ULTEM 3D Printing Service
Get instant online quotes on custom ULTEM 3D printed parts. Free shipping on all US orders. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485 and AS9100D certified.
About ULTEM 3D Printing
ULTEM is the trade name for a class of PEI (polyetherimide) thermoplastics that has exceptional properties which even approach the performance of some advanced thermoset polymers. ULTEM plastic exhibits excellent temperature, flame, and chemical resistance without sacrificing its mechanical strength. It is by far the strongest plastic available for FDM 3D printing and some of its grades are also biocompatible, making it a common choice in the medical industry.
When it comes to printing high-performance parts using FDM technology, ULTEM stands in a class of its own. This material has excellent mechanical, thermal, and insulating properties which makes it ideal for high-performance applications in the automotive, aerospace, and medical fields.
FDM ULTEM 1010
This grade of ULTEM has excellent thermal resistance, allowing it to be used in steam autoclaves without breaking down. If the parts need to come into contact with food, a certified grade (NSF/ANSI 51) is available to ensure compliance. Due to the above-mentioned properties, ULTEM 1010 is used extensively in the automotive, food, medical, and aerospace industries. Applications include jigs and surgical guides that need to withstand periods in a steam autoclave.
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Flexural Strength (MPa) | Heat Deflection Temperature (℃) | Glass Transition (℃) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength (MPa) 64 | Elongation at Break (%) 3.3 | Flexural Strength (MPa) 144 | Heat Deflection Temperature (℃) 216 | Glass Transition (℃) 215 |
FDM ULTEM 9085
This grade of ULTEM is specifically formulated to be fire retardant in accordance with UL 94 VO and has an excellent FST (fire, smoke and toxicity) rating. In addition to this, ULTEM 9085 has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Typical applications can include functional prototypes and composite molds.
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Flexural Strength (MPa) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Impact Strength Notched (J/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength (MPa) 69.2 | Elongation at Break (%) 5.4 | Flexural Strength (MPa) 104 | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) 176.9 | Impact Strength Notched (J/m) 88.5 |
Finishes
3D printing in ULTEM using FDM technology does not lend itself to many surface-finishing options. However, ULTEM is available in black, tan, or translucent amber. In addition to this, some basic surface finishes are listed below.
Standard: Support structures are removed and some light sanding is performed at the support locations. It must be understood that in general, FDM parts will clearly visible surface layers. If a completely smooth part is required right off the machine, clients should consider other 3D printing technologies instead.
Custom: Custom surface finishes like painting and additional sanding can be requested.
Cost-saving Design Tips
DFM: FDM 3D printing in ULTEM requires special considerations when designing parts. FDM machines construct parts from the bottom up, so any large overhangs will require support. Large internal cavities are not ideal as their support structures cannot be removed. This can, however, be overcome with special soluble supports, though they add additional complexity to the design. 3D printing in ULTEM can result in parts that have superior strength in the z-axis when compared to other FDM plastics. Nevertheless, to gain the most benefit from the material, parts should not be designed to have loads applied perpendicular to the print layers.
Material Choice: ULTEM is an advanced thermoplastic that is well worth the cost when used in harsh applications. While both grades of ULTEM listed above have excellent mechanical properties, each has specific benefits, such as flame retardance for ULTEM 9085 and biocompatibility for ULTEM 1010. It is important to choose the right material for the job.
