ULTEM CNC Machining
Get instant quotes on custom ULTEM machined parts with our online CNC machining service. Rapid prototyping and production of parts in a matter of days. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485 and AS9100D. Register with ITAR.
ULTEM CNC Machining
Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most widely used engineering plastics. It usually comes in two forms: plasticized and unplasticized PVC. Unplasticized PVC is used for rigid parts such as pipes and fittings. CNC machining of PVC is usually done with a rigid version of this material.
PVC material is an engineering plastic with excellent UV isolation, insulation and moisture resistance. It is a popular choice for plumbing, building materials, and the electrical, energy, and medical industries. You can choose PVC as a material for CNC machining in Findtop’s instant quote engine SM.
ULTEM at a Glance
| Application | Electrical insulators, reusable medical devices, underwater connection components, and structural components |
| Advantages | Hydrophobic, biocompatible, exceptional dielectric strength, flame retardant |
| Disadvantages | High cost, notch sensitive, incompatible with strong bases and some halogenated solvents |
| Lead Time | Lead time is generally a minimum of 3 days. However, this can increase depending on availability or if the parts are to be internationally manufactured. |
| Price | $$$ |
| Tolerances | Machining tolerances of 0.010” (0.25 mm) are achievable. |
| Wall Thickness | A minimum wall thickness of 0.03” (0.8 mm) is achievable. This can vary depending on the ratio of wall thickness to planar dimension. |
| Max Part Size | The maximum size of the part is determined by the machines available and the complexity of the part. |
Generic ULTEM 1000
Processing ULTEM 1000 allows for a wide range of applications, taking advantage of the special properties of this material. Due to its high strength and ability to work at high temperatures; It is a good material for aerospace. It is also hydrophobic and stable when exposed to steam or boiling water, making it suitable for components in reusable medical devices.
General ULTEM 1000 Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell M) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Glass Transition Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90-110 MPa | 60-80 | 109-112 | 200 | 210-215 |
ULTEM 2300
ULTEM 2300 is a 30% glass filling grade of ULTEM. The glass fiber in the material helps to improve its dimensional stability, rigidity and tensile strength. Like other grades of ULTEM, it can operate continuously at very high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for applications involving high heat and required strength, such as structural components used in aircraft.
ULTEM 2300 Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell M) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Glass Transition Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | 3 | 114 | 210 | 210-215 |
Finishes
Depending on the grade,ULTEM pieces have a translucent to dull amber color. Black is also available.
Machinability :ULTEM is easy to process with a surface roughness of 125 μRa or higher.
Blowing sand: Any unwanted tool marks can be removed by using glass particles.
Corrosion: The surface finish can be coordinated by chemical or electrochemical corrosion of ULTEM parts.
Cost-saving Design Tips
Since the cost of this material is relatively high compared to other plastics, indirect manufacturing costs should be minimized. You can achieve this by following CNC design best practices, such as minimizing complex geometries and using internal radii appropriately. Other design strategies can be found in our CNC Machining Design Guide.