PEI
also called ULTEM
Polyetherimide
13 products from 9 makers.
Beyond H2C capability. Kept for reference, never a candidate: it needs more heat than the H2C gives.
- Tensile modulus (XY)
- 2.25GPa
- 6 products · middle half 2.18–2.45
- Tensile strength (XY)
- 59MPa
- 8 products · middle half 55.8–84
- Tensile strength (Z)
- 35.3MPa
- one product
- Notched Charpy impact
- 11kJ/m²
- 2 products · 11
- HDT at 0.45 MPa
- 208°C
- 5 products · middle half 158–208
- Not published:
- price.
PEI / ULTEM is polyetherimide. Makers sell it for medical tools that withstand autoclave and gamma sterilisation, for electrostatic-discharge protection, and for aerospace and automotive parts. Its HDT at 0.45 MPa is 208 °C. On the H2C it is out of reach: most products ask for 370–380 °C at the nozzle, and more bed heat than the printer gives.
Partly documented Tensile strength (Z) rests on 1 product, notched Charpy impact on 2 products and price is not published. Each figure is the median of the products that publish it comparably, and beside it the middle half of them; a value on a test bar no document describes as printed, or with no stated test load, is set apart, except a heat deflection of a plastic that cannot crystallise, which its glass transition sets, unless its document points to a moulded or resin bar.
On the H2C
Printing in full- Nozzle
- 370–380 °C
- most products that give one
- Bed
- 130–160 °C
- most products that give one
- Heated chamber
- 90 °C
- both that give one; beyond the H2C's 65 °C
- Drying
- 100–150 °C, 4–8 h
- 7 of 13 products call for it; 1 more gives it as optional
- Nozzle type
- hardened for most
- one of 13 products' sheets asks for one; 1 says a standard nozzle is enough; the rest are silent
Beyond the H2C's limits (nozzle 350 °C, bed 120 °C, heated chamber 65 °C): nozzle for 8 products, bed for 7 products and chamber for 4 products.
Among the materials
Against PC, PEI / ULTEM is 13 % tougher in notched impact, and its HDT at 0.45 MPa is 85 °C higher. Against PA6/66, PEI / ULTEM's HDT at 0.45 MPa is 89 °C higher. Among the materials, PEI / ULTEM has a high tensile strength (Z), HDT at 0.45 MPa and density, and a low elongation at break (XY): each is in the top or bottom quarter of the materials that publish it. The rest of its key properties sit in the middle half.
Against its alternatives, PEI has the highest HDT at 0.45 MPa
How does it compare with what an engineer would buy instead?
- PEI: its products' median and middle half
- an alternative
- lowest to highest
- each material's median (top row)
- beyond the scale
Each row is a material, each column a property: the bar is the middle half of a material's products, the tick their median, the hairline their lowest to highest; the ticks above the rows are every material's median.
The figure as a table
| Material | Modulus (XY) (GPa) | Strength (XY) (MPa) | Strength (Z) (MPa) | Notched Charpy (kJ/m²) | HDT 0.45 MPa (°C) | Price (CAD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEI (this material) | 2.25 (2.18–2.45) · 6 | 59 (55.8–84) · 8 | 35.3 · 1 | 11 · 2 | 208 (158–208) · 5 | — |
| PVDF | 2.45 · 1 | 51 · 1 | — | — | 158 · 1 | 356 · 1 |
| PC | 2.15 (2.02–2.41) · 12 | 60 (54.2–65.3) · 15 | 46 (35.9–52.3) · 6 | 9.75 (6.65–14.3) · 4 | 123 (113–139) · 15 | 51 (45–67) · 5 |
| PA6/66 | 2.34 · 2 | 61 · 3 | 45.8 · 1 | 6.9 · 1 | 119 · 3 | 40 · 3 |
| PC-ABS | 1.84 (1.58–1.94) · 4 | 41.8 (39.9–43.5) · 6 | 26.4 · 2 | 40 · 3 | 112 (111–120) · 7 | 64 · 3 |
| PC FR | 2.15 · 2 | 63.5 · 2 | 33.5 · 2 | 10.1 · 2 | 112 · 2 | 70 · 1 |
PEI publishes no price.
Where PEI sits among the 128 rigid materials on file
Where is it in the landscape: stiffness against strength, heat resistance against price?
- PEI: median, middle half as a cross
- a PEI product
- an alternative
- another material
- beyond the scale
Tensile strength (XY) against tensile modulus (XY)
MPa, log scale
Tensile modulus (XY), GPa, log scale
Grey points are every other rigid material's medians; the alternatives are named.
The figure as a table
| Material | Tensile modulus (XY) | Tensile strength (XY) |
|---|---|---|
| PEI (this material) | 2.25 GPa · 6 | 59 MPa · 8 |
| PVDF | 2.45 GPa · 1 | 51 MPa · 1 |
| PC | 2.15 GPa · 12 | 60 MPa · 15 |
| PA6/66 | 2.34 GPa · 2 | 61 MPa · 3 |
| PC-ABS | 1.84 GPa · 4 | 41.8 MPa · 6 |
| PC FR | 2.15 GPa · 2 | 63.5 MPa · 2 |
Mechanical properties
Printed flat (XY), PEI / ULTEM typically reaches a tensile strength of 59 MPa at a modulus of 2.25 GPa, and breaks at 3 % elongation. In bending, its flexural strength is typically 110 MPa at a flexural modulus of 2.23 GPa.
PEI's products spread most in tensile strength: the middle half runs 55.8–84 MPa
How strong, stiff and tough are its products, and which stand out?
- a product
- set apart: test bar not described as printed, or no stated load
- middle half and median
- beyond the scale
One mark per product on each property's scale (zoomed where its products sit close together, as its label says); the band is the middle half of the products the median counts, and the line the median.
Hover or select a product to find it in every figure; its name opens its card on the Products page.
The figure as a table
| Property | In the median | Median | Middle half | Lowest in the median | Highest in the median | As published | Added filler or additive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (XY) (MPa) | 8 | 59 | 55.8–84 | 3DXTECH ThermaX PEI, 54 | Prusa Research Prusament PEI 1010 by Prusa Polymers, 95 | 3 | 0 |
| Tensile modulus (XY) (GPa) | 6 | 2.25 | 2.18–2.45 | 3DXTECH ThermaX PEI, 2.05 | 3DXTECH Ultem 1010 Model Material, 2.5 | 5 | 0 |
| Elongation at break (XY) (%) | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3DXTECH THERMAX PEI 1010, 3 | iSANMATE PEI 9085, 5.1 | 4 | 0 |
Every PEI product that publishes these values is drawn; each value, with its document and conditions, is on the Products page.
| Product | Tensile strength (Z) | Notched Charpy impact | Notched Izod impact | Shore D hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D4Makers 1010 | not published | not published | 5 kJ/m²not described as printed | not published |
| 3D4Makers 9085 | not published | 11 kJ/m² | 13 kJ/m²not described as printed | not published |
| Prusa Research Prusament PEI | not published | not published | not published | 83.5 Shore D |
| Stratasys ULTEM | 35.3 MPaZ (ZX) | not published | not published | not published |
| Fiberlogy PEI 9085 | not published | 10 kJ/m²not described as printed | 13 kJ/m²not described as printed | not published |
| Nanovia PEI Ultem 1010 | not published | not published | 5 kJ/m²not described as printed | not published |
| FormFutura PEI ULTEM | not published | 11 kJ/m² | 13 kJ/m²not described as printed | not published |
In grey, a value a product reads from a data sheet it shares, where its own sheet is silent.
Flat and across the layers, property by property
Flat and across the layers
| Property | Printed flat (XY) | Across the layers (Z) | Z as a share of XY | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median | Products | Median | Products | ||
| Tensile strength MPa | 5955.8–84 | 8 | 35.3 | 1 | — |
| Tensile modulus GPa | 2.252.18–2.45 | 6 | 3 | 1 | — |
| Elongation at break % | 33–3 | 5 | 1.1 | 1 | — |
| Flexural strength MPa | 11094.5–125 | 7 | — | — | |
| Flexural modulus GPa | 2.232.17–2.45 | 6 | — | — | |
The middle half of the products under each median. The share is each product's Z value as a part of its XY value, from one sheet and one state, and the median of those shares. How XY and Z differ.
Thermal properties
PEI / ULTEM's HDT is typically 208 °C under 0.45 MPa and 175–215 °C under 1.8 MPa, with its glass transition typically at 186 °C. As published, Vicat softening is typically 173 °C.
Most PEI products deflect at 158–208 °C under 0.45 MPa
Where do its products soften under load?
- a product
- set apart: test bar not described as printed, or no stated load
- middle half and median
The figure as a table
| Property | In the median | Median | Middle half | Lowest in the median | Highest in the median | As published | Added filler or additive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDT at 0.45 MPa (°C) | 5 | 208 | 158–208 | 3DXTECH ThermaX PEI, 158 | Stratasys ULTEM, 217 | 5 | 0 |
| Glass transition (Tg) (°C) | 6 | 186 | 186–209 | 3DXTECH ThermaX PEI, 186 | 3DXTECH Ultem 1010 Model Material, 217 | 0 | 0 |
Every PEI product that publishes these values is drawn; each value, with its document and conditions, is on the Products page.
| Product | HDT at 1.8 MPa |
|---|---|
| iSANMATE PEI 9085 | 175 °C |
| 3D4Makers PEI Filament | 153 °Cnot described as printed |
| Prusa Research Prusament PEI | 194 °Cnot described as printed |
| Stratasys ULTEM | 215 °C |
| Fiberlogy PEI 9085 | 152 °Cnot described as printed |
| FormFutura PEI ULTEM | 153 °Cnot described as printed |
In grey, a value a product reads from a data sheet it shares, where its own sheet is silent.
Printing on the H2C
PEI's heated chamber runs past what the H2C gives
What does printing it on the H2C take, and how hot can a part get?
- share of the products that accept each temperature
- what most products accept
- one end given ("at least")
- the H2C's limit, and beyond it
- a product
- PEI: its products' median and middle half
- as published, under each sheet's own test
Printing it on the H2C
In service
°C
One temperature axis for the settings a print needs and the temperatures a part meets. A setting's shade is how many of the products whose sheets give a window accept each degree; the H2C's limit closes its row.
The figure as a table
| Setting or property | Most products, or the median | Products | H2C limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 370–380 °C | 9 | 350 °C |
| Bed | 130–160 °C | 8 | 120 °C |
| Heated chamber | 90 °C; 90–150 °C | 2 | 65 °C |
| Drying | 100–150 °C, 4–8 h | 8 | — |
| Vicat softening temperature | 173–215 °C | 3 | — |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 186 °C (186–209 °C) | 6 | — |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa | 195 °C | 2 | — |
| HDT at 0.45 MPa | 208 °C (158–208 °C) | 5 | — |
Windows read from the Bambu Lab Filament Guide are not shaded: the guide speaks for every product that reads it.
| Setting | Most PEI / ULTEM products |
|---|---|
| Nozzle | 370–380 °C most products that give one |
| Bed | 130–160 °C most products that give one |
| Heated chamber | 90 °C both that give one; beyond the H2C's 65 °C |
| Drying | 100–150 °C, 4–8 h 7 of 13 products call for it; 1 more gives it as optional |
| Nozzle type | hardened for most one of 13 products' sheets asks for one; 1 says a standard nozzle is enough; the rest are silent |
Where a product's own sheet is silent, its setting comes from a sheet it shares or from the Bambu Lab Filament Guide; each product's card says which.
Hardened nozzle. One product needs one: LEHVOSS LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY.
What makers say about printing it
Moisture sensitivity
During processing the moisture level should not exceed 0.03%, otherwise porosity and surface defects (e.g. smearing) may occur.
LEHVOSS LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY, data sheet, p. 2
Printing advice
Keep the 3D printer out of the sun.
3D4Makers PEI Filament Ultem 1010, maker's product page or guide, p. 1
More from makers: nozzle wear, adhesion between layers, warping and shrinkage, supports and removal and odour and emissions
Nozzle wear
nozzle material: abrasion resistant
LEHVOSS LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY, data sheet, p. 2
Adhesion between layers
The material combine excellent layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, a high impact resistance, durablitity and a high tensile strength into one filament.
FormFutura PEI ULTEM 9085, data sheet, p. 1
Warping and shrinkage
It combines exceptional dimensional stability with good chemical resistance.
FormFutura PEI ULTEM 9085, data sheet, p. 1
Supports and removal
ULTEM™ 1010 resin is used with breakaway support material
Stratasys ULTEM, data sheet, p. 2
Odour and emissions
This cannot be a room where people sleep.
3D4Makers PEI Filament Ultem 1010, maker's product page or guide, p. 1
Products
13 products from 9 makers; the most from 3DXTECH (4) and 3D4Makers (2).
- Most documented: 3D4Makers PEI Filament Ultem 9085, and 1 other that publishes as much.
- Highest tensile strength (XY): Prusa Research Prusament PEI 1010 by Prusa Polymers, 95 MPa.
- Highest HDT at 0.45 MPa: Stratasys ULTEM, 217 °C.
These are published values, not recommendations: the selector judges each product against your requirements.
Uses, limitations and chemicals
What it is sold for
PEI 9085 has a translucent colour of amber and it is widely used in application such as medical, electrical/electronic, automotive, and aerospace industries.
iSANMATE PEI 9085, data sheet, p. 1Its high heat resistance makes it autoclave-capable for applications involving sterilization and composite lay-up tooling.
Stratasys ULTEM, data sheet, p. 2Nanovia PEI is resistant to autoclave operation, sterilisation cycles, and adapted for tooling able to resist high temperatures.
Nanovia PEI Ultem 1010, data sheet, p. 1
Finish and accuracy
High dimensionally stable precision parts.
LEHVOSS LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY, data sheet, p. 1
Chemicals and environment
No maker of these products publishes resistance to a named chemical, to water or to sunlight.
Density and price
PEI / ULTEM's density is typically 1,310 kg/m³, the middle half 1,270–1,340 kg/m³, across 12 products. 3D Printing Canada lists 3DXTECH THERMAX PEI 1010, out of stock when sampled, with no regular price recorded.
Regular prices, never sale prices, from 9 Canadian shops and 10 foreign shops, sampled 10 Sep–20 Oct 2026, not live; shipping and tax are not included.
Other properties, as published
16 more properties are published, each under its own sheet's test conditions, so they are listed, not ranked.
The 16 properties, lowest to highest
| Property | Products | Lowest–highest |
|---|---|---|
| Elongation at yield | 4 | 1.4–7 % |
| Water absorption | 4 | 0.17–1.25 % |
| Dielectric strength | 2 | 16–33 kV/mm |
| Melt mass-flow rate | 2 | 8.9–17 g/10 min |
| Melt volume-flow rate | 2 | 13–65 cm³/10 min |
| Oxygen index | 2 | 47–49 % |
| Compression strength | 1 | 77.7–438 MPa |
| Continuous service temperature | 1 | 170 °C |
| Flexural elongation at break | 1 | 2.9–3.19 % |
| Flexural stress at conventional deflection | 1 | 128 MPa |
| Impact strength, test unclear | 1 | 11 kJ/m² |
| Interlayer adhesion strength | 1 | 14 MPa |
| Mould shrinkage | 1 | 0.7 % |
| Relative permittivity | 1 | 2.84–3.16 |
| Surface resistivity | 1 | 1 × 10¹² Ω |
| Tensile strain at strength | 1 | 4.5 % |
Sources
21 documents from 9 publishers (14 data sheets, 6 makers' product pages and guides and 1 printer document), read 10 Sep–19 Oct 2026. Each value on PEI / ULTEM's Products page names its document and page, and links to the original.
Bambu Lab, H2C Filamant Printing Guide (the H2C's printer guide): print settings for 9 products.
Every document (21), by publisher
| Publisher | Documents | Values | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DXTECH | 7 | 32 | 4 |
| 3D4Makers | 5 | 46 | 3 |
| Fiberlogy | 3 | 25 | 1 |
| Stratasys | 1 | 49 | 1 |
| iSANMATE | 1 | 22 | 1 |
| Prusa Research | 1 | 22 | 1 |
| Nanovia | 1 | 10 | 1 |
| FormFutura | 1 | 7 | 2 |
- 3D4Makers, PEI Ultem 1010 Filament
- 3D4Makers, PEI Ultem 9085 Filament
- 3D4Makers, PRELIMINARY DATASHEET LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY
- 3D4Makers, Technical data sheet 3D printing filament PEI Filament Ultem 1010
- 3D4Makers, Technical data sheet 3D printing filament PEI Filament Ultem 9085
- 3DXTECH, Filament Drying Instructions | 3DXTECH
- 3DXTECH, Technical Data Sheet: ThermaX™ PEI [Made using ULTEM™ 9085]
- 3DXTECH, Technical Data Sheet: Ultem® 1010 Model Material
- 3DXTECH, Technical Data Sheet: Ultem® 9085 Model Material
- 3DXTECH, THERMAX PEI 1010
- 3DXTECH, THERMAX™ PEI 1010
- 3DXTECH, THERMAX™ PEI 1010
- Bambu Lab, H2C Filamant Printing Guide | Bambu Lab Wiki
- Fiberlogy, PEI 9085 Filament
- Fiberlogy, TECHNICAL DATA SHEET Fiberlogy PEI 9085
- Fiberlogy, TECHNICAL DATA SHEET Fiberlogy PEI 9085
- FormFutura, Technical Data Sheet PEI ULTEM 9085
- iSANMATE, PEI 9085
- Nanovia, Nanovia PEI Ultem 1010 : High thermal resistance : Nanovia
- Prusa Research, Technical datasheet Prusament PEI 1010 by Prusa Polymers
- Stratasys, MATERIAL DATA SHEET ULTEM™