PAI Tube — IDs, ODs, Wall Thicknesses & Lengths
PAI tube is hollow cylindrical stock produced from polyamide-imide (PAI), offering the extreme temperature resistance, strength, and dimensional precision of PAI in a pre-formed tubular shape. PAI tube is used in aerospace, semiconductor, and high-performance industrial applications where hollow components must maintain tight dimensional tolerances and structural integrity at sustained service temperatures above 250 °C (482 °F).
At a glance:
- Standard OD range: selected OD/ID combinations available
- Wall thicknesses: standard wall options; consult Ready Plastics for current inventory
- Standard lengths: standard cut lengths available
- Material: Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
- Color: Amber/tan (natural)
- Continuous service temperature exceeds 250 °C / 482 °F
Standard Size Table
PAI tube is available in selected OD/ID configurations. Because PAI is a specialty high-performance material, tube stock is focused on the most commonly needed configurations for aerospace and semiconductor applications:
| OD | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1.0" | Small-bore bushings, guide sleeves |
| 1.5" | Medium bore precision components |
| 2.0" | Larger bore applications |
| 3.0" | Heavy-section annular parts |
Contact Ready Plastics to confirm current OD/ID availability and request non-standard wall configurations.
Properties
PAI tube maintains the high-performance property profile of the PAI family:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous service temperature | >250 °C / >482 °F |
| Wear resistance | Outstanding |
| Dimensional stability | Strong — stable bore dimensions at elevated temperatures |
| Low thermal expansion | Yes — critical for maintaining bearing clearances |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent in most process environments |
Consult the Ready Plastics PAI datasheet or contact our technical team for grade-specific numeric property tables.
Typical Applications
PAI tube stock supports precision hollow components in extreme operating environments:
- High-temperature bushings and bearing sleeves — maintains bore clearance at operating temperatures where acetal and PEEK degrade
- Semiconductor wafer transport components — dimensional stability and chemical compatibility in process environments
- Aerospace actuator and guide tube components — strength and geometry retention at elevated structural temperatures
- Precision bearing cages — low thermal expansion maintains cage geometry across temperature cycles
- High-temperature pump sleeves — wear resistance in hot fluid-handling applications
- Test and metrology fixtures — stable hollow components for precision measurement instruments
Machining PAI Tube
PAI tube requires precision CNC turning with sharp carbide tooling. The pre-formed bore reduces material removal compared to starting from solid rod. Use low feed rates and controlled cutting speeds to avoid heat buildup at the cutting edge. For critical-tolerance bore dimensions, grinding or honing provides the best surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Apply proper dust extraction — PAI machining generates fine, abrasive particles that require engineering controls and respiratory protection.