It is easy to focus on the end product of the 3D printing process, especially as so many stunning innovations are being produced around the world. 3D printed parts are responsible for creating aerospace components, entire rockets, cars, and so many other items of all sizes and matters of importance, spanning nearly every industry. Suddenly there is an overwhelming amount of hardware to choose from to create such 3D printed industrial magic—and materials have progressed too as users’ needs have expanded, along with their willingness to experiment.
Now, Omnexus by SpecialChem is taking time to educate the public on alternative (and highly industrial) materials like Polyetherimide (PEI). With a recent comprehensive review of the high-performance polymer, we are able to understand more fully why it is used in serious engineering applications. It is important to understand that polyetherimides have been created in part to make up for areas where polyimides are lacking.

PEI is produced via the polycondensation reaction between bisphenol-A dianhydride such as tetracarboxylic dianhydride (produced from the reaction of bisphenol A and phthalic anhydride) and a diamine such as m-phenylene diamine.
Although polyimides are known for their strength, stability, mechanical properties, and more, they are also more difficult to melt, and can be less cost-effective to use. PEI materials, however, offer the following:
- Good processability
- High chemical resistance
- Superior properties for electrical insulation
- Good flame resistance
- High tensile strength with versatile temperature range
Created in 1982, PEI is now distributed by numerous suppliers (SABIC, RTP Company, Lehmann & Voss, Quadrant, PolyOne) and is popular for ‘highly demanding applications.’ It is used in resin form for creating 3D printed, high-strength prototypes and parts.
In areas such as automotive, PEI is being used more often in both electrical and lighting systems, along with ‘under-the hood’ applications. In these cases, temperature and chemical resistance and high strength are required to create items like transmission parts, ignition components, reflectors, lamp sockets, and a range of electric and mechanical systems like fuses, switches, bearings, and much more.
For the electronics market overall, PEI is being used due to its high heat resistance. This is especially conducive for parts such as fiber optics connectors, controllers, motorized parts, circuit boards, and more. The material is also used for molded interconnect devices (MIDs) because of its capabilities for plating, and allowing for the pairing of electronics and 3D printing. Ceramic-filled polyetherimide grades are also useful for microwave circuit boards, electronic chips, and capacitors.
For medical applications, PEI is useful in creating disposable medical devices, along with probe housings. It is able to resist high sterilization temperatures, and can withstand exposure to ethylene oxide gas and gamma radiation. PEI is also used for biohybrid applications, plus creation of other medical items like handles, enclosures, and even prostheses.
Other important uses are found in creating HVAC equipment with PEI, industrial cookware, food packaging trays, and more. PEI can be processed in methods like injection molding, compression molding, 3D printing, and thermoforming.
Find out more about PEI compounds here.
What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.
[Source / Images: Omnexus]
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing News Briefs, May 25, 2023: Post-Processing, Osteoarthritis, & More
We’re starting out with business in 3D Printing News Briefs today, as Exentis appointed Eric Bert the President of Exentis Americas, and 3YOURMIND announced Alexandre Donnadieu has been promoted to...
Stratasys and Desktop Metal to Merge in $1.8 Billion Deal
After US stock markets closed on Wednesday, May 25, Bloomberg reported that “people familiar with the matter” told the website that 3D printing industry pioneer Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS) was “in...
Zeda Opens 3D Printing Facility in Cincinnati to Serve Regulated Industries
Today, California-based Zeda, Inc. announced that it has officially opened the doors to its new 75,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company, which rebranded to Zeda from PrinterPrezz...
US and Australia Form Clean Energy Pact as WTO Head Calls for “Reglobalized” Supply Chains
Amidst the G7 summit in Hiroshima last weekend, CNBC interviewed the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, concerning her general outlook on the current state of international...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.