Isotropic & Food-Grade PEI Rods & Sheets
We supply continuously extruded Isotropic & Food-Grade PEI Rods and Sheets (1000 Series) engineered for warpage-free 5-axis CNC machining. Featuring uniform 3D mechanical strength across all axes, a 𝑇𝑔 of 215–217°C, an LOI of 47% (UL94 V-0), microwave transparency, and full FDA food-contact / USP Class VI compliance, these annealed stock shapes (Rods ∅6-200mm, Sheets 1–150mm) withstand 134°C steam autoclaving. Ideal for semiconductor wafer combs, RF sensor windows, insulating PEI bolts, vape drip tips, and food machinery seals. Share your dimensions for a fast quote.
Product information
Published information supports preliminary product selection. Confirm the exact grade, dimensions, tolerances, documentation and application suitability with the quotation for your order.
Description
Isotropic & Food-Grade PEI Rods & Sheets (1000 Series) represent the premium standard in high-temperature amorphous stock shapes. Manufactured via continuous extrusion and proprietary multi-stage thermal annealing, these translucent amber stock shapes offer isotropic mechanical properties—ensuring identical strength and modulus across X, Y, and Z axes without directional weak spots during complex 5-axis CNC milling and deep drilling.
Featuring a glass transition temperature (𝑇𝑔) of 215°C–217°C, a continuous thermal limit of 170°C, an exceptionally high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI 47%, UL94 V-0), and low shrinkage, this material maintains tight machining tolerances under thermal stress. Inherently microwave-permeable, radiation-resistant (1100 Mrad), and FDA food-contact compliant, it is specified for microwave radomes, medical sterilization tools, food processing manifolds, and semiconductor cleanroom equipment.
Physical & Electromagnetic Property Summary
| Property Category | Technical Value | Engineering Advantage |
| Material & Appearance | PEI 1000 Series / Translucent Amber | High Purity / Visual Flow Inspection |
| Density & Moisture Absorption | 1.28 – 1.42 g/cm³ / 0.25 % | Lightweight / Ultra-Low Moisture Swell |
| Mechanical Behavior | Isotropic (Uniform X-Y-Z Strength) | No Directional Weakness in 5-Axis Milling |
| Glass Transition Temp (𝑇𝑔) | 215°C – 217°C (RTI: 170°C) | High Thermal Stability without Distortion |
| Oxygen Index & Flame Rating | LOI 47% / UL94 V-0 | Inherent Fire & Low Smoke Safety |
| Electromagnetic Transmission | Microwave & RF Transparent | Ideal for Radomes & High-Freq Sensors |
| Regulatory Approvals | FDA Food Contact & USP Class VI | Safe for Food Machinery & Surgical Tools |
How this product is normally specified
This product is supplied as extruded PEI round bars, master boards, and pre-cut plates for CNC machining:
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Stock Form & Size: Rod diameter (∅6-200mm) or sheet thickness (1–150mm)
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Stress Relief: Multi-stage annealed to eliminate stress warpage during deep CNC milling
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Compliance: FDA food-contact compliant, UL94 V-0, and Gamma/X-ray radiation resistant
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Supply State: Full extruded master rods/sheets or pre-cut custom CNC blanks
Where this material can fit
Typical applications for isotropic food-grade PEI stock shapes include:
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Semiconductor Cleanroom Processing: CNC machined PEI wafer combs, carrier cassette teeth, vacuum wands, and IC test sockets (zero particle shedding)
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High-Temp Fasteners & Electrical: Non-conductive PEI threaded bolts, screws, terminal blocks, and PCB clamps for high-voltage insulation
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Vape & Consumer Engineering: Heat-isolated PEI drip tips, atomizer mouthpieces, and FDA-compliant food contact equipment
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Medical Devices & Surgical Tools: Autoclavable surgical tool handles, probe sleeves, endoscope components, and pharmaceutical fluid manifolds
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RF & Microwave Engineering: Microwave-permeable radomes, ultrasonic transducer wedges, and high-frequency sensor windows
What to confirm before ordering
To recommend the right PEI sheet or rod specification, please confirm:
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Target stock form (rod vs. sheet/plate) and required dimensions
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Target component type (semiconductor wafer combs, PEI bolts, vape drip tips, medical parts, etc.)
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CNC machining operations (confirming 5-axis milling or deep drilling)
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Required trial quantity and estimated annual demand
Send us the information you have. We will review technical details before confirming the quotation.
Material overview
Understanding PEI (Polyetherimide)
Why engineers use it
- Good heat resistance and stiffness for structural and electrical parts.
- Stable dimensions and predictable processing in suitable equipment.
- Inherent flame, smoke and electrical performance for many technical applications.
- Available in natural amber and opaque or reinforced grades.
- Can be molded, machined or printed where the appropriate material form is available.
Limits to consider
- Some chemicals and stress-cracking agents require careful compatibility review.
- Moisture control before high-temperature processing is important.
- Continuous chemical or wear duty may favor PEEK or PPS.
- Reinforced grades change impact, surface and directional properties.
- Regulated uses require the correct documented grade, not a generic PEI designation.
Grades and product forms
Unfilled PEI emphasizes the base material’s thermal, electrical and dimensional balance. Glass-fiber grades improve stiffness and movement control but change toughness and surface finish. Medical, aerospace or food-contact projects must identify the exact documentation requirement before grade selection.
Performance points to review
| Evaluation area | Why it matters | Information to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature behavior | Useful performance under elevated or changing temperature | Continuous and peak temperature, cycle length and time at load |
| Mechanical response | Strength and stiffness must match the real part geometry | Load direction, stress level, impact and fatigue expectations |
| Environmental resistance | Fluids, cleaning agents and atmosphere can change service life | Chemical name, concentration, temperature and exposure time |
| Dimensional control | Tight-tolerance parts depend on both material and processing | Finished dimensions, tolerances and assembly conditions |
| Electrical or insulation needs | Electrical requirements may influence grade and thickness | Voltage, dielectric, conductivity or insulation target |
These are engineering discussion points, not guaranteed property values. Final acceptance criteria should be agreed for the selected grade, process and order.
Typical application directions
These examples show where the material may be evaluated. They do not replace a suitability review for the finished component.
Fabrication and processing preparation
Share the finished part drawing as well as the requested rod diameter and length. This makes it possible to discuss machining allowance, tolerance, cut length, quantity and whether a closer starting size could reduce waste.
Where the application is critical, define what a successful trial looks like before material is ordered: dimensions after processing, visual condition, mechanical response, assembly fit or another measurable result.
When another material may be better
PEEK may provide a larger performance margin in more severe heat or chemical service, while lower-cost engineering plastics may be sufficient for moderate conditions. PEI is often chosen when its specific balance of thermal, electrical and structural properties fits the part.
We recommend sharing the current material and the reason it is being reconsidered. Cost, processability, supply form and inspection burden belong in the decision alongside technical performance.
Information needed for an accurate quotation
A useful RFQ reduces follow-up questions and helps us distinguish between a material request and a finished-part requirement.
| Product form | Raw material, stock shape, semi-finished blank or completed part |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Nominal size, finished size and tolerances |
| Quantity | Trial quantity, first order and estimated annual demand |
| Application | Part function and current material, if any |
| Operating temperature | Continuous range, peak temperature and cycle duration |
| Environment | Chemicals, gases, moisture, pressure, vacuum or outdoor exposure |
| Mechanical duty | Load, speed, impact, wear and mating components |
| Documentation | Drawing revision, inspection, traceability or compliance needs |
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a sample or trial quantity?
Trial quantities can be discussed according to product form and availability. Tell us what you need to prove during the trial, the intended process and the expected production quantity if the test succeeds.
Do you provide a data sheet or material documentation?
Available documentation depends on the selected material and supply route. List the documents required by engineering, purchasing or quality when you inquire so they can be checked before quotation.
Can the grade be selected from a product name alone?
No. Similar product names can cover different grades, colors, fillers and processes. Selection should be based on the finished application, environment and required property balance.
Can you supply custom dimensions or finished parts?
Custom sizes, blanks or finished parts can be reviewed where appropriate. A drawing with tolerances, quantity and material requirement is the best basis for quotation.
How should we evaluate an alternative to our current material?
Share the current grade, the part’s service conditions and the reason for changing it. A useful comparison looks at failure mode, processing, life, inspection and total project cost—not only a single property value.
What determines lead time?
Lead time depends on product form, grade, size, quantity, documentation, machining and current availability. Confirm the required delivery date and destination with the RFQ rather than assuming a standard schedule.
Send the drawing, application and quantity. We will use the project details to prepare a practical material and supply discussion.
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