Round Rod in PEI 1000 mm black

A round rod in PEI is the raw material when you turn bushings, cams, insulators or valve guides that have to take high temperatures without giving up mechanically. The material handles 170 degrees long term and copes with occasional temperature peaks considerably higher without permanent deformation. The fire rating is V0 without added flame retardants, which counts for a lot in aviation, rail and electronics enclosures where fire regulations are strict.

The rods have the amber yellow tone typical of PEI. At heavier diameters the color darkens, at the thinner ones you see a faint transparency. The density is 1.27 g/cm³, the water absorption 0.5 percent. The material holds its dimensions well even in climate chambers and takes repeated autoclave cycles without cracking, hazing over or turning brittle. It is one of the few high temperature plastics where sterilizability is a standard commercial property.

The mechanical properties are high for a thermoplastic without fiber reinforcement. The tensile strength sits at a little over 100 MPa, the modulus is high, and the material is surprisingly impact resistant compared with other V0 rated engineering plastics. It is also an excellent electrical insulator with low dielectric loss, which makes it relevant for coil formers, connector housings, circuit board supports and switchgear components.

Chemically PEI handles hydraulic fluids, fuels, motor oils, weak acids and alcohol. It is sensitive to strongly alkaline solutions and certain chlorinated solvents, so avoid those in operation and in cleaning. The material can show stress cracking if acetone or MEK is combined with mechanical load, so keep cleaning gentle.

Typical parts out of PEI round rod are plain bushings in hot running pumps, insulators in electronic enclosures, valve guides in hydraulics that run hot, fixtures for wave soldering and suction cleaning, instrument holders in medical technology that are autoclaved, cams and guides in semiconductor equipment and structural supports in the engine compartment of automotive electronics.

Machining works well with standard tools for metal. Use a sharp carbide insert, moderate feed, and cool well so the surface layer does not heat up. Bring the rod up to room temperature before machining if the material came in cold, that lowers the risk of surface stresses and micro cracks.

If you need more strength or stiffness, PEI GF30 and PEI GF50 (glass fiber reinforced) are in the range. If the application is less critical, PEI Eco is a more economical alternative. Get in touch with a drawing or a short description of the part, and we will help you pick the right grade and diameter. This product, PEI 1000 mm black, has a 1000 mm diameter, which decides the spaces it fits into.