FDM Technology
Material OverviewThermoplastic

The Ultimate High-Performance ThermoplasticHighest Heat Resistance, Chemical Resistance & Tensile Strength of Any FDM Material

ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance polyetherimide resin with exceptional heat resistance, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance. Its thermal stability and mechanical properties make it an excellent choice for high-performance prototyping, tooling, and production parts that will be exposed to high temperatures. The availability of a certified grade expands its applications to include biocompatible and food contact applications. ULTEM 1010's versatility and reliability make it a preferred material for industries seeking robust solutions that can withstand demanding environments.

Quick Specifications

Tensile Strength
N/A
Tolerance
±0.25%
Melting Point
N/A
Technology
FDM
ULTEM 1010 3D printed part example
Large Build Volume
Cost-Effective
ULTEM 1010 FDM cube sample showing the highest performing FDM thermoplastic properties

Advanced Materials

High Temperature PEI Material

ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance polyetherimide (PEI) resin that represents the pinnacle of FDM thermoplastic performance. With the highest heat resistance, chemical resistance, and tensile strength of any FDM material, ULTEM 1010 excels in the most demanding applications. Its exceptional thermal stability with a glass transition temperature of 215°C, combined with superior mechanical properties and broad chemical compatibility, makes it the material of choice for aerospace, medical, and high-performance manufacturing applications. The availability of certified grades meeting NSF 51 and USP Class VI standards expands its use to biocompatible and food contact applications.

81 MPa
Exceptional Strength
Outstanding tensile strength for high-performance applications
1.29 g/cm³
Optimized Weight
Optimized weight for versatile applications
216°C
Heat Deflection
Heat deflection temperature under load
144 MPa
Flexural Strength
Bending strength for structural applications

Functional Applications

From aerospace to medical device applications, ULTEM 1010 delivers reliable performance across demanding requirements. Its unique combination of highest heat resistance of any fdm thermoplastic (215°c tg), exceptional tensile strength up to 81 mpa in optimal orientation, superior chemical resistance to wide range of industrial chemicals makes it a trusted choice for engineers.

Composite Lay-up Tooling

High-temperature molds and tools for composite manufacturing, capable of withstanding autoclave conditions up to 180°C

Medical Instruments

Sterilizable surgical guides, instrument trays, and medical device components meeting USP Class VI biocompatibility

Aerospace Components

Out-of-cabin structural parts, ducting, and components requiring highest performance and traceability

Food Processing Equipment

NSF 51 certified components for food contact applications, including molds, fixtures, and processing equipment

High-Temperature Manufacturing

Dies, patterns, fixtures, and tooling for high-temperature manufacturing processes

ULTEM 1010 ULTEM 1010 automotive intake manifold demonstrating high heat resistance
Automotive Intake
ULTEM 1010 automotive intake manifold demonstrating high heat resistance
ULTEM 1010 ULTEM 1010 FDM cube sample showing the highest performing FDM thermoplastic properties
Material Sample
ULTEM 1010 FDM cube sample showing the highest performing FDM thermoplastic properties
ULTEM 1010 Aerospace wing component made with ULTEM 1010
Aerospace Wing Part
Aerospace wing component made with ULTEM 1010
ULTEM 1010 ULTEM 1010 parts being processed in our advanced manufacturing facility
Manufacturing Process
ULTEM 1010 parts being processed in our advanced manufacturing facility

Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision FDM Technology

ULTEM 1010 is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

FDM Manufacturing Lab

Industrial-grade FDM technology delivers reliable performance and mechanical properties for ULTEM 1010 production. Our advanced thermoplastic extrusion process ensures optimal layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.

  • Layer Height: 0.127 mm (0.005 in) to 0.330 mm (0.013 in). Fine layer resolution delivers smooth surface finish and precise feature definition.
  • Tolerance: ± 0.127 mm (± 0.005 in) or ± 0.15%, whichever is greater. Consistent dimensional accuracy across complex geometries and thin-wall features.
  • Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm (36 × 24 × 36 in). Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.

Technical Data

Mechanical Properties

ULTEM 1010 exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in aerospace and medical device applications.

Technical Specifications

MeasurementValueStandard
Tensile Strength, Ultimate (XZ Axis)81 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Strength, Ultimate (ZX Axis)37 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ Axis)64 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Strength, Yield (ZX Axis)42 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Modulus (XZ Axis)2,770 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Modulus (ZX Axis)2,200 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Strength (XZ Axis)144 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Strength (ZX Axis)77 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Modulus (XZ Axis)2,820 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Modulus (ZX Axis)2,230 MPaISO/ASTM
Impact Strength, Notched (XZ Axis)41 J/mISO/ASTM
Impact Strength, Notched (ZX Axis)24 J/mISO/ASTM
Impact Strength, Unnotched (XZ Axis)326 J/mISO/ASTM
Impact Strength, Unnotched (ZX Axis)138 J/mISO/ASTM
Compressive Strength, Yield (XZ Axis)134 MPaISO/ASTM
Compressive Strength, Yield (ZX Axis)107 MPaISO/ASTM
Compressive Modulus (XZ Axis)10,000 MPaISO/ASTM
Compressive Modulus (ZX Axis)1,120 MPaISO/ASTM

Performance Characteristics

ULTEM 1010 delivers exceptional mechanical performance with exceptional tensile strength up to 81 mpa in optimal orientation, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.

These qualities make it well-suited for composite lay-up tooling and autoclave-capable molds, medical surgical guides and sterilizable instrument trays, aerospace structural components and high-temp ducting, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. ULTEM 1010 maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.

This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across aerospace, medical device, automotive industries. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.

Key Strengths

Impact resistance
Fatigue resistance
Dimensional stability
Balanced stiffness

Ideal Applications

• Moving assemblies
• Snap-fit components
• Load-bearing structures
• Precision geometries

Design Considerations

Avoid sharp internal corners in stress-bearing areas
Consider creep at sustained loads above 30% yield strength
Optimal performance with 0.8mm+ wall thickness

Technical Data

Thermal Properties

ULTEM 1010 exhibits exceptional thermal stability and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.

Technical Specifications

PropertyValueStandard
Heat Deflection Temperature @ 0.45 MPa216 °CISO/ASTM
Heat Deflection Temperature @ 1.8 MPa213 °CISO/ASTM
Glass Transition Temperature215 °CISO/ASTM
Vicat Softening Temperature214 °CISO/ASTM
Continuous Service Temperature170 °CISO/ASTM
Thermal Conductivity (0°C)0.243 W/m·KISO/ASTM
Thermal Conductivity (90°C)0.242 W/m·KISO/ASTM
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (Flow)47 µm/m·°CISO/ASTM
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (Cross-flow)41 µm/m·°CISO/ASTM

Thermal Performance

ULTEM 1010's thermal properties ensure minimal dimensional deviation under fluctuating thermal conditions, making it highly suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and structural integrity at elevated temperatures. ULTEM 1010 maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across aerospace and medical device and automotive and food processing and composite manufacturing and semiconductor and defense applications.

Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for electronic enclosures, protective housings, and thermal management applications. ULTEM 1010 resists thermal fatigue and creep deformation, particularly in cyclic thermal loading environments.

Prolonged exposure to temperatures approaching its upper limit may lead to gradual material degradation. In applications requiring sustained operation in high-temperature environments, consult with our engineering team for material recommendations and design guidelines.

Operating Range

Continuous UseUp to 194°C
Short TermUp to 258°C
Glass Transition215°C

Thermal Benefits

Good thermal stability
Moderate temperature resistance
Thermal expansion control
Build chamber heating compatible

Thermal Applications

Composite lay-up tooling and autoclave-capable molds
Medical surgical guides and sterilizable instrument trays
Heated bed applications
Moderate temperature housings

Thermal Considerations

Prolonged exposure above 215°C may cause property degradation
Consider thermal expansion coefficient in constrained assemblies
Excellent dimensional stability within operating temperature range

Technical Data

Electrical Properties

ULTEM 1010 electrical properties for reference and design considerations.

Technical Specifications

PropertyStandardUnitValue
Volume Resistivity-Ω·cm>7.0×10¹⁴
Dielectric Constant @ 1 kHz--2.841
Dielectric Constant @ 2 MHz--3.089
Dissipation Factor @ 1 kHz---0.002
Dissipation Factor @ 2 MHz--0.000
Dielectric Strength @ 1.6 mmDIN 53481kV/mm32.7

Electrical Performance

Electrical properties for ULTEM 1010 are provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the technical specifications table above for specific values and testing standards.

For detailed electrical performance data and material datasheets, please refer to the resources section or contact our team for additional information.

Electrical Applications

• Electronic components
• Electrical housings
• Insulation applications
• Electrical connectors

Electrical Considerations

Contact engineering for testing
Application-specific requirements
Custom testing available

Technical Data

Chemical Properties

ULTEM 1010 chemical compatibility data for reference and design considerations.

Chemical Compatibility Chart

ChemicalTypeCompatibility
Automotive FluidsHydrocarbonExcellent
Fully Halogenated HydrocarbonsHydrocarbonExcellent
AlcoholsSolventExcellent
Aqueous SolutionsSalt SolutionExcellent
Cleaning AgentsSolventExcellent
Mineral OilsHydrocarbonGood
Weak AcidsAcidGood
Weak BasesBaseGood
Aliphatic HydrocarbonsHydrocarbonGood
Strong AcidsAcidPoor
Strong BasesBasePoor
KetonesSolventPoor

Chemical Performance

ULTEM 1010 chemical compatibility data is provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the compatibility chart above for specific chemical resistance ratings.

For applications involving chemical exposure, please consult the compatibility chart and contact our team for application-specific guidance.

Resistance Categories

HydrocarbonsExcellent
SolventsExcellent
Salt SolutionsExcellent
AcidsGood
BasesGood

Chemical Considerations

Contact engineering for testing
Application-specific requirements
Custom testing available

Design Considerations

Verify chemical compatibility before use
Consider concentration and temperature effects
Test compatibility in actual use conditions

Technical Data

Biocompatibility & Compliance

ULTEM 1010 is biocompatible, meeting ISO 10993/USP Class VI standards, making it safe for short-term contact with skin and mucosal membranes.

Compliance Standards

PropertyComplianceStandard/Regulation
UL 94 V-0YesFlame retardancy rating for electrical components
NSF 51 Food ContactYesFood contact surface certification (Certified Grade)
ISO 10993/USP Class VIYesBiocompatibility for medical devices (Certified Grade)
ASTM E595 OutgassingYesLow outgassing for space applications
FAR 25.853YesFederal Aviation Regulation compliance
RoHSYesRestriction of Hazardous Substances Directive

Compliance Resources

Medical Applications

Medical surgical guides and sterilizable instrument trays

Material Datasheets

Download comprehensive technical documentation for ULTEM 1010, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.

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