Ultem PEI Specifications — Sheet, Rod & Tube Sizes
Ultem (polyetherimide, PEI) is available in three stock forms—sheet, rod, and tube—in grades Ultem 1000 (unfilled) and Ultem 2300 (30% glass-filled), with Ultem 2200 and CF grades available in select configurations. This page covers standard stock sizes, dimensional tolerances, applicable standards, and the grade-and-form combinations most reliably stocked for prompt delivery. If you need a size or grade outside the standard range, contact us for custom cut options.
At a glance:
- Sheet: 12" × 24" through 24" × 48"; thicknesses 0.062"–2.000"
- Rod: 1/4" through 6" diameter; standard lengths 4 ft and 6 ft
- Tube: Select OD/ID combinations stocked; custom bore available via machining
- Colors: natural amber (all grades), black (select grades)
- Primary grades stocked: Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300
- Relevant standards: ASTM D5205 (PEI sheet and rod), ASTM D638 (tensile test method)
Sheet Specifications
Standard Sheet Sizes
Ultem sheet is extruded or compression-molded into flat stock. The most common stocked configurations are listed below. Not every grade is available in every size; Ultem 1000 natural amber is the broadest stock offering, followed by Ultem 2300.
| Sheet Size | Typical Thickness Range | Grades Available |
|---|---|---|
| 12" × 24" | 0.062"–1.000" | Ultem 1000 (natural, black), Ultem 2300 |
| 24" × 24" | 0.125"–1.500" | Ultem 1000 (natural) |
| 24" × 48" | 0.125"–2.000" | Ultem 1000 (natural), Ultem 2300 |
| 48" × 48" | 0.250"–2.000" | Ultem 1000 (natural); confirm availability |
Standard thickness increments (Ultem 1000): 0.062", 0.093", 0.125", 0.187", 0.250", 0.375", 0.500", 0.625", 0.750", 1.000", 1.250", 1.500", 2.000"
Sheet Dimensional Tolerances
Tolerances on extruded or compression-molded Ultem sheet conform to ASTM D5205 and standard plastic distribution tolerances. Typical values:
Ultem sheet can bow during storage if improperly stacked or stored vertically without support across the full length. Always store flat on a level surface. Warped sheet should be annealed before precision machining—see the machining guide for protocol.
Cut-to-Size Options
Standard sheets are available saw-cut to customer-specified dimensions from full sheet stock. Tolerances on saw-cut pieces are typically ± 1/16" on each dimension. For tighter-tolerance blanks, CNC water-jet or router cutting is available—confirm capabilities with your distributor.
Rod Specifications
Standard Rod Diameters
Ultem rod is extruded in continuous lengths and cut to customer-specified lengths. Natural amber Ultem 1000 is the primary stocked grade; Ultem 2300 rod is available in a subset of diameters.
| Diameter (inches) | Grades Available | Standard Lengths |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (0.250") | Ultem 1000 | 4 ft, 6 ft |
| 3/8" (0.375") | Ultem 1000 | 4 ft, 6 ft |
| 1/2" (0.500") | Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300 | 4 ft, 6 ft |
| 3/4" (0.750") | Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300 | 4 ft, 6 ft |
| 1" (1.000") | Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300 | 4 ft, 6 ft |
| 1-1/2" (1.500") | Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300 | 4 ft |
| 2" (2.000") | Ultem 1000, Ultem 2300 | 4 ft |
| 2-1/2" (2.500") | Ultem 1000 | 2 ft, 4 ft |
| 3" (3.000") | Ultem 1000 | 2 ft, 4 ft |
| 4" (4.000") | Ultem 1000 | 2 ft |
| 5" (5.000") | Ultem 1000 | 2 ft; confirm lead time |
| 6" (6.000") | Ultem 1000 | 2 ft; confirm lead time |
Rod Dimensional Tolerances
Core Void (Centerline Porosity)
Large-diameter extruded Ultem rod—generally diameters above 3"—may exhibit reduced density or void in the centerline region, a common artifact of the extrusion cooling process for amorphous polymers. For parts requiring full cross-sectional integrity at diameters above 3", consider: (1) starting stock oversize and boring the core, (2) requesting compression-molded (puck) stock rather than extruded rod, or (3) using sheet laminate for the application. Discuss with your distributor before designing tight-tolerance parts from large-diameter rod.
Tube Specifications
Ultem tube is stocked in a more limited range than sheet or rod. Common stocked dimensions:
| OD (inches) | Wall Thickness | ID (approx.) | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 1/16" | 0.375" | Ultem 1000 |
| 1" | 1/8" | 0.750" | Ultem 1000 |
| 2" | 1/4" | 1.500" | Ultem 1000 |
| 3" | 1/4" | 2.500" | Ultem 1000 |
For non-stocked ID/OD combinations, tube can be produced by boring rod to the required inside diameter. This is frequently more economical than sourcing extruded tube at non-standard dimensions, and it allows tighter bore tolerances than extruded tube typically provides.
Tube Tolerances
OD tolerance on extruded tube follows the same convention as rod (± 0.015" for OD ≤ 2"). ID tolerances on extruded tube are wider—typically ± 0.031"—compared to bored rod (achievable to ± 0.003" or tighter depending on setup). For precision bore fits, always specify bored-from-rod rather than extruded tube.
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM D5205 | Standard specification for polyetherimide (PEI) sheet and rod |
| ASTM D638 | Tensile property test method for plastics |
| ASTM D790 | Flexural property test method |
| ASTM D256 | Notched Izod impact test |
| ASTM D570 | Water absorption test |
| UL94 V-0 | UL flammability classification |
| FAR 25.853 | FAA aircraft interior flammability (Appendix F, Part I) |
| ASTM E662 | NBS smoke density |
| FDA 21 CFR 177.1595 | Compliance for food-contact PEI (Ultem 1000) |
| USP Class VI | Biocompatibility (Ultem 1000) |
When ordering Ultem for regulated applications (aerospace, medical, food contact), request a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) and the SABIC material datasheet for the specific lot. Traceability documentation is required for FAA Part 21 and FDA quality system applications.
Color and Grade Availability Matrix
| Grade | Natural Amber | Black |
|---|---|---|
| Ultem 1000 | Full size range | Select sizes; confirm |
| Ultem 2300 | Full size range (sheet, rod) | Limited; confirm |
| Ultem 2200 | Limited; confirm | Not standard |
| Ultem CF | Not available | Standard (rod primarily) |
Black Ultem uses a carbon-black colorant and otherwise has identical polymer properties to the natural amber grade. If your application is downstream of a flammability test that references coupon color, confirm test coupon color with your test house—most FAR 25.853 tests are color-agnostic for Ultem.
For help selecting the right grade and size for your part requirements, visit the grades guide or review machining considerations for starting stock selection.
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