling and fixture plates — stable geometry across wide temperature swings in test and production environments
- Pump body sections and valve blanks — strength and chemical resistance for high-temperature fluid-handling systems
- Research and laboratory apparatus components — flat, stable stock for precision scientific equipment
Machining PAI Sheet
PAI sheet requires sharp carbide tooling and careful machining practices. The material is dense and abrasive compared to standard thermoplastics. Use fine feed rates, moderate speeds, and light depth-of-cut passes to maintain surface quality and avoid heat buildup. For precision flat dimensions, surface grinding is the preferred finishing method. Apply dust extraction and respiratory protection when machining PAI — the abrasive particles generated require proper engineering controls.