PEI materials
PEI (polyetherimide) is considered where thermal, electrical or dimensional requirements are demanding. Verify each grade and intended certification separately, and compare test temperature, media, specimen conditions and processing guidance.
PEI handling and processing guide
This family-level guide is for preliminary screening, not a production recipe. Use the latest manufacturer instructions for the exact grade and equipment for drying, processing and safety settings; validate the process and part before production.
Storage
Store sealed, dry and clean with grade and lot traceability; allow cold packaging to warm before opening.
Drying
Dry using the supplier's grade-specific temperature, time, dew point and moisture target, then keep conveying sealed.
Equipment setup
Confirm barrel, screw, mold and temperature equipment meet supplier requirements. Control residence time and check fill, dimensions and residual stress.
Typical applications
Candidate uses include electrical connectors, equipment and heat-exposed structural parts; verify the exact scope of flame, medical or food-contact approvals.
How to screen and compare grades
Start with the part’s operating temperature and exposure time, load, contact media, dimensional requirements and intended process. Compare specific manufacturers and grades: results with different test methods, specimen conditions, units or reinforcement are not automatically equivalent. A missing field means the information is unknown, not zero.
From data sheets to part validation
Use the database to build a shortlist, then request original data sheets, processing guidance and applicable certification from each manufacturer. Mold representative parts using the intended process and check dimensions, strength and function under the relevant combination of temperature, media and load; retain processing and lot records. Family-level guidance is not a guarantee for a particular grade.
Further reading: Ensinger — thermoplastic materials · ISO 1133-1 — melt flow testing
