If you’re into 3D printing, we’ve got something exciting to talk about today – Thermax PEI filament made from Ultem™ 1010. While you might wonder what’s so special about it, trust us, there’s a lot to be excited about. So, let’s dive into the world of this high-performance polymer, commonly known as polyetherimide, and understand why it’s making waves in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical.
What Is Thermax PEI?
Thermax PEI is an incredible 3D printing filament that’s been creating quite a buzz. It’s crafted from the same resin as Sabic’s Ultem™ 1010 but comes with a twist – it’s proudly extruded right here in the USA. This high-performance polymer is designed to conquer extreme environmental challenges, from scorching heat to harsh chemicals and even flames. Whether you’re working on aerospace components, automotive parts, or medical devices, this filament is up for the task.
What’s Inside the Box?
When you order Thermax PEI filament from VisionMinder.com, you’re in for a treat. It arrives well-packaged and ready for action. The quality and standards of this filament are top-notch, ensuring a smooth experience right from the start. The “Made in the USA” label only adds to its appeal.
Where Can You Use Thermax PEI?
The versatility of Thermax PEI is truly impressive. In the food and beverage industry, it’s perfect for crafting microwavable tableware and durable Tupperware. Even after enduring over a thousand cycles in an industrial washing machine with detergents, it maintains its properties. In the medical field, it’s a reliable choice for various applications, including tools, medical device enclosures, testing parts, and testing machines. The key is its ability to withstand various sterilization methods.
Equipment You Need
Before you dive into 3D printing with Thermax PEI, make sure you have the right equipment. Your nozzle should be capable of reaching temperatures between 370 to 390°C, and in some cases, even up to 400°C. The bed temperature should range from 120 to 160°C or higher to ensure proper adhesion. A heated chamber is essential, with temperatures ranging from 70°C at the lower end up to 180°C or even higher. This filament has a tendency to warp and curl, making a heated chamber crucial for success. Also, remember that proper drying is a must before processing. VisionMinder.com has an entire kit available, including a vacuum chamber and ovens, to make the drying process hassle-free.
Material Specifications
Ultem™ 1010, the foundation of Thermax PEI, is an amorphous material. This means it doesn’t form a crystalline structure when it cools down. This characteristic makes it ideal for annealing, a process that enhances part strength. With a heat deflection temperature of around 217°C, it can handle applications in high-temperature environments without losing its mechanical properties. The glass transition temperature also sits at 217°C, while the actual melting point is around 337°C. Keep in mind that it extrudes at even higher temperatures, so ensure your 3D printer is capable of handling the heat.
Strength Specifications
Tensile strength for this filament is approximately 56 MPa, according to the ISO 527 standard. However, don’t confuse this with the 2800 MPa mentioned in the ASTM D638 standard. The way you design your part and the orientation in which it’s printed have a significant impact on its strength. You’ll always experience a certain percentage of strength loss in the z-axis, depending on the part’s orientation. For more detailed data on tensile modulus, elongation, impact strength, and other specifications, you can find data sheets on VisionMinder.com.
Environmental and Chemical Resistance
Thermax PEI has impressive resistance to environmental factors. It’s stable under UV-heavy conditions, making it suitable for outdoor applications that endure years in the sun. When it comes to water exposure, this filament won’t absorb much moisture and doesn’t break down. It’s an excellent choice for applications involving alcohols, acetone, chlorine, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and more. However, it’s important to note that it won’t work with certain chemicals like toluene, benzene, and xylene. If you’re dealing with these substances, check out other materials available on VisionMinder.com.
Electrical Properties
Thermax PEI is an insulative material with a dielectric constant of 2.67 and a dissipation factor of 0.001. It’s compatible with UL file 7573, certifying it as a safe insulator for components up to 600 volts. In essence, it’s a fantastic insulator for your 3D printed components.
Bio Compatibility and Sterilization
For applications in the medical field or food industry, it’s essential to consider bio compatibility and sterilization. The certified grade of Thermax PEI is biocompatible and approved for food contact. It complies with NSF51 food contact safety standards, approved by the FDA and EU food compliance guidelines. Moreover, it holds ISO 10993 and USP Class 6 certifications for contact with the human body, and it can even be implanted when required. If you need the certified grade for your project, just let us know.
Sterilization Methods
This filament offers flexibility when it comes to sterilization. Whether you prefer steam, ethylene oxide (ETO) gas, gamma radiation, autoclaving, or dry heat, Thermax PEI can handle it all.
Real-World Applications
To get a feel for what you can achieve with Thermax PEI, consider some example parts. From electronic enclosures and jig fixtures to housing and pipe fittings, this filament has been used across a wide range of industries. While many of these parts remain confidential under non-disclosure agreements, they mainly serve in the fields of science, technology, and manufacturing. For more insights, stay tuned for an upcoming video that will demonstrate how Thermax PEI performs in various printing orientations.
Testing Its Strength
Now, you might wonder how strong Thermax PEI truly is. To answer that, let’s put it to the test. We have some sample bars that you can request for testing in your specific environment. In our experiment, we’ll break one of these bars and then subject it to a controlled flame. Safety is paramount, so we’ve taken all precautions. Always wear safety glasses when working with this brittle filament.
Breaking the Sample Bar
We’ve secured the sample bar in a vise, and now it’s time to put some pressure on it. Keep in mind that this filament is relatively brittle and tends to shatter rather than bend. Let’s see how it holds up.
Flame Test
Surprisingly, when we expose the filament to an open flame, it doesn’t catch fire. In fact, it extinguishes itself, and there’s minimal fuming. This is thanks to its UL 94 V0 rating, signifying that it doesn’t ignite easily, has low off-gassing, and doesn’t drip. It’s a safe choice for applications where fire safety is a concern.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of Thermax PEI filament, remember that you can find this impressive material, along with a variety of other high-temperature performance filaments and equipment, on VisionMinder.com. Our mission is to provide you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions for your 3D printing projects. Whether you’re an industry professional or a passionate hobbyist, the possibilities with Thermax PEI are endless.
For more in-depth comparisons and a wide range of materials and 3D printing solutions, stay tuned for our upcoming videos. Your feedback and questions are always welcome, so feel free to reach out in the comments below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel to stay updated with the latest developments in the world of 3D printing.
Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to assisting you on your 3D printing journey. Have a fantastic day!