ULTEM® 2200 GF20 Plate

ULTEM® 2200 is polyetherimide reinforced with 20% glass fiber - an amorphous, inherently flame-retardant high-temperature thermoplastic. The glass loading lifts tensile strength at break to 19,000 psi (131 MPa) and both tensile and flexural modulus to roughly 999,000 psi (6,890 MPa), while dropping the coefficient of thermal expansion to 2.1 x 10-5 per °C in the flow direction. Heat deflection temperature is 410°F at 264 psi and the glass transition temperature is 423°F, so stiffness holds well above where most engineering plastics give up. Dielectric strength is 26 kV/mm, and water absorption is 0.19% in 24 hours and 1.1% at saturation.

Engineers specify it for aerospace and aircraft interiors, electrical and electronics hardware, semiconductor tooling and sterilizable medical and analytical equipment: connectors, insulators, bobbins and coil forms, terminal blocks, test sockets, burn-in fixtures, wire guides, structural brackets and instrument housings. It carries UL94 V-0 at 0.41 mm and 5VA at 1.9 mm, and is RoHS compliant. Glass fiber is abrasive, so run carbide or diamond tooling with sharp geometry, moderate feeds and coolant, and relieve stress between roughing and finishing for tight tolerances. Limitations: the grade is notch-sensitive, so break edges and avoid sharp internal corners, and polyetherimide is attacked by partially halogenated solvents and strong bases.