FDM Technology
Material OverviewThermoplastic

Aerospace-Grade ExcellenceHigh-Performance Thermoplastic for Mission-Critical Applications

ULTEM 9085 is a highly versatile and reliable thermoplastic that has earned its reputation as a go-to material for demanding applications. Its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistance, flame, smoke, and toxicity rating, and documented traceability make it an ideal choice for industries seeking reliable and high-performance solutions.

Quick Specifications

Tensile Strength
69.2 MPa
Tolerance
±0.25%
Melting Point
N/A
Technology
FDM
ULTEM 9085 3D printed part example
Large Build Volume
Cost-Effective
ULTEM 9085 FDM cube sample showing aerospace-grade high-performance thermoplastic properties

Advanced Materials

Flame Retardant Aerospace Thermoplastic

ULTEM 9085 is considered an engineering grade Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) thermoplastic renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and flame-retardant properties. This polyetherimide (PEI) blend offers superior mechanical performance and ease of printing, making it ideal for demanding engineering applications. With its exceptional glass transition temperature of 177°C and compliance with multiple aerospace and railway FST standards, ULTEM 9085 enables innovative designs and durable components that excel in the most challenging environments. The material's documented traceability and certified grade options provide the quality assurance required for critical applications.

69.2 MPa
High Strength
Strong tensile performance for demanding applications
1.27 g/cm³
Optimized Weight
Optimized weight for versatile applications
176.9°C
Heat Deflection
Heat deflection temperature under load
104 MPa
Flexural Strength
Bending strength for structural applications

Functional Applications

From aerospace to automotive applications, ULTEM 9085 delivers reliable performance across demanding requirements. Its unique combination of exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight high-performance parts, outstanding flame, smoke, and toxicity (fst) performance meeting aerospace standards, high glass transition temperature (177°c) for superior thermal stability makes it a trusted choice for engineers.

Aerospace Interior Components

FST-compliant cabin components, air ducts, and structural brackets meeting 14 CFR 25.853 standards for flame, smoke, and toxicity

Automotive Under-Hood Components

Heat-resistant housings, sensor brackets, and electrical connectors for high-temperature automotive environments

Manufacturing Tooling

High-temperature jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids capable of withstanding demanding manufacturing processes

Electrical & Electronics

Insulating components, wire harness brackets, and high-temperature electrical housings with excellent dielectric properties

Military & Defense

Ruggedized components, protective housings, and mission-critical structural parts for defense applications

ULTEM 9085 Aerospace ULTEM 9085 component
Aerospace Application
Aerospace ULTEM 9085 component
ULTEM 9085 ULTEM 9085 FDM cube sample showing high-performance engineering thermoplastic properties
Large Format ULTEM 9085 Parts
ULTEM 9085 FDM cube sample showing high-performance engineering thermoplastic properties
ULTEM 9085 High-temperature aerospace ducting made with ULTEM 9085
Aerospace Ducting
High-temperature aerospace ducting made with ULTEM 9085
ULTEM 9085 ULTEM 9085 parts being processed in our temperature-controlled manufacturing facility
Manufacturing Process
ULTEM 9085 parts being processed in our temperature-controlled manufacturing facility

Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision FDM Technology

ULTEM 9085 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 9085 production. Our advanced thermoplastic extrusion process ensures optimal layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.

  • Layer Height: 0.254 mm (0.010 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 9085 exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in aerospace and automotive applications.

Technical Specifications

MeasurementValueStandard
Tensile Strength (XZ Axis)69.2 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Strength (ZX Axis)39.4 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Strength (XZ Axis)104 MPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Strength (ZX Axis)73.1 MPaISO/ASTM
Compressive Strength (XZ Axis)139 MPaISO/ASTM
Compressive Strength (ZX Axis)342 MPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Modulus (XZ Axis)2.52 GPaISO/ASTM
Tensile Modulus (ZX Axis)2.41 GPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Modulus (XZ Axis)2.40 GPaISO/ASTM
Flexural Modulus (ZX Axis)2.13 GPaISO/ASTM
Impact Strength (XZ Axis)88.5 J/mISO/ASTM
Impact Strength (ZX Axis)39.2 J/mISO/ASTM
Elongation at Break (XZ Axis)5.4 %ISO/ASTM
Elongation at Break (ZX Axis)1.9 %ISO/ASTM

Performance Characteristics

ULTEM 9085 delivers exceptional mechanical performance with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight high-performance parts, 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 aircraft cabin interior components and ducting, automotive under-hood brackets and housings, railway interior fire-resistant components, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. ULTEM 9085 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, automotive, railway 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 9085 exhibits exceptional thermal stability and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.

Technical Specifications

PropertyValueStandard
Heat Deflection Temperature @ 66 psi176.9 °CISO/ASTM
Heat Deflection Temperature @ 264 psi172.9 °CISO/ASTM
Glass Transition Temperature177.3 °CISO/ASTM
Continuous Use Temperature170 °CISO/ASTM
Thermal Conductivity @ 0°C0.2136 W/m·KISO/ASTM
Thermal Conductivity @ 90°C0.2095 W/m·KISO/ASTM
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (XZ)44.45 μm/m·°CISO/ASTM
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (XY)44.89 μm/m·°CISO/ASTM

Thermal Performance

ULTEM 9085'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 9085 maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across aerospace and automotive and railway and military & defense and electronics and medical device and manufacturing applications.

Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for automotive under-hood brackets and housings, military equipment housings and protective components, medical device enclosures and sterilizable parts. ULTEM 9085 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 158°C
Short TermUp to 212°C
Glass Transition177.3°C

Thermal Benefits

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

Thermal Applications

Aircraft cabin interior components and ducting
Automotive under-hood brackets and housings
Heated bed applications
Moderate temperature housings

Thermal Considerations

Prolonged exposure above 177.3°C may cause property degradation
Consider thermal expansion coefficient in constrained assemblies
Excellent dimensional stability within operating temperature range

Technical Data

Electrical Properties

ULTEM 9085 electrical properties for reference and design considerations.

Technical Specifications

PropertyStandardUnitValue
Volume Resistivity-Ω·cm6.89×10¹⁵
Dielectric Constant (1 kHz)--2.80
Dielectric Constant (2 MHz)--2.65
Dissipation Factor (1 kHz)--0.002
Dissipation Factor (2 MHz)--0.010
Dielectric StrengthDIN 53481V/mil830

Electrical Performance

Electrical properties for ULTEM 9085 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 9085 chemical compatibility data for reference and design considerations.

Chemical Compatibility Chart

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

Chemical Performance

ULTEM 9085 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 9085 is biocompatible, meeting 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
14 CFR 25.853YesFederal Aviation Regulation for cabin materials FST
AITM 2.0007B & 3.0005YesAirbus industry test methods for FST
BSS 7238 & 7239YesBoeing Specification Support Standards for FST
ASTM E595YesNASA outgassing standard for space applications
EN 45545-2YesEuropean fire protection standard for railway vehicles
NFPA 130YesFire protection for fixed guideway transit systems
UN ECE Regulation 118YesFire protection of buses and coaches
RoHSYesRestriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
USP Class VIYesBiocompatibility for medical devices

Compliance Resources

Medical Applications

Medical device enclosures and sterilizable parts

Material Datasheets

Download comprehensive technical documentation for ULTEM 9085, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.

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