PEI processing conditions

Generic Class

PE2 (Polyetherimide)

Typical Applications

Automotive (engine components: temperature sensors, fuel and air handling devices), electrical/electronics (connector materials, printed circuit boards, circuit chip carriers, explosion proof boxes), packaging applications, aircraft (interior materials), medical (surgical staplers, tool housings, non implant devices)

Injection molding processing information

Drying

PEI absorbs moisture and can cause material degradation. Moisture content should be less than 0.02%. Suggested drying conditions are 150 C (302 F) for 4 hours in a desiccant dryer (6 hours for reinforced and blended grades)

Melt Temperature 

340 - 440 C (644 - 824 F) unreinforced grades
340 - 415 C (644 - 780 F) reinforced grades 

Mold Temperature

70 - 175 C (158 - 347 F); Aim: 140 C

Material Injection Pressure

70 - 150 MPa Typical

Injection Speed

As high as possible

Chemical and Physical Properties

PEIs are amorphous materials whose chemical structure consists of repeating aromatic imide and ether units. This accounts for its high temperature resistance. It also leads to high stiffness, and modifiers are used to make the material processible. PEIs are very stiff and strong even without reinforcements. They have excellent thermal stability making it possible to use them in high temperature applications. They have good flame and chemical resistance and good electrical insulation properties. The glass transition temperature is high (215 C / 419 F). It exhibits low shrinkage and highly isotropic mechanical properties.