Know the main differences between PEEK and ULTEM

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The PEI (polyetherimide) material is also known in the market for the ULTEM ™ nomenclature, which is a registered trademark by the company Sabic Innovative Plastics. This material is an amorphous polymer used in applications that require flame retardancy, good chemical resistance and high temperature resistance.

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a thermoplastic that belongs to the PAEK family and has recently been used in the industrial market. PEEK has its origin in the 1980s when it was created in England by the company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). The material is one of the best in the market for high performance applications, due to its properties of high mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance.

This way, PEEK and ULTEM® (PEI filament) are quite similar as both are high performance material, but have their differences:

  • Cost: ULTEM® is usually more cost effective than PEEK
  • Impact resistance: PEI has less impact resistance than PEEK
  • Tensile strength: PEEK has higher tensile strength than PEI
  • Temperature resistance: PEEK is more resistant to temperature than PEI.

Also check out some of the industry areas in which PEEK and ULTEM® have an important application:

  • Aerospace, Automotive and Military Industry: The parts printed in PEEK and ULTEM are light, but strong and resistant. In addition to being functional, saving time and financial resources.
  • Oil and Gas Industry: companies in the industry can use PEEK for 3D printing of air valves and other parts with their properties of high chemical resistance and impermeability.
  • Electro-Electronic / Semiconductor Industry: With the electrical integrity of PEEK, it is possible to print flexible circuit boards in 3D, as well as wire and cable insulation.