u Ltem Brochure

GE Plasticsg

EN/10/2001

Ultem® profile

Titlepage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.1 Tableware / Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2 Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.3 Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.4 Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.5 Automotive Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.6 Telecom, Moulded Interconnect Devices (MIDs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.7 Electrical and Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.8 HVAC / Fluid handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 Product Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1 Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.1 Ultem 1000 series Base Polymer . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.2 Ultem 2000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.3 Ultem 4000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.4 Ultem CRS 5000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.5 Ultem 6000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.6 Ultem 7000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.7 Ultem 9000 series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.8 Siltem® STM 1500 (PEI / siloxane copolymer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.9 Ultem HTX series (high impact) . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1.10 Ultem ATX series (polyetherimide /polycarbonate-ester blend) . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.2 Selection tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.3 Heat - Impact - Flow comparison . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.4 Heat - Modulus - Flow comparison . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.5 Typical properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4 Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.1 Thermal Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2 Flammability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.3 Mechanical properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4 Electrical properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.5 Environmental resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6 Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7 Secondary Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

7.1 Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

7.2 Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

7.3 Mechanical Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

7.4 Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7.5 Metallization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le Contents page 2

Contents

1 Introduction

Ultem Polyetherimide resin, PEI, is an amorphoushigh performance polymer which is characterizedby excellent thermal properties, good chemicalresistance, inherent flame retardancy andexceptional dimensional stability.

The base polymer Ultem 1000 has a transparentamber brown colour, is manufactured bypolycondensation and has the following chemicalstructure:

Key properties of the Ultem 1000 base polymerare:

·High long-term heat resistance exhibiting a glasstransition temperature (Tg) of 217°C, HDT/Ae of190°C and relative thermal index (RTI) of 170°C

·Inherent flame retardancy with low smokeevolution, meeting ABD, FAR and NBSrequirements

·Excellent dimensional stability (low creepsensitivity and low, uniform coefficient of thermal expansion)

·Exceptional strength and modulus at elevatedtemperatures

·Good resistance to a broad range of chemicalssuch as automotive fluids, fully halogenatedhydrocarbons, alcohols and aqueous solutions

·Stable dielectric constant and dissipation factor over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies

·Transparency to visible light, infrared light, and microwave radiation.

·Compliancy with FDA, EU, national food contact regulations and USP Class VI

·Outstanding processibility on conventionalmoulding equipment

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 1 In t roduct ion page 3

Ultem®

Polyetherimide Resins PEI PEI+PCE PEI+SI

Ultem

Injection moulding

Extrusion

Injection mouldingand Extrusion

unreinforced - 1000 series

unreinforced - 1000 series

Siltem

glass reinforced - 2000 series

unreinforced

glass reinforced

unreinforced

glass reinforced

unreinforced

glass reinforced

Multi purpose

Multi purpose

High impact - HTX series

High impact - HTX series

Wear resistant - 4000 series

Aircraft - 9000 series

Polymer blend - ATX series

Flexible copolymer

Chemical resistant - CRS 5000 series

High heat - 6000 series

Carbon fibre filled - 7000 series

N N

n

C

C

CH3

O

CCH3

O O

C

O

O

C

O

Tableware / Catering

Medical

Aircraft

Automotive

Automotive Lighting

Telecom, Moulded Interconnect Devices (MIDs)

Electrical and Lighting

HVAC / Fluid handling

2.1 Tableware / Catering

High performance and design flexibility allow Ultem resin to be used for a wide variety of high quality, reusable food service applications which are fully recyclable after their service life. Examples are food trays, soup mugs, steam insert pans or gastronormcontainers, cloches, microwavable bowls,ovenware, cooking utensils and re-usable airline casseroles.

Ultem resin in tableware and catering offers:

·Temperature resistance up to 200°C for hot air ovens:

·Excellent infra-red and microwave transparency for fast reheating of food

·Reheating in combi-steamer and thermal contact heater

·Proven property retention through over 1000 cycles in industrial washing machines with detergents

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 2 Markets page 4

2 Markets

·Excellent stain resistance even with stain-proneproducts like tomato ketchup, carrots andbarbecue sauce

·Compliancy with FDA, EU and national foodcontact regulations

·Resistance against most cooking oils and greases

·Long-term hydrolytic stability

·Practical level of impact resistance (from subzero to 200°C)

·Cold touch (heated Ultem trays can be easily handled by hands)

·Ultem ATX series for superior impact behaviourand intermediate thermal performance

·Ultem HTX series for superior impact behaviourand similar heat performance to Ultem 1000

2.2 Medical

Ultem resin provides value added performancefor reusable medical devices like sterilizationtrays, stopcocks, dentist devices and pipettes.

The reasons why Ultem resin is the right choice for medical applications are:

·Full compliance with FDA and USP Class VI

·Ability to withstand various sterilization methodslike EtO gas, gamma radiation, autoclaving and dry heat

·Excellent chemical resistance against lipids,detergents and disinfectants

·Ultem HTX offers enhanced impact resistanceand optimum property retention after repeatedsterilization, proven up to 3000 autoclave cycles at 134°C

2.3 Aircraft

The inherently flame retardant Ultem productfamily is widely used in the aircraft industry inapplications like air and fuel valves, food traycontainers, steering wheels, interior claddingparts and (semi-)structural components.


Ultem is chosen because it offers:

·The Ultem 9000 series for full compliance withaircraft industry regulations for aircraft interiorsincluding ABD 0031, FAR 25.853, OSU 65/65heat release tests and NBS smoke density tests

·The Ultem 1000, 2000, CRS 5000, 6000 and 7000 series for compliance with aircraft industryregulations such as ABD 0031, FAR 25.853, OSU 100/100 heat release tests and NBS smokedensity tests

·Very low smoke and toxic gas emission, whichmakes it the material of choice for aircraftinteriors

·Chemical resistance against most fuels and fluids

·Excellent processibility with a very good partreproducibility

·Ultem CRS 5000 series for better resistanceagainst hydraulic aircraft fluids, such as Skydrol,compared to Ultem 1000

·Ability to manufacture Ultem based thermoplasticcomposites which allow increased productivity incomponent manufacturing over traditionalcomposite materials

·Ability to manufacture Ultem foam cores fortough, light-weight sandwich panels

2.4 Automotive

Ultem in the automotive industry providesmanufacturers with a high performance, cost-effective alternative to metal: strong enough toreplace steel in some applications and lightenough to replace aluminium in others.

For applications like transmission components,throttle bodies, ignition components, sensors and thermostat housings, Ultem resin offers:

·Heat resistance up to 200°C, RTI of 170°C

·Chemical resistance against most automotivefuels, fluids and oils


·Superior torque strength and torque retention

·Excellent processibility with very tight moulding tolerances

·Elimination of secondary operations like machining and anodizing


2.5 Automotive Lighting

The Ultem product family has a specifically good fit in a heat dominated area like automotive lighting.

Typical applications are headlight reflectors,foglight reflectors, bezels and light bulb socketswhere Ultem resin provides:

·High heat resistance up to 200°C, RTI of 170°C

·Metallization without primer

·Competitive system cost vs traditional thermosetmaterials

·Design and processing flexibility which allowstypical free form reflector design

·Integration possibilities for mounting andadjustment fixings

·Infra-red transparency allowing heat dissipation

·Weight savings because of lighter, thinner walledreflectors than possible with traditional thermosetmaterials

·Excellent dimensional stability (low creepsensitivity and low, uniform coefficient of thermalexpansion)

·Recyclability of Ultem versus the “traditional”materials

2.6 Telecom, Moulded Interconnect Devices (MIDs)

Its unique plating capabilities make Ultem resinthe material of choice for Telecom and MIDapplications. Ultem allows the combination ofelectrical functions with the advantages ofinjection moulded three-dimensional mechanicalcomponents in: electrical control units, computercomponents, mobilephone internal antenna’s, rf-duplexers or microfilters and fiber opticconnectors.

Ultem resin offers:

·Unique plating capabilities with the chemicalbonding process

·Significant productivity through integration of components and ease of assembly through,among others, snap fits

·High heat resistance up to 200°C

·Stable dielectric constant and dissipation factorover a wide range of temperatures (subzero to200°C) and frequencies (1 Hz - 1010 Hz)

·Excellent dimensional stability, (low creepsensitivity and low, uniform coefficient of thermal expansion)

·Consistent processibility and thereforereproducibility of parts


2.7 Electrical and Lighting

From connectors to reflectors, Ultem resin is the material of choice for today’s demandingelectrical and lighting applications.

In these markets Ultem provides:

·Temperature resistance up to 200°C, RTI of 170°C and ball pressure test at 125°C


·Compatibility with UL file E75735 for use as insulation materials in transformers and motors of up to 600 volts

·Inherent flame retardancy

·Passes glow wire test at 960°C (1 - 3.2 mm)

·Low water absorption

·Ultem grades with F0 and F1 classificationaccording to the French Standard forTransportation NF F 16 -101

·Suitability for use with dichroic coating without primer for reflectors

·Siltem STM 1500 for non-halogenated flexible cable and wire coatings

·Ultem 6000 series for high heat connectors

2.8 HVAC / Fluid handling

In circumstances where heat and fluids arecombined in an application, Ultem resin offers an ideal balance of properties.

For applications like water-pump impellers,expansion valves, hot water reservoirs and heat exchange systems, Ultem is chosen because it offers:

·Long-term heat resistance, RTI of 170°C

·Weld line strength, needed because of hightemperatures and dynamic pressures

·Potable water approval up to 90°C (KTW approval)

·Excellent mechanical properties under hot water conditions

·Good hydrolytic stability

·Excellent dimensional stability, (low creepsensitivity and low, uniform coefficient of thermal expansion)


3 Product Selection

3.1 Product description

3.1.1 Ultem 1000 series Base Polymer

·Multi purpose

·Unreinforced

·Food contact compliant grades available

·USP Class VI compliant grades available

·Low viscosity grades available

·Extrusion and injection moulding grades

3.1.2 Ultem 2000 series

·Glass reinforced

·Greater rigidity vs. Ultem 1000

·Improved dimensional stability over Ultem 1000

·Low viscosity grades available


·Wear resistance

·Reduced coefficient of friction

·Unreinforced and glass reinforced grades

3.1.4 Ultem CRS 5000 series

·Superior chemical resistance over Ultem 1000

·Better resistance against hydraulic aircraft fluidscompared to Ultem 1000



·Highest heat resistance of all Ultem grades


·Carbon fibre-reinforced

·Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio

·Highest modulus of all Ultem grades


·Fulfills aircraft industry regulations (ABD, FAR, OSU and NBS)

·Delivered with individual lot certification



3.1.8 Siltem® STM 1500(PEI / siloxane copolymer)

·For wire and cable

·Halogen free composition

·For applications where minimal combustioncorrosion is required


3.1.9 Ultem HTX series (high impact)

·Superior impact performance compared to Ultem 1000

·Enhanced chemical resistance and hydrolyticstability vs. Ultem 1000

·Autoclavability over 3000 cycles at 134°C with property retention


·USP Class VI compliant grades available

·Opaque colours only


3.1.10 Ultem ATX series (polyetherimide /polycarbonate-ester blend)

·Intermediate heat performance

·Ultem ATX 100 offers higher impact performance compared to Ultem 1000

·Very high flow compared to Ultem 1000

·Metallizable without primer


g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 3 P roduct Se lect ion page 9

3.2 Selection tree


multi-purpose

wear resistant

chemical resistant

high heat

carbon fibre filled

aircraft

flexible copolymer

high impact

polymer blend

Ultem

GRADEHeat • Impact • ModulusFlammability • Flow

Grade: All are injection moulding grades unless otherwise indicated.

(F): Food compliant version(R): Improved release version

Heat: HDT/Ae in °C (ISO 75)Impact: Izod Notched at 23°C in kJ/m 2 (ISO 180/1A)Impact*: Izod Unnotched at 23°C in kJ/m 2 (ISO 180/1U)Modulus: Flexural in MPa (ISO 178)

Flammability: Recognized at mm thickness (UL94)Flow: MVR at 360°C/5.00kg in cm 3/10min (ISO1133)Flow*: MVR at 320°C/2.16kg in cm 3/10min (ISO1133)

n.t.: not tested

Ultem › multi-purpose | wear resistant | chemical resistant | high heat | carbon fibre filled |aircraft | flexible copolymer | high impact | polymer blend

2400 (R)210°C • 35*kJ/m 2 • 10000 MPaV0/0.25 • 5 cm 3/10min

2300 (R)210°C • 40*kJ/m 2 • 7500 MPaV0/0.25 - 5VA/1.24 • 6 cm 3/10min

2200 (R)205°C • 30*kJ/m 2 • 6000 MPaV0/0.41 • 7 cm 3/10min

standard

standard

alsoExtrusion

10%

1000 (F,R)190°C • 6 kJ/m 2 • 3300 MPaV0/0.41 - 5VA/1.60 • 13 cm 3/10min

unreinforced1000 series

multi-purpose

high flow 1010 (F,R)190°C • 5 kJ/m 2 • 3300 MPaV0/0.71 - 5VA/3.00 • 25 cm 3/10min

glass reinforced2000 series

high pigmentloading 1110 (F)

185°C • 4 kJ/m 2 • 3300 MPaV0/0.74 • 21 cm 3/10min

2100 (R)205°C • 30*kJ/m 2 • 4500 MPaV0/0.4 1 • 9 cm 3/10min

20%

40%

30%

see charts on pages 13 and 14





2210 (R)205°C • 30*kJ/m 2 • 6000 MPaV0/0.41 • 10 cm 3/10min

multi-purpose

glass reinforced2000 series

10%

20%

40%

30%

30%

high flow

2110 (R)205°C • 30*kJ/m 2 • 4500 MPaV0/0.41 • 13 cm 3/10min

milled glass 2312192°C • 20*kJ/m 2 • 7000 MPaV0/0.81 • 12 cm 3/10min



4001190°C • 10 kJ/m 2 • 3000 MPaV0/1.60 - 5VA/1.50 • 13 cm 3/10minunreinforced

wear resistant4000 series

25% 4000205°C • 15*kJ/m 2 • 7000 MPaV0/0.84 • 5 cm 3/10minglass reinforced

chemical resistantCRS 5000 series

CRS 5001200°C • 8 kJ/m 2 • 2500 MPaV0/1.59 • 7 cm 3/10min

unreinforced

20% CRS 5201 (R)205°C • 40*kJ/m 2 • 5800 MPaV0/1.59 - 5VA/1.59 • 5 cm 3/10min

glass reinforced

30% CRS 5311215°C • 35*kJ/m 2 • 8200 MPaV0/1.59 • 7 cm 3/10min

standard

high flow CRS 5011200°C • 5 kJ/m 2 • 2900 MPaV0/1.60 • 20 cm 3/10min





9075185°C • 7 kJ/m 2 • 3000 MPaV0/1.60 • 27 cm 3/10min

unreinforced

aircraft9000 series

30% AR 9300208°C • 35*kJ/m 2 • 8500 MPan.t. • 6 cm 3/10minglass reinforced

also Extrusion Siltem n.t. • 25kJ/m 2 • 475 MPaSTM 1500 V1/1.60 • 8*cm 3/10min

flexiblecopolymer

HTX 1010 (F)182°C • 15 kJ/m 2 • 2900 MPan.t. • 18 cm 3/10min

high impactHTX series

standard

extrusion

ATX 100 (F)160°C • 15kJ/m 2 • 2400 MPaHB/0.76 • 45 cm 3/10min

polymer blendATX series

ATX 200 (F)188°C • 5 kJ/m 2 • 3200 MPaV0/1.50 • 33 cm 3/10min

9076175°C • 6 kJ/m 2 • 3000 MPan.t. • 22 cm 3/10min



high heat6000 series 6000

215°C • 5 kJ/m 2 • 3000 MPaV0/1.57 • 6 cm 3/10min

25% 7801210°C • 35*kJ/m 2 • 13500 MPaV0/1.60 • 5 cm 3/10mincarbon fibres

carbon fibre filled7000 series

3.3 Heat - Impact - Flow comparison


Ultem unreinforcedmulti-purpose

standardhigh flowhigh pigment loading

Ultem unreinforcednon multi-purpose

wear resistantchemical resistanthigh heataircrafthigh impactpolymer blend

–

–

210

–

200

–

190

–

180

–

170

–

160

–

150

–

–| 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 22.5 25 |

Izod Notched Impact kJ/m2

Hea

t HDT

/Ae

°C

1110 (F)

1000 (F,R)

1010 (F,R)

9076aircraft

CRS 5011

–

–

210

–

200

–

190

–

180

–

170

–

160

–

150

–

–| 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 22.5 25 |

Izod Notched Impact kJ/m2

Hea

t HDT

/Ae

°C 6000high heat

CRS 5001

ATX 200 (F)

9075aircraft

4001wear

HTX 1010 (F)

ATX 100 (F)Flow Melt Volume Rate cm3/10 min

5 13.3 21.6 30

Flow Melt Volume Rate cm3/10 min

5 13.3 21.6 30

3.4 Heat - Modulus - Flow comparison


–

–

210

–

200

–

190

–

180

–

170

–

160

–

150

–

–| 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 |

Hea

t HDT

/Ae

°Cnormal glass fibres10% 20% 30% 40%

Flexural Modulus MPa

2410 (R)2310 (R)

2110 (R)

2400 (R)2300 (R)2100 (R)

2210 (R)

2312appearance30% milled glass fibres

2200 (R)


5 13.3 21.6 30

Ultem reinforcedmulti-purpose

standardhigh flowmilled glass

–

–

210

–

200

–

190

–

180

–

170

–

160

–

150

–

–| 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 |

Flexural Modulus MPa

Hea

t HDT

/Ae

°Cnormal glass fibres carbon fibres20% 25% 30% 25%

4000wear

AR 9300aircraft

7801

CRS 5311

CRS 5201 (R)


5 13.3 21.6 30

Ultem reinforcednon multi-purpose

wear resistantchemical resistantcarbon fibre filledaircraft

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 3 Product Selection page 15NB : not broken · – : not relevant · n.t.: not tested

MechanicalTensile stress at yield (at break) at 50 mm/min MPa R527

at break at 5 mm/min MPa R527 MPTS (150 x 20/10 x 4)Tensile strain at yield (at break) at 50 mm/min % R527

at break at 5 mm/min % R527 MPTSTensile modulus at 1 mm/min MPa R527 MPTSFlexural stress at yield (at break) at 2 mm/min MPa 178 80 x 10 x 4Flexural modulus at 2 mm/min MPa 178 80 x 10 x 4Hardness Ball indentation H 358/30 MPa 2039-1 53456 50 x 50 x 4

Rockwell R, M or L scale 2039-2 D785Abrasion resistance Taber, CS-17, 1 kg per 1000 cycles mg GE*

ImpactIzod notched at +23°C [-30°C] kJ/m2 180-1A

unnotched at +23°C [-30°C] kJ/m 2 180-1C 80 x 10 x 4Charpy notched at +23°C [-30°C] kJ/m2 53453

unnotched at +23°C [-30°C] kJ/m 2 53453 80 x 10 x 4

ThermalVicat A/50 10N (method A) at 50°C/h °C 306

B/50 50N (method B) at 50°C/h °C 306 110 x 10 x 4B/120 50N (method B) at 120°C/h °C 306 53460

HDT/Ae edgewise, span 100 mm at 1.80 MPa °C 75/Be at 0.45 MPa °C 75 110 x 10 x 4

Ball pressure passes at °C °C 335-1*Relative Temperature Index RTI Electrical properties °C UL746B* 1)

Mechanical properties with Impact °C UL746B*Mechanical properties without Impact °C UL746B*

Thermal conductivity W/m°C 52612 C177Coefficient of CTE in flow direction 1/°C 53752 D696 2)

Thermal Expansion in ⊥ flow direction 1/°C 53752 D696 110 x 10 x 4

FlammabilityUL94 rating flame class rating at mm thickness class at mm UL94* 125 x 13, thickness as noted 1)

3)

Limited Oxygen Index LOI % 4589 D2863 150/80 x 10 x 4 3)

Glow wire passed at °C at mm thickness °C at mm 695-2-1*Needle flame passed at 10 sec at 3.2 mm — 695-2-2*Hot Wire Ignition HWI Performance Level Class PLC UL746A* 1)

High-Current Arc Ignition HAI Performance Level Class PLC UL746A*4)

ElectricalDielectric strength in oil at 0.8 mm / 1.6 mm / 3.2 mm kV/mm 243* 0303T2* D149Surface resistivity Ohm 93* 0303T3* D257Volume resistivity Ohm·cm 93* 0303T3* D257Relative permittivity or Dielectric constant at 50 Hz (at 1 MHz) — 250* 0303T4* D150Dissipation factor or Loss tangent at 50 Hz — 250* 0303T4* D150

at 1 MHz — 250* 0303T4* D150Comparative Tracking Index CTI (CTI- M) 50 drops [M: wetting agent] V 112* 0303T1* D3638 5)

Comparative Tracking Index CTI Performance Level Class PLC UL746A* 1)

Arc Resistance D-495 Performance Level Class PLC UL746A*4)

High Voltage Arc-Tracking Rate HVTR Performance Level Class PLC UL746A*

PhysicalDensity g/cm 3 1183 53479 D792Moisture absorption at saturation at 23°C, 50% R.H. % 62 D570Water absorption at saturation at 23°C, in water % 62 D570Mould shrinkage in flow direction % R527 D955 6)

RheologicalMelt Volume Rate MVR at 360 °C / 5 kg cm3/10 min 1133 53735 granules

Typical values only.Variations within normal tolerances are possible for various colours.

Test Method

ISO DIN ASTMIEC* VDE* other*

Unit Test Specimen

MPTS (multi purpose test speci-men) as defined in ISO 3167.Smaller test specimens may bemachined from MPTS.All dimensions in mm.

4) measured at 3 - 3.2 mm thickness - valuesmay differ for other thicknesses

5) values may differ with pigmented materials

6) only typical data for material selection purposes - not to be usedfor part/tool design; for glass reinforced grades: values maydiffer with glass fibre orientation

1 ) as recognized on UL yellow cards; UL recognition may differ with colour2) values may differ with glass fibre orientation3) these ratings are not intended to reflect hazards presented by this or

other material under actual fire conditions

3.5 Typical properties


1010 (F,R)105 (85)–6 (60)–3200160 (–)3300140M10910

5 (5)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

2152112121901951251701701700.245.0·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/0.715VA/3.0047960/1.0-3.21.013

33 / 25 / 16>1015

>1015

2.9 (2.9)0.00050.006150 (100)452

1.270.71.250.5-0.7

25

1010 (F,R)

1110 (F)110 (80)–6 (10)–3500140 (–)3300145n.t.10

4 (4)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

210200205185200125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.265.0·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/0.715VA/3.0047960/1.0-3.2n.t.––

–/ – / 17>1015

>1015

3.5 (–)0.0016–175 (125)–––

1.370.651.200.4-0.6

21

1110 (F)

1000 (F,R)105 (85)–6 (60)–3200160 (–)3300140M10910

6 (6)– (–)4 (4)– (–)

2152112121902001251701701700.245.0·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/0.415VA/1.6047960/1.0-3.21.013

33 / 25 / 16>1015

>1015

2.9 (2.9)0.00050.006150 (100)452

1.270.71.250.5-0.7

13

1000 (F,R)

2110 (R)– (–)115– (–)46000– (185)4500140n.t.15

– (–)30 (30)– (–)35 (35)

2232122172052101251701701700.252.6·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.41n.t.46960/1.0-3.21.014

34 / 27 / 15>1015

>1015

3.0 (2.9)0.00090.0025150 (100)462

1.340.610.4-0.6

13

2110 (R)

2200 (R)– (–)140– (–)27600– (210)6000150M11417

– (–)30 (30)– (–)35 (35)

2232122182052101251701701700.282.5·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.41n.t.46960/1.0-3.21.014

34 / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.1 (3.0)0.00080.0025150 (100)462

1.420.5510.3-0.5

7

2200 (R)

2210 (R)– (–)140– (–)27600– (210)6000150M11417

– (–)30 (30)– (–)35 (35)

2232122182052101251701701700.282.5·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.41n.t.46960/1.0-3.21.014

34 / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.1 (3.0)0.00080.0025150 (100)462

1.420.5510.3-0.5

10

2210 (R)

2100 (R)– (–)115– (–)46000– (185)4500140M10915

– (–)30 (30)– (–)35 (35)

2232122172052101251701701700.252.6·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.41n.t.46960/1.0-3.21.014

34 / 27 / 15>1015

>1015

3.0 (2.9)0.00090.0025150 (100)462

1.340.610.4-0.6

9

2100 (R)

MechanicalTens. stress y (b) 50

b 5Tens. strain y (b) 50

b 5Tens. modulusFlex. stress y (b)Flex. modulusHardness Ball

RockwellAbrasion Taber

ImpactIzod notch. 23° (-30°) C

unnotch. 23° (-30°) CCharpy notch. 23° (-30°) C

unnotch. 23° (-30°) C

ThermalVicat A/50

B/50B/120

HDT/ Ae 1.80 MPa/ Be 0.45 Mpa

Ball PressureRTI Electrical

Mech. with Impactwithout Impact

Thermal conductivityCTE flow

⊥ flow

FlammabilityUL94

LOIGlow wireNeedle flameHWI - PLCHAI - PLC

ElectricalDiel. str. oil 0.8 / 1.6 / 3.2 mmSurface resistivityVolume resistivityRel. permitt. 50 Hz (1 MHz)Dissipation f. 50 Hz

1 MHzCTI (CTI-M)CTIArc D-495HVTR

PhysicalDensityMoisture abs. 23°CWater abs. 23°CMould shrink. flow

RheologicalMVR

UnitMPaMPa%%MPaMPaMPaMPascalemg

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

°C°C°C°C°C°C°C°C°CW/m°C1/°C1/°C

class at mm

%°C at mm—PLCPLC

kV/mmOhmOhm·cm———VPLCPLCPLC

g/cm 3

%%%

cm 3/10 min

Typical values only.Not to be used forspecification purposes.

unreinforced

standardhighflow

highpigmentloading

glass reinforced

10%highflow

20%highflow

multi purpose

page 17








unnotch. 23° (-30°) C

ThermalVicat A/50

B/50B/120





⊥ flow

FlammabilityUL94





RheologicalMVR


kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2


class at mm

%°C at mm—PLCPLC


g/cm 3

%%%

cm 3/10 min


2300 (R)– (–)165– (–)29500– (225)7500165M11420

– (–)40 (40)– (–)40 (40)

2252132202102151251801701800.32.0·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.255VA/1.2448960/1.0-3.21.014

35 / 26 / 15>1015

>1015

3.3 (3.4)0.00160.0023150 (100)463

1.510.50.90.2-0.4

6

2300 (R)

2310 (R)– (–)165– (–)29500– (225)7500165M11420

– (–)40 (40)– (–)40 (40)

2252132202102151251801701800.32.0·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/0.255VA/1.2448960/1.0-3.21.014

35 / 26 / 15>1015

>1015

3.3 (3.4)0.00160.0023150 (100)463

1.510.50.90.2-0.4

8

2310 (R)

2312– (–)85– (–)37000– (145)7000160n.t.35

– (–)20 (20)– (–)25 (25)

2202112131922061251701701700.32.3·10-5

2.7·10-5

V0/0.81n.t.n.t.960/1.0-3.21.013

– / – / –>1015

>1015

n.t. (3.4)n.t.n.t.150 (n.t.)470

1.510.50.90.2-0.4

12

2312

2400 (R)– (–)180– (–)211500– (240)10000170M12520

– (–)35 (35)– (–)40 (40)

2302172252102151251701701700.331.5·10-5

4.5·10-5

V0/0.25n.t.48960/1.0-3.21.004

35 / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.5 (3.1)0.00250.0019150 (100)554

1.610.40.80.1-0.3

5

2400 (R)

2410 (R)– (–)180– (–)211500– (240)10000170M12520

– (–)35 (35)– (–)40 (40)

2302172252102151251701701700.331.5·10-5

4.5·10-5

V0/0.255VA/1.5748960/1.0-3.21.004

35 / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.5 (3.1)0.00250.0019150 (100)554

1.610.40.80.1-0.3

7

2410 (R)

glass reinforced

40%highflow

30%high milledflow glass

multi purpose

page 16

page 16


CRS 5001100 (95)–8 (50)–3200110 (105)2500135R12310

8 (8)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

225220222200210125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.295.0·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/1.59n.t.47960/1.0-3.21.000

n.t. / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.2 (3.0)0.00160.0043175 (125)453

1.280.61.200.6-0.8

7

CRS 5001

4000– (–)90– (–)19900– (120)7000140M8530

– (–)15 (15)– (–)– (–)

225215220205210125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.431.5·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/0.84n.t.48960/1.0-3.21.0n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.200 (100)4n.t.n.t.

1.680.30.70.1-0.3

5

4000

400195 (75)–6 (30)–3000125 (–)3000130M1102

10 (8)– (–)11 (9)– (–)

2152082101902001251701701700.263.9·10-5

4.0·10-5

V0/1.605VA/1.5048960/1.0-3.23.2n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.150 (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.330.61.100.6-0.8

13

4001

CRS 5311– (–)160– (–)210000(–) 2108200165n.t.n.t.

– (–)35 (35)– (–)– (–)

228220222215215125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.332.0·10-5

7.0·10-5

V0/1.595VA/1.59n.t.960/1.0-3.21.004

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.150 (100)454

1.520.150.90.2-0.4

7

CRS 5311

CRS 5011100 (85)n.t.8 (50)n.t.2900110 (n.t.)2900n.t.n.t.n.t.

5 (5)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

220215215200210125n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.5.5 ·10-5

5.5 ·10-5

V0/1.60n.t.49960/3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t. / n.t. / 18.1>1015

2.5 ·1015

3.2 (n.t.)0.0021n.t.150 (100)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.280.21.200.5-0.7

20

CRS 5011

CRS 5201 (R)– (–)135– (–)37200(–) 1805800145n.t.n.t.

– (–)40 (40)– (–)– (–)

225220222205210125n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.2.0·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/1.59n.t.47960/1.0-3.21.004

n.t. / 26 / 16>1015

>1015

3.2 (3.0)0.00160.0043150 (100)454

1.430.21.000.3-0.5

5

CRS 5201 (R)

6000110 (95)–7 (15)–3100140 (–)3000160M110n.t.

5 (5)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

235222230215220125n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.4.5·10-5

4.5·10-5

V0/1.57n.t.47960/1.0-3.21.004

n.t./29/18.6>1015

>1015

3.2 (n.t.)0.0015n.t.150 (100)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.30.810.4-0.6

6

6000

7801– (–)200–1.516000– (260)13500180n.t.20

– (–)35 (35)– (–)35 (35)

225215220210220125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.360.7·10-5

6.0·10-5

V0/1.60n.t.n.t.960/1.0-3.21.0n.t.n.t.

– / – / –––– (–)––– (–)–––

1.370.50.90.2-0.4

5

7801

high heat carbon fibrefilled

25%30%20%

unreinforced unreinforcedglassreinforced

25% standard high flow

glassreinforced

chemical resistantwear resistant







unnotch. 23° (-30°) C

ThermalVicat A/50

B/50B/120





⊥ flow

FlammabilityUL94





RheologicalMVR


kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2


class at mm

%°C at mm—PLCPLC


g/cm 3

%%%

cm 3/10 min









unnotch. 23° (-30°) C

ThermalVicat A/50

B/50B/120





⊥ flow

FlammabilityUL94





RheologicalMVR


kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2

kJ/m 2


class at mm

%°C at mm—PLCPLC


g/cm 3

%%%

cm 3/10 min


1 ) Shore D hardness according to ISO 868 of Siltem STM 1500 is 692 ) MVR of Siltem STM 1500 at 320°C/2.16 kg

907695 (70)n.t.6 (50)n.t.3000135 (n.t.)3000145n.t.n.t.

6 (6)n.t. (n.t.)6 (6)n.t. (n.t.)

210200200175195125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.265.5·10-5

5.5 ·10-5

n.t.n.t.50960/3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./ 18>1015

>1015

2.9 (2.8)n.t.0.005150 (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.300.71.250.6-0.8

27

9076

907590 (75)–6 (25)–3200125 (120)3000127n.t.15

7 (5)– (–)7 (6)– (–)

210200200185200125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.235.0·10-5

5.0·10-5

V0/1.60n.t.n.t.960/1.0-3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.320.71.250.6-0.8

27

9075

AR 9300– (–)165– (–)29500(–) 2258500160n.t.n.t.

– (–)35 (35)– (–)40 (40)

220211215208212125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.31.7·10-5

4.2·10-5

n.t.n.t.n.t.960/1.0-3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.n.t.

1.49n.t.n.t.0.2-0.4

6

AR 9300

ATX 100 (F)68 (55)– (–)7 (30)– (–)235090 (–)2400111–n.t.

15 (13)– (–)19 (15)– (–)

182169176160168125n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.6.0·10-5

5.9·10-5

HB/0.76n.t.n.t.960/3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.175 (n.t.)––n.t.

1.21n.t.n.t.0.5-0.7

45

ATX 100 (F)

ATX 200 (F)98 (75)– (–)7 (21)– (–)3100130 (–)3200130–20

5 (5)– (–)4 (4)– (–)

207200202188204125n.t.n.t.n.t.0.224.7·10-5

4.5·10-5

V0/1.50n.t.n.t.960/3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.150 (n.t.)––n.t.

1.260.7n.t.0.5-0.7

33

ATX 200 (F)

HTX 1010 (F)97 (80)– (–)6 (15)– (–)3100122 (–)2900115–15

15 (9)– (–)15 (14)– (–)

215210212182197125n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t.n.t.n.t.960/1.0-3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

n.t./n.t./n.t.>1015

>1015

n.t. (n.t.)n.t.n.t.125 (n.t.)––n.t.

1.270.7n.t.0.5-0.7

18

HTX 1010 (F)

SiltemSTM 150020 (25)– (–)15 (110)– (–)59020 (18)475–– 1 )

60

25 (15)– (–)n.t. (n.t.)– (–)

n.t.7578––75n.t.n.t.n.t.n.t.11·10-5

9·10-5

V1/1.60n.t.48960/1.0-3.2n.t.n.t.n.t.

– / – / 19>1015

>1015

3 (n.t.)n.t.n.t.175 (100)––n.t.

1.18n.t.n.t.1.2-1.4

8 2)

STM 1500Siltem

aircraft

30%standard extrusion

unreinforced glassreinforced

polymer blendhigh impactflexiblecopolymer

4.1 Thermal Properties

An outstanding property of Ultem resin is its ability to withstand long-term exposure to elevated temperatures. This high heatperformance, combined with excellentflammability ratings and Underwriters’Laboratory, UL, recognition, qualifies Ultem for demanding high temperature applications.

* Typical values only. In all cases extensive testing of the application under the working conditions is strongly recommended. The actual performance and interpreting of the results of end-use testing are the end-producer’s responsibility.

Heat deflection temperature and continuous use ratingsIn recognition of its inherent thermal stability, UL has granted the Ultem 1000 base polymer arelative thermal index (RTI) of 170°C, accordingto UL746B. The polymer’s high glass transitiontemperature (Tg) of 217°C coupled with its highheat deflection temperature (HDT/Ae 1.80 MPa)of 190°C contributes to its excellent retention ofphysical properties at elevated temperatures.

■ F IGURE 1 shows the ability of Ultem resin tomaintain this high heat deflection temperaturewith increased stress, an important considerationto the design engineer.

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 4 P roper t ies page 20

4 Properties*

■ F IGURE 1Heat deflection temperature of Ultem 1000 vs. applied stress

Hea

t d

efle

ctio

n t

emp

erat

ure

(°C

)

Applied stress (MPa)

225

200

175

150

1250 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

■ F IGURE 2 compares the high heat deflectiontemperature of Ultem 1000 with those of otherhigh performance engineering thermoplastics.

Coefficient of thermal expansionAnother important design consideration is thethermal expansion of a material, particularly inapplications where plastic parts are mated withmetal parts or have metal inserts. ■ TABLE 1 liststhe coefficient of thermal expansion for thefamily of Ultem grades and demonstrates thecapability of matching the values of several metals.

4.2 Flammability

Flame resistanceUltem resin exhibits exceptionally good flame resistance without the use of additives. For example, Ultem 1000 has been rated V0 at 0.41 mm under UL94, and 5VA at 1.6 mm.In addition, as seen in ■ F IGURE 3 , it has a limited oxygen index of 47, the highest of anycommonly used engineering thermoplastic.

Combustion characteristicsA key factor in determining the relative safety of a polymeric material is its smoke generationunder actual fire conditions. Measured against


Material Flow direction Cross flow direction(10-5/°C) (10-5/°C)

Ultem 1000 5 5

Ultem 2100 2.6 6

Ultem 2200 2.5 6

Ultem 2300 2 6

Ultem 2312 2.3 2.7

Ultem 2400 1.5 4.5

Polysulfone 5.6

Polysulfone 10% GF 3.6

High Heat Polycarbonate 7.5

Brass 1.6-1.8

Zinc 2.7

Aluminium 2.2

Steel 1.2-1.5

■ TABLE 1Coefficient of linear thermal expansion

■ F IGURE 2Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT/Ae 1.80 MPa)

Hea

t d

efle

ctio

n t

emp

erat

ure

(°C

)

250

200

150

100Ul

tem

100

0

Ulte

m 2

100

(10%

GF)

Ulte

m 2

400

(40%

GF)

Poly

ethe

rsul

fone

Poly

sulfo

ne

High

hea

tpo

lyca

rbon

ate

Ulte

m A

TX10

0

Ulte

m A

TX20

0

other engineering thermoplastics, Ultem resinexhibits extremely low levels of smoke generationas demonstrated by the NBS smoke evolution testresults shown in ■ F IGURE 4 . Furthermore, theproducts of combustion of Ultem resin have beenshown to be no more toxic than those of wood.

Aircraft industry regulationsUltem resin is widely used in aircraft applicationsbecause of its compliance with aircraft industryregulations. ■ TABLE 2 lists the performance ofthe different Ultem series according to theseregulations.

4.3 Mechanical properties

StrengthAt room temperature, Ultem resin exhibitsstrength well beyond that of most engineeringthermoplastics, with a tensile stress at yield of 105 MPa (ISO R527)and a flexural strength atyield of 160 MPa (ISO 178).

Even more impressive is the retention of strengthat elevated temperatures. At 190°C, a temperaturewell beyond the useful range of most otherengineering thermoplastics, Ultem resin retainsapproximately 50 MPa tensile stress (ISO R527),as illustrated in ■ F IGURE 5 .


Polyethersulfone Polysulfone High heatpolycarbonate

Ultem 1000

■ F IGURE 3Oxygen index

Oxy

gen

ind

ex (

%)

50

40

30

20

10

Material + Grade FAR OSU Smoke Toxicity25.853 Ds 4min

Ultem 1000 series a(60s) 100/100 <50 pass


Ultem CRS 5000 series a(60s) 100/100 <50 pass




ABD 0031 contains requirements for smoke, toxicity and FAR 25.853.FAR 25.853 classifies materials for flammability.OSU (Ohio State University) calorimeter requirements for larger parts.

■ TABLE 2Aircraft regulation compliance according to ABD 0031, FAR 25.853, OSU

■ F IGURE 4Smoke evolution by NBS test Dmax 20 min

Ultem 1000 Polyethersulfone Polysulfone

Smok

e d

ensi

ty (

Dm

ax)

240

180

120

60

0

■ F IGURE 6 demonstrates the higher tensile stress of Ultem 1000 compared to other highperformance engineering materials. The out-standing inherent strength of Ultem resin isfurther enhanced through reinforcement withglass fibres, as shown in ■ F IGURE 7 whichcompares Ultem 2200 (20% glass reinforcedgrade) with other glass reinforced engineeringthermoplastics.


Ultem

24002300220021001000

CRS5001

■ F IGURE 5Tensile stress as afunction of temperature

Ten

sile

str

ess

(MP

a)

Temperature (°C)

250

200

150

100

50

0-50 0 50 100 150 200

■ F IGURE 7Tensile stress (23°C) at break (5mm/min)

■ F IGURE 6Tensile stress (23°C) at yield (50mm/min)

Ten

sile

str

ess

(MP

a) 110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

Ulte

m 1

000

Poly

ethe

rsul

fone

Poly

sulfo

ne

High

hea

tpo

lyca

rbon

ate

Ulte

m A

TX10

0

Ulte

m A

TX20

0 Ultem 2200 Polyethersulfone Polysulfone20% GF 20% GF 20% GF

Ten

sile

str

ess

(MP

a) 140

120

100

80

60

40

ModulusAnother outstanding mechanical property ofUltem is its high modulus. The 3300 MPa flexuralmodulus (ISO 178) of Ultem 1000 is one of thehighest room temperature moduli of any highperformance engineering plastic. In load bearing applications where deflection is a primary consideration, unreinforced Ultem

resin provides structural rigidity approaching that of many glass reinforced resins.In addition, the flexural modulus of Ultemresin remains exceptionally high at elevatedtemperatures, as shown in ■ F IGURE 8 . Forexample, at 175°C the modulus of Ultem 1000 is higher than that of most engineering plastic at room temperature.

Thus, Ultem resin offers designers theopportunity to achieve desired stiffness with none of the sacrifices associated with glass reinforced materials, such as increased machine and tool wear and decreased flow.■ F IGURE 9 compares the flexural modulus of the Ultem 1000 base polymer with that of other high performance engineeringthermoplastics. Where greater stiffness is required, the glassreinforced Ultem 2000 series or the carbon fibre reinforced Ultem 7000 series provideadditional performance with flexural moduli as high as 13500 MPa (ISO 178) at roomtemperature.


Flex

ura

l Mod

ulu

s (M

Pa) 3400

3200

3000

2800

2600

2400

2200

2000

Ulte

m 1

000

Poly

ethe

rsul

fone

Poly

sulfo

ne

High

hea

tpo

lyca

rbon

ate

Ulte

m A

TX10

0

Ulte

m A

TX20

0

■ F IGURE 8Flexural modulus of Ultem atdifferent glass ratios as a functionof temperature vs. PPS 40%GF

PPS40% GF

Ultem

24001000

Flex

ura

l mod

ulu

s (P

a)

Temperature (°C)

1011

1010

109

108

107

-120 -80 -40 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280

■ F IGURE 9Flexural modulus (23°C) 2 mm/min

DuctilityIn addition to its unique combination of highstrength and modulus, Ultem resin exhibitsoutstanding ductility. Its tensile elongation at yield affords the freedom to incorporate snap fit designs for ease of assembly. Even with the addition of 10% glass reinforcement,Ultem 2100 retains ductility over a temperaturerange from subzero to 200°C.

Impact strengthUltem 1000 exhibits excellent practical impact resistance. Since Ultem resins displaynotch sensitivity, adherence to standard designprinciples is recommended. Stress concentratorssuch as sharp corners should be minimized toprovide the maximum impact strength inmoulded parts. Ultem HTX and Ultem ATX100have been developed specifically for applicationswhere high impact performance is required. The Izod notched impact strength of these series goes up to 15 kJ/m2.

Fatigue enduranceFatigue is an important design consideration forparts subjected to cyclical loading or vibration. In such applications, an uniaxial fatigue diagram(see ■ F IGURE 10) could be used to predictproduct life. These curves can be used todetermine the fatigue endurance limit, or the maximum cycle stress that a material canwithstand without failure.

Creep behaviourWhen considering the mechanical properties of any thermoplastic material, designers mustrecognize the effects of temperature, stress leveland load duration on material performance.Ultem resin displays excellent creep resistanceeven at temperatures and stress levels whichwould preclude the use of many otherthermoplastics.

4.4 Electrical properties

Ultem resins exhibit excellent electricalproperties which remain stable over a wide rangeof environmental conditions. This stability,together with outstanding thermal andmechanical properties, make Ultem resins idealfor highly demanding electrical and electronicapplications.


■ F IGURE 10Uniaxial fatigue testof Ultem at different glass ratios

Ultem

24002300220021001000

Stre

ss (

MP

a)

Cycles to failure

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0102 103 104 105 106 107

Relative permittivityAlthough either low or high absolute values of the relative permittivity may be desirabledepending upon the application, it is moreimportant that the values remain stable over the entire service temperature and/or frequency range. ■ F IGURES 11 and 12demonstrate the stability of Ultem 1000 overvarying temperatures and frequencies.

Dissipation factorAs shown in ■ F IGURE 13 , Ultem 1000 exhibits an exceptionally low dissipation factor over a wide range of frequencies, particularly in thekilohertz (103 Hz) and gigahertz (109 Hz) ranges.In addition, this low dissipation factor remains


■ F IGURE 11Relative permittivity of Ultem 1000 vs. temperature at 50% RH

103 Hz106 Hz

Die

lect

ric

con

stan

t

Temperature (°C)

3.20

3.15

3.10

3.05

3.00

2.950 50 100 150 200

■ F IGURE 12Relative permittivity of Ultem 1000 vs. frequency at 50% RH

23°C82°C

Die

lect

ric

con

stan

t

Frequency (Hz)

3.20

3.15

3.10

3.05

3.00

2.951 10 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 1010

constant over the resin’s entire usefultemperature range. This behaviour is of primeimportance in applications such as computercircuitry and microwave components where the resin provides a minimum loss of electricalenergy in the form of heat.

■ F IGURES 14 and 15 demonstrate the superiorperformance of Ultem over other thermoplasticresins traditionally considered for theseelectrotechnical applications. The dissipationfactor peak around megahertz (106 Hz) is caused by moisture in the material and therefore depends on the ambient conditions.


■ F IGURE 13Dissipation factor of Ultem 1000 vs. frequency at 50% RH

82°C49°C23°C

Dis

sip

atio

n f

acto

r

Frequency (Hz)

0.007

0.006

0.005

0.004

0.003

0.002

0.001

01 10 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 1010

■ F IGURE 14Dissipation factor vs. frequency at 23°C, 50% RH

Ultem 1000Polyethersulfone

Polysulfone

Dis

sip

atio

n f

acto

r

Frequency (Hz)

0.018

0.016

0.014

0.012

0.010

0.008

0.006

0.004

0.002

01 10 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 1010

Dielectric strengthAn excellent electrical insulator, Ultem resinexhibits a dielectric strength of 25 kV/mm at 1.6 mm (in oil). The effect of thickness ondielectric strength for Ultem 1000 is shown in ■ F IGURE 16 .


■ F IGURE 15Dissipation factorvs. temperature at 2.45 x 109 Hz

PolysulfoneUltem 1000

Dis

sip

atio

n f

acto

r

Temperature (°C)

0.010

0.008

0.006

0.004

0.002

00 50 100 150 200 250

■ F IGURE 16Dielectric strength of Ultem 1000 as afunction of thickness

Ultem 1000

Die

lect

ric

stre

ngt

h (

kV/

mm

)

Thickness (mm)

250

200

150

100

50

00.01 0.1 1 10

4.5 Environmental resistance

Chemical resistanceUnlike other amorphous resins, Ultempolyetherimide demonstrates unusually goodresistance to a wide range of chemicals. ■ TABLE 3 lists the performance of Ultem 1000and Ultem CRS 5000 series in a variety ofcommon environments at several stress levels. In applications requiring prolonged immersion,finished part performance should always beevaluated on the actual part under actual serviceconditions.Ultem resin displays excellent property retentionand resistance to environmental stress crackingwhen exposed to most commercial automotiveand aircraft fluids, fully halogenatedhydrocarbons, alcohols and weak aqueoussolutions. Exposure to partially halogenatedhydrocarbons and strong alkaline environmentsshould be avoided.

In an effort to further enhance the inherentchemical resistance of Ultem resin, a chemicalresistant Ultem CRS 5000 series has beendeveloped. These amorphous materials combinethe chemical resistance characteristics oftenassociated with crystalline and specialty materialswith the excellent processing characteristicstypical of Ultem resins.

Cleaning and degreasingCleaning or degreasing of Ultem resin finishedparts can be performed using methyl or isopropylalcohol, soap solutions, heptane, hexane ornaphtha. The parts should not be cleaned withpartially halogenated hydrocarbons or withketones such as MEK or strong bases, such assodium hydroxide.


Media Temp (°C) Immersion (days) Strain (%) Ultem CRS 5001 Ultem 1000

Alcohols 1)

Methanol 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

60 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

Aqueous Detergents 2)

& CleanersDomestic Detergent 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.

21 0.5 n.a. n.a.60 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.

21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

Bleach (10%) 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

60 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

1) Other examples of alcohols include ethyl, propyl and some glycols2) Other examples of aqueous detergents include hypochlorite bleaches and phosphate cleaners

>

■ TABLE 3Chemical compatibility of Ultem 1000 and Ultem CRS 5001

Key to performance

n.a. no attackf. failure / rupturedc. crazingsv.c. severe crazings.c. slight crazing– not tested

■ TABLE 3 ( continued)Media Temp (°C) Immersion (days) Strain (%) Ultem CRS 5001 Ultem 1000

WaterSteam 100 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.

21 0.5 n.a. f. (216 hrs.)

Distilled Water 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

Chlorinated Solvents 3)

1,1,2 Trichloroethylene 23 2 hrs. 0.25 sv.c. f.2 hrs. 0.5 sv.c. f.

1,1,1 Trichloroethylene 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Chloroform 21 0.5 n.a. f. (24 hrs.)

EstersDibutylphtalate 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.

21 0.5 c. f. (24 hrs.)85 21 0.25 n.a. f.

24 hrs. 0.5 c. f.

Aromatic Hydrocarbons 4)

Toluene 23 21 0.25 n.a. f. (48 hrs.)48 hrs. 0.5 c. f. (2 hrs.)

85 0.25 c. (48 hrs.) f.0.5 c. (48 hrs.) f.

3) Other examples of chlorinated solvents include methylene chloride and ethylene chloride4) Other examples of aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene, xylene and gasoline>


<Media Temp (°C) Immersion (days) Strain (%) Ultem CRS 5001 Ultem 1000

Ketones and Aldehydes 5)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone 23 21 0.25 n.a. f. (2 hrs.)(MEK) 0.5 c. (48 hrs.) f. (2 hrs.)

75 0.25 s.c.(48 hrs.) f.0.5 c. (48 hrs.) f.

Aircraft FluidsSkydrol 500B 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Hydraulic Fluid 21 0.5 n.a. f. (72 hrs.)

85 21 0.25 n.a. f.0.5 c. (24 hrs.) f.

Automotive FluidsGasoline 73 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.ASTM Fuel C 21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

60 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. f.

Diesel Fuel 23 5 0.25 – n.a.0.5 – n.a.

Brake Fluid 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

85 21 0.25 n.a. f. (168 hrs.)0.5 f. f.

5) Other examples of ketones and aldehydes include acetone, acetealdehyde and formaldehyde>

Key to performance


Key to performance



■ TABLE 3 ( continued)Media Temp (°C) Immersion (days) Strain (%) Ultem CRS 5001 Ultem 1000

Automotive FluidsTransmission Fluid 23 5 0.25 – n.a.

0.5 – n.a.120 7 0.25 – n.a.

0.5 – n.a.

Antifreeze (75%) 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

150 21 0.25 n.a. f.0.5 f. (72 hrs.) f.

Mineral Oil 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

140 21 0.25 n.a. f. (168 hrs.)21 0.5 n.a. f. (168 hrs.)

Acids 6)

Sulphuric Acid (37%) 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Inorganic 21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

90 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

6) Other examples of acids include hydrochloric, phosphoric and glacial acetic>

<Media Temp (°C) Immersion (days) Strain (%) Ultem CRS 5001 Ultem 1000

Acids 6)

Acetic Acid (20%) 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Organic 21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

90 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

Strong Bases 7)

Sodium 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Hydroxide (30%) 21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

90 0.25 f. f.0.5 f. f.

Weak Bases 8)

Ammonium 23 21 0.25 n.a. n.a.Hydroxide (10%) 21 0.5 n.a. n.a.

90 0.25 f. f.0.5 f. f.

6) Other examples of acids include hydrochloric, phosphoric and glacial acetic7) Other examples of strong bases include other metal hydroxides and some amines8) Other examples of weak bases include dilute forms of metal hydroxides and some amines

Key to performance


Key to performance


Aqueous solutionsUltem resin is resistant to mineral acids, mineral salt solutions and dilute bases (pH less than 9) as shown in ■ TABLE 4 . This property, together with high temperature performance and transparency, qualifies the resin for applications such as laboratory ware and automotive heat transfer systems.


Hydrolytic stability■ F IGURE 17 depicts the excellent tensile stressretention of Ultem 1000 after 10000 hours ofimmersion in water at 100°C. In addition, testsshow that Ultem resin’s physical propertiesremain virtually unchanged after repeated cyclingfrom steam pressure to drying in vacuum at roomtemperature. Therefore Ultem resin is a verygood material for repeated autoclavability.

Ultraviolet exposureUltem resin is resistant to UV radiation withoutthe addition of stabilizers. Properties like tensilestress, modulus and Izod notched impact show a negligible change after long-term exposure to UV. However, care should be taken, sincecolour changes and loss of Izod unnotchedimpact performance might occur after long-term exposure.

■ F IGURE 17Effect of water exposure ontensile stress of Ultem 1000

23°C100°C

Ten

sile

str

ess

(MP

a)

Time (hours)

120

100

80

60

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

1 month 1 year

Chemical (concentration) % Retention % Weight Gainof Tensile Stress

Deionized water 94 1.25

Zinc chloride (10%) 96 1.13

Potassium carbonate (30%) 97 0.85

Tin chloride (10%) 97 1.05

Citric acid (40%) 96 1.06

Hydrochloric acid (20%) 99 0.61

Phosphoric acid (20%) 97 0.99

Sulphuric acid (20%) 97 0.89

Chromic acid (15%) 94 0.73

Formic acid (10%) 94 1.29

Nitric acid (20%) 96 1.07

Acetic acid (20%) 95 1.15

Potassium hydroxide (10%) 97 1.55

Ammonium hydroxide (10%) 68 1.79

Sodium hydroxide (10%) 97 1.00

Cyclohexylamine (1%) 97 1.10

■ TABLE 4Chemical Resistance of Ultem 1000to Aqueous Solutions at 23°C, nostress applied (100 day immersion)

Radiation resistanceParts moulded in Ultem resin demonstrateexcellent resistance to gamma radiation, as shown in ■ F IGURE 18 . A loss of less than 6%tensile strain (ISO 527) was observed aftercumulative exposure to 500 megarads at the rate of one megarad per hour using Cobalt 60.


■ F IGURE 18Effect of gamma radiationexposure on tensileproperties of Ultem 1000

Tensile stress% Strain ultimate% Strain of yield

Ten

sile

str

ess

(MP

a)

Ten

sile

str

ain

(%

)

Radiation exposure level (106 rads)(1 Megarad/hour of Co60 Exposure rate)

111

104

97

90

83

76

69

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

Agency recognitionUltem resins have been tested and comply with a number of agency regulations andspecifications. Ultem’s heat stability and flammabilitycharacteristics make it an excellent choice for numerous applications which requireUnderwriters Laboratory, UL, approval.Several grades of Ultem resin are also recognized by, or otherwise comply with,regulations such as FDA, EU, USP, DIN, VDE, FAR,ABD and military regulations.

The most important material property to be able to design for stiffness and strength is thestress-strain curve of the material. In ■ F IGURE 19 , the curves of unreinforced Ultem 1000 basepolymer and reinforced Ultem 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400 and 7801 are depicted.

NoteGeneral information on designing withengineering thermoplastics can be found in the GE Plastics ‘Design guide’.

To extract the maximum performance fromUltem resin, the designer should strive to take fulladvantage of the excellent physical properties ofthe material as well as the design freedom offeredby the injection moulding process.The designer should minimize moulded-in stressin Ultem applications because the higher thestress level in a finished part, the more susceptibleit is to chemical attack.

* In all cases extensive testing of the application under the working conditions is strongly recommended. The actual performance and interpreting of the results of end-use testing are the end-producer’s responsibility.

Moulded-in stress in parts can be minimized by:

·Avoiding thin walls and sharp corners

·Avoiding large and sharp transitions in wallthickness

·Ensuring balanced and uniform part filling

·Properly designing ribs and coring to increasestiffness without increasing wall thickness

Ultem resin is ideally suited to the design of long-term high temperature and mechanicallystressed applications as confirmed by the uniaxialfatigue diagram in ■ F IGURE 10 on page 25 of thisbrochure.

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 5 Des ign page 34

5 Design*

■ F IGURE 19Stress-strain curve(23°C)

Ultem

780124002300220021001000St

ress

(M

Pa)

Strain (%)

210

180

150

120

90

60

30

00 0.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 5.6 6.4 7.2

6 Processing

The excellent processing characteristics of Ultem resin make it ideal for precision injectionmoulding of close-tolerance parts. Optimummoulding results for Ultem resin depend upon a balance of melt and mould temperatures,pressures, part geometry, mould design andequipment.

The Ultem grades for Injection Moulding are:

·Unreinforced1000(F,R), 1010(F,R), 1110(F)4001CRS 5001/5011

·Blends9075ATX 100(F), ATX 200(F)HTX 1010(F)

·Reinforced2000 series4000CRS 5201, CRS 53116000*7801AR9300

The Ultem grades which are used for Extrusion are:1000 (F)Siltem STM 1500

* Although Ultem 6000 is an unreinforced material, it has to be processed like a reinforced material.

Pre-drying of Ultem resinsUltem resin must be thoroughly dried to achieveoptimum properties and part appearance.It is therefore recommended that the followingpre-drying guidelines are used:

·Dry air dryers are preferable with a dry airdewpoint of -30°C or below

·4 to 6 hours drying at 150°C for unreinforced and reinforced injection moulding grades and Ultem 1000 for extrusion

·Minimum 4 hours drying at 130°C for blends (Injection moulding grades)

·Minimum 5 hours drying at 105°C for extrusion grade Siltem STM 1500

·Maximum allowable moisture content of 0.02% for all Ultem grades

Purging of the barrelPurging of the barrel is required when changingmaterial. Contamination by foreign or degradedresins can cause problems including appearancedefects such as delamination and/or black specksand actual degradation of the material, resulting

in poor part behaviour. Ultem resin tends toadhere on metal, thus purging must be donecarefully.The processing temperature range of Ultem resinis 370°C to 400°C. Since this is well above thedegradation level of most other thermoplastics, it is essential that all traces of other polymers are removed to avoid contamination.The following purging guidelines are thereforerecommended:

·The best purging material for Ultem resin is glass-filled or unfilled poly-carbonate. HDPE can also be used

·Drying of the purging material is not required

·Purging should be started at the processingtemperature of Ultem

·Purging should then proceed for 10 to 15 minutesbefore dropping temperature settings.Temperatures can be lowered then and purgingcan be completed with HDPE

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 6 P rocess ing page 35

Mould temperatureUltem resin should always be moulded in temperature-controlled moulds. High mould temperatures are advisable as they provide:

·Better material flow during moulding

·Reduced amounts of moulded-in stress in final parts

·Optimum surface appearance of mouldings

■ F IGURES 20 , 21 and 22 depict the typicalmoulding temperatures for the various grades of Ultem resin. There are different conditions for the unreinforced grades, the reinforcedgrades and the blend grades.

General remarks when injection moulding Ultem resin:

·Some colourants may show discolouration above melt temperatures of 375°C

·Residence times of material in the barrel should never exceed 15 minutes

·Machine hopper temperatures should not be lower than 100°C: moisture condensation might cause splay in parts

·Melt temperatures higher than 390°C maydegrade blends

·Screw surface speeds should not exceed 200-250 mm/s for unreinforced and reinforcedresins, and should not exceed 150-200 mm/s forblends

·A machine back pressure of 5 bar is recommended

NoteGeneral information on the processing ofengineering thermoplastics can be found in the following GE Plastics brochures:

·Injection Moulding guide

·Engineering Thermoplastics in the Extrusion Industry

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 6 P rocess ing page 36

Nozzle Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1 HopperMould

Melt temperature 370 - 410 °C

°C

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

■ F IGURE 21Typical mouldingtemperatures forUltem reinforced:• 2000 series• 4000• CRS 5201• CRS 5311• 6000• 7801• AR 9300



°C

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

■ F IGURE 20Typical mouldingtemperatures forUltem unreinforced:• 1000 (F,R)• 1010 (F,R)• 1110 (F)• 4001• CRS 5001/5011



°C

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

■ F IGURE 22Typical mouldingtemperatures for Ultem blends:• 9075

melt temp 380°C• ATX 100(F)

melt temp 330°C• ATX 200(F)

melt temp 350°C• HTX 1010(F)

melt temp 330°C• HTX 2000(F)

melt temp 330°C

Although most Ultem parts are moulded asfinished components, the design and ultimate useof certain parts may require machining, assemblyor finishing operations. Ultem resin makes a widevariety of secondary operations available to thedesign engineer. General recommendations forthese operations are as follows:

7.1 Welding

Welding is a commonly used permanent assemblytechnique for engineering thermoplastics.Ultem resin can be welded by using differentprocesses:

·Vibration Welding

·Ultrasonic Welding, at amplitudes above 30 µm (0-peak)

·Induction Welding

·Hot Plate Welding is not recommended due to Ultem resin sticking at melt temperatures,(±400°C)

7.2 Adhesives

Ultem parts can be bonded together or todissimilar materials using a wide variety ofcommercially available adhesives. Becauseadhesive bonding involves the application of a chemically different substance between two parts, the end use environment of theassembled unit is important in selecting anadhesive.

Recommended adhesive types for Ultem are:

·Epoxy adhesives

·Polyurethanes adhesives

·Silicones adhesives

·Care should be taken with cyanoacrylates and acrylic systems which are aggressive for Ultem. Exposure to these solvents might lead to stress cracking

7.3 Mechanical Assembly

Mechanical assembly techniques are widely usedwith Ultem parts. For unreinforced Ultem grades,the classical rules for amorphous engineeringthermoplastics apply. For highly reinforced Ultemgrades, the use of special thread cutting screws isadvised because of the low elongation at break.The different mechanical assembly techniquesthat can be used can be summarized as follows:

·Inserts, installation by heat or ultrasonics are thepreferred techniques. Press and expansion insertsgive radial stresses. Overmoulding and externalthreaded inserts are also possible

·Screws by thread forming or thread cutting.Thread forming screws with low flank angle for reduced radial stresses are preferred. Hole (0.85 times screw diameter) and screwshould be circular (not trilobular/square). Boss diameter should be 2.5 times screw outerdiameter

·All types of rivets can be used; be aware of high stresses with some pop rivets

·Staking is possible, with ultrasonic staking being more practical than heat staking

·Snap fit assembly

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le 7 Secondary Operat ions page 37

7 Secondary Operations

7.4 Painting

A wide variety of colours and textures can beapplied to Ultem using commercially availableorganic paints and conventional applicationprocesses. Painting is an economical means ofenhancing aesthetics and providing colourconformity.

General recommendations for painting Ultem are:

Pre-treatment

·Handwashing the part with cleaning agents based on alcohol or aliphatic hydrocarbonsor:

·Power washing the part with cleaning agentsbased on detergents dissolved in water, acidic by nature, neutral or alkaline

Paint selection

·Paint selection is determined by the desireddecorative effect, specific functional needs and the application technique to be employed

·Coatings can also help to minimize colourdegradation

·Conductive coatings offer shielding against radio frequency interference (RFI) orelectromagnetic interference (EMI)

·A variety of conventional and waterborne paintscan be successfully applied to Ultem resin.Generic types are: Acrylic, Alkyd, Epoxy, Polyester,Polyimide, Polyurethane

·If the Ultem resin application is working underhigh temperature conditions, the selected paintmust offer equal high temperature performance.

Paint solventsIt is important that solvent formulations areconsidered when selecting a paint for use withUltem resin. It can be extremely difficult toachieve an ideal match between solvent andsubstrate.

7.5 Metallization

Metallization of plastics is normally undertakenfor decorative or functional reasons. Propertiesusually associated with metals such asreflectiveness, abrasion resistance, electricalconductivity and decorative surfaces can be addedthrough metallization.

General recommendations for the metallizationof Ultem resin are:

Pre-treatmentTypically unreinforced Ultem resin does not need a basecoat or lacquer primer layer beforemetallization because of the good surface qualityof Ultem after moulding.However, a surface activation pre-treatment isrequired in most cases. Cleaning with cloth or sol-vents is not recommended because of sensitivity to scratches that can be seen after metallization.

The best method is to keep the mouldings cleanand to metallize the parts as soon as possible aftermoulding, or store them in clean containers.

Metallization methods

·Vacuum metallization through Physical VapourDeposition. Physical Vapour Deposition is thedepositing of an evaporated metal, mostlyaluminium, on a substrate. To achieveevaporation, the pure metal is heated in a deep vacuum.

·Vacuum metallization through sputtering,(Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition,PE-CVD).Sputtering or PE-CVD also takes place in avacuum. With high voltage equipment, a field is created between the sample’s earthed carrierand a negative electrode: the metal target that has the function of a metal or an alloy donor.


·PlatingThis can be done either by electro-less platingwithout the addition of current to the galvanicprocess and/or followed by electroplating wherecurrent is used to effect an electrolytic depositionof metals coming from a dissolved metal salt.Electroless platingA non-conductive plastic is coated with acontinuous metallic film by etching the plastic.This creates micro cavities which makeinterlocking possible. Chemical bond plating is a special etching technique which is particularlysuitable for use with Ultem. In this technique, a permanganate etch opens the Ultem moleculeimide ring, and allows copper to enter themolecule. A very high level of adhesion can beestablished with this technology. This technique is often used for EMI shielding and for MouldedInterconnect Devices, MIDs. For EMI shielding an electroless copper layer of 1 -2 µm is appliedwith a finish of 0.5 µm of electroless nickel. For a MID application where the moulded part becomes a circuit board, an additionalcopper layer is applied by electroplating.

ElectroplatingAfter the application of a conductive metal layeron the plastic, a further electrolytic deposition of selected metals on top of this layer can bedone. Most frequently used metals are eitherchrome, nickel or gold in varying thicknesses.

·Dichroic coatingUltem resin is very suitable for use with dichroiccoatings which reflect visible light but allow thetransmission of infra-red rays. By applyingmultiple coating layers with different refractionindices, light with specific wavelengths can befiltered. The dichroic coating process also takesplace in a vacuum vessel, and is used in high heatgenerating lamps such as small halogen lamps and dentist lamp reflectors.

After treatmentDue to the reactive nature of aluminium tohumidity, and the ultra-thin layer thickness,aluminium must be protected againstenvironmental influences.There are two systems that are most commonlyused to provide this protection:

·Plasil/Glipoxan top layer: this silicon-basedmonomer layer is applied in the vacuum

·Clear coat top layer

NoteGeneral information on Secondary Operationslike welding, mechanical assembly, bondingpainting and metallization of engineeringthermoplastics can be found in the following GE Plastics brochures:

·Assembly guide

·Design guide

·Painting guide

·Metallization guide


Addresses

GE Plastics in Europe

European HeadquartersGeneral Electric Plastics B.V.1 Plasticslaan, PO Box 117NL-4600 AC Bergen op ZoomThe NetherlandsTel. (31) (164) 29 29 11Fax (31) (164) 29 29 40

Headquarters Sales RegionGeneral Electric Plastics B.V.Gagelboslaan 4NL-4623 AD Bergen op ZoomThe NetherlandsTel. (31) (164) 29 23 91Fax (31) (164) 29 17 25

Benelux Sales RegionGeneral Electric Plastics B.V.Gagelboslaan 4NL-4623 AD Bergen op Zoom The NetherlandsTel. (31) (164) 29 11 92Fax (31) (164) 29 17 25

United KingdomGE Plastics LimitedOld Hall Road, SaleCheshire M33 2HGUnited KingdomTel. (44) (161) 905 50 00Fax (44) (161) 905 51 19

GermanyGeneral Electric Plastics GmbHEisenstraße 5D-65428 RüsselsheimGermanyTel. (49) (6142) 6010Fax (49) (6142) 65746

FranceGeneral Electric Plastics France S.à.R.L.Z.I. St. Guénault B.P. 67F-91002 Evry-CedexFranceTel. (33) (1) 60 79 69 00 Fax (33) (1) 60 77 56 53

·More information relative to this Ultem® profile can be found on: www.geplastics.com/resins/materials/ultem.html

·Visit GE Plastics on: www.geplastics.com/resins

ItalyGeneral Electric Plastics Italia S.p.A.Viale Brianza, 181I-20092 Cinisello Balsamo (Milano)ItalyTel. (39) (02) 61 83 41Fax (39) (02) 61 83 42 11

RussiaGeneral Electric International A/OKosmodamianskaia Nab, 52Building 1113054 Moscow, RussiaTel. (7) (095) 935 7312Fax (7) (095) 935 7317

SpainGeneral Electric Plastics Ibérica S.AAvenida Diagonal, 652-656Edificio D. Planta 3SP-08034 Barcelona, SpainTel. (34) (93) 252 16 00Fax (34) (93) 280 26 19

SwedenGE Plastics LimitedBox 1242, Skeppsbron 44S-11182 Stockholm, SwedenTel. (46) (8) 402 40 24Fax (46) (8) 723 12 92

TurkeyGE Plastics TurkeyDudullu Organize Sanayi Bolgesi2.Cadde No 17381250 Umraniye, Istanbul, TurkeyTel. (90) (216) 365 1565 (pbx)Tel. (90) (216) 365 4959 (pbx)Fax (90) (216) 365 0115

GE Plastics in the Americas

Worldwide Headquarters GE Plastics United States1 Plastics AvenuePittsfield, MA 01201, USATel. (1) (413) 448 7110Fax (1) (413) 448 7493

CanadaGE Plastics Canada Ltd.2300 Meadowvale BoulevardMississauga, Ontario L5N 5P9, CanadaTel. (1) (905) 858 5774Fax (1) (905) 858 5798

MexicoGE Plastics - Mexico S.A. de C.V.Av. Prolongacion Reforma #490, 4o. pisoColonia Santa Fe01207 Mexico, D.F.Tel. (11) 525 257 6060Fax (11) 525 257 6070

BrazilGE Plastics South America S.A.Av. Nações Unidas, 12995 - 20° andar - Cep 04578.000São Paulo - SP, BrazilTel. (55) 11 5505 2800Fax (55) 11 5505 1757

GE Plastics in South Africa

GE Plastics South AfricaGeneral Electric South Africa (Pty) Ltd.15th floor Sandton Office Tower Sandton 2146Johannesburg, South AfricaTel. (27) 11 784 2108Fax (27) 11 784 2216

GE Plastics in India

GE Plastics India Ltd. 405-B, Sector 20Udyog Vihar Phase - IIIGurgaon, Haryana - 122 016, IndiaTel. (91) 124 341 801 to 806Fax (91) 124 341 817 or 815

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le Addresses page 40

http://www.geplastics.com/resins/materials/ultem.html

http://www.geplastics.com/resins

GE Plastics in the Pacific

Pacific HeadquartersGE Plastics Pacific Pte. Ltd.240 Tanjong Pagar RoadGE Tower #09-00, Singapore 0208Tel. (65) 326 3301Fax (65) 326 3303/(65) 326 3290

AustraliaGE Plastics Australia175 Hammond RoadDandenong, Victoria 3175, AustraliaTel. (61) 3 794 4201Fax (61) 3 794 8563

ChinaGE Plastics ChinaBeijing, 3rd floor, CITIC Bldg. No.19 Jian Guo Men Wai AvenueBeijing 100004, ChinaTel. (86) (21) 270 6789Fax (86) (1) 512 7345

Hong KongGE Plastics Hong Kong Ltd.Room 1088 - Tower 1The Gateway, TshimshatsuiKowloon, Hong KongTel. (852) 2629 0827Fax (852) 2629 0800

JapanGE Plastics Japan Ltd.Nihombashi Hamacho Park Building2-35-4, Nihombashi-HamachoChuo-ku, Tokyo 103, JapanTel. (81) 3 5695 4888Fax (81) 3 5695 4859

KoreaGE Plastics Korea Co. Ltd.231-8 Nonhyun-DongKangnam-KuSeoul 135-010, Republic of KoreaTel. (82) 2 510 6250/1Fax (82) 2 510 66 66/7

SingaporeGE Plastics Singapore Pte Ltd.c/o 23 Benoi Road, Singapore 2262Tel. 65 846 3290Fax 65 861 3063

TaiwanGE Plastics Taiwan9/F 37 Min Chuan East Road Sec 3Taipei 10462Taiwan, Rep. of ChinaTel. (886) 2 509 2124/6Fax (886) 2 509 1625

ThailandGE Plastics Thailand21st FloorThaniya Plaza Building52 Silom RoadBangkok 10500, ThailandTel. (66) (2) 231 2323Fax (66) (2) 231 2322

DISCLAIMER: THE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS OF THE BUSINESSES MAKING UP THE GE PLASTICS UNIT OF GENERALELECTRIC COMPANY*, USA, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES (“GEP”), ARE SOLD SUBJECT TO GEP’S STANDARDCONDITIONS OF SALE, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICABLE DISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER SALES AGREEMENT, PRINTED ON THE BACK OF ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND INVOICES, AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. ALTHOUGHANY INFORMATION, RECOMMENDATIONS, OR ADVICE CONTAINED HEREIN IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH, GEP MAKES NOWARRANTY OR GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (I) THAT THE RESULTS DESCRIBED HEREIN WILL BE OBTAINED UNDEREND-USE CONDITIONS, OR (II) AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OR SAFETY OF ANY DESIGN INCORPORATING GEP MATERIALS,PRODUCTS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR ADVICE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN GEP’S STANDARD CONDITIONS OF SALE, GEP ANDITS REPRESENTATIVES SHALL IN NO EVENT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS RESULTING FROM ANY USE OF ITS MATERIALSOR PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN. Each user bears full responsibility for making its own determination as to the suitability of GEP’smaterials, products, recommendations, or advice for its own particular use. Each user must identify and perform all tests and analysesnecessary to assure that its finished parts incorporating GEP materials or products will be safe and suitable for use under end-useconditions. Nothing in this or any other document, nor any oral recommendation or advice, shall be deemed to alter, vary, supersede, or waive any provision of GEP’s Standard Conditions of Sale or this Disclaimer, unless any such modification is specifically agreed to in a writing signed by GEP. No statement contained herein concerning a possible or suggested use of any material, product or design isintended, or should be construed, to grant any license under any patent or other intellectual property right of General Electric Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates covering such use or design, or as a recommendation for the use of such material, product or design in the infringement of any patent or other intellectual property right.

* Company not connected with the English company of a similar name.

Lexan®, Noryl®, Noryl EF®, Noryl GTX®, Noryl® Xtra, Valox®, Ultem®, Xenoy®, Cycolac®, Cycoloy®, Enduran®, Cytra®, Gelon® and Geloy®

are Registered Trademarks of General Electric Co., USA.

Ultem profile Eng/10/2001 AD

g GE Plastics Ultem® prof i le Addresses page 41

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