Sheet in PEI 1219x305x6 mm amber

Sheet in PEI is a high performance engineering plastic that carries load at temperatures where most engineering plastics give up. The material handles 170 degrees continuously and loses no measurable mechanical performance up to that limit. It is V0 rated without added flame retardants and gives off very little smoke in a fire, which makes it relevant for aircraft, trains and electronics enclosures where fire requirements are strict.

The sheets have their characteristic amber yellow transparency. In thicker dimensions the color deepens toward a darker yellow brown. Density is 1.27 g/cm³, water absorption is low at 0.5 percent, and the material holds its dimensions well even when air humidity varies. It is one of few high temperature materials that takes repeated sterilization cycling in hot steam without cracking or hazing over.

Chemically, PEI stands up to most hydraulic fluids, fuels, alcohols and weak acids. It reacts with strong bases and certain chlorinated solvents, so do not use the material in strongly alkaline baths. The material also has very good electrical insulation and low dielectric loss, which makes it useful for coil formers, circuit board holders and insulators in electronic equipment.

Typical parts made from PEI sheet are valve plates and cams in pumps, insulator holders, fixtures for soldering and wave soldering, trays in medical technology that are sterilized, carriers in semiconductor processes, and structural parts in cabinet builds where fire class V0 is required. The material is also used for optical windows in IR instruments, since it transmits in parts of the IR spectrum.

Machining works well with ordinary metalworking tools, but go carefully on the feed and make sure the cutting edge is sharp, otherwise you risk cracking from heat stress. PEI is sensitive to stress cracking if the material meets aggressive solvents combined with mechanical stress, so avoid acetone, MEK and similar when cleaning finished parts.

If you need even higher mechanical performance, PEI GF30 (glass fiber reinforced) and PEI GF50 are in the range, and for the big flow in 3D printing, PEI 9085 comes as filament. If you need a more economical grade for less critical parts, PEI Eco is worth a look. Get in touch if you are unsure which grade suits the application.

Narrow strip, 1219x305 mm and 6 mm thick, in amber colored PEI for thin insulators and washers. The format suits long narrow cut out parts.