High performance · Custom parts

CNC machining
of PEI.

Rigidity and stability for parts operating in high heat. We machine PEI for supports, insulators, and technical components with custom geometry.

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Quote in 24 h · Engineering review

PEI reference part for CNC machining.
From your 3D file to a real partCNC machining
From
1 unit
Delivery from
8 working days
Material
PEI High Performance

01 / Why choose this material

Properties and uses
of PEI.

Amber-colored thermoplastic with good heat resistance and electrical insulation. Suitable for dimensionally stable components subjected to high temperatures.

PEI or polyetherimide is a high-performance thermoplastic, also known by trade names such as Ultem. The natural grade has a translucent amber tone. Its thermal and mechanical behavior must be evaluated based on load and exposure time.

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PEI Properties

Mechanical reference · Proto&Go! material datasheet

Indicative density
1.28 g/cm³
Continuous use · ref.
170 °C
Tensile strength
105 MPa
Tensile modulus
3,2 GPa
Elongation at break
60 %
Presentation
Semi-finished for CNC

Reference: Natural PEI without reinforcement. Translucent amber is not equivalent to colorless optical transparency; the GF30 grade has different properties. The listed values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing may vary them.

Material datasheets

  • Heat Deflection Temperature
  • Electrical insulator
  • Good dimensional stability
  • Low flammability depending on grade and thickness

PEI Applications

Connector supports

Connector supports with rigidity and insulation requirements.

Insulators

Electrical assembly insulators according to usage conditions.

High-temperature tools

Tools for work with defined thermal requirements.

Instrumentation components

Instrumentation parts manufactured with the specified PEI grade.

02 / A choice based on usage

Choose PEI
based on your part.

These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.

01

Natural PEI

Reference without reinforcement for machining. The amber tone does not equate to colorless optical transparency.

02

PEI + 30 % GF

Glass fiber modifies stiffness and stability. Its data differs from the natural grade.

03

Thermal service

Define temperature, stress, and duration. The glass transition is not a universal operating temperature.

The part's function is the starting point.

Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.

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03 / Finishing also counts

Finishes and appearance
of PEI.

Material and process define the surface. These are the key factors for specifying your part's appearance.

Machining finish

The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.

Geometry and surfaces

For functional surfaces, define roughness and tolerances in the drawing. Feasibility is reviewed based on grade and geometry.

Your part requirements

Include the expected appearance and usage conditions in your request to confirm the quote.

Reference part in PEI.
Machining finishMaterial view

04 / From design to quote

CNC machining
of PEI.

Milling and turning allow manufacturing PEI parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to obtain faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.

Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.

Upload your file and request a quote

Part tolerances

For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.

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Quantity and cost per part

In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.

Quote in 24 hours

Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.

How much it costs to manufacture

The price of your part
in PEI.

The price to machine PEI depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining.

Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.

Frequently asked questions

Before manufacturing
in PEI.

Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.

What is PEI and what properties does it have?

Amber-colored thermoplastic with good heat resistance and electrical insulation. Suitable for dimensionally stable components subjected to temperature. Reference: Natural PEI without reinforcement. The translucent amber does not equate to colorless optical transparency; the GF30 grade has other properties. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing may change them.

What parts can be manufactured in PEI?

We can manufacture connector supports, insulators, high-temperature tools, and instrumentation components. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D file. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.

Are PEI and Ultem exactly the same?

PEI is the name of the polymer, polyetherimide. Ultem is a brand of PEI resins that includes various grades. When placing an order, it is advisable to specify the reference and necessary reinforcements, without attributing the same properties to all variants.

Is machined PEI transparent?

Natural PEI is translucent amber; it is not offered as an alternative for colorless optical transparency. If you need to observe through a part, compare PMMA or polished polycarbonate and also check the operating temperature.

What temperature can a PEI part withstand?

The catalog uses 170 °C as a reference for continuous use of natural unreinforced PEI. Load, time, and the specific grade can limit usage. This value should not be confused with the polymer's glass transition temperature.

How much does it cost to machine a PEI part?

The cost to machine PEI depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload your 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.

What tolerances can I request for a PEI part?

For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.

What file do I need to manufacture a PEI part?

Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.

Your next part

Shape it
in PEI.

Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.

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