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Filament (FDM)

Ultem (PEI) 3D printing

Ultem is the trade name of polyetherimide (PEI), an amorphous high-performance polymer that withstands heat. We print it in Brescia with high-temperature FDM in the 9085 and 1010 grades, also filled with carbon or glass fiber.

Price band
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4 variantsData checked on 13 November 2026
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What it is for

Ultem is used for parts that must stay stiff and stable in heat: air ducts, brackets and supports in hot environments, electrical insulators, equipment enclosures, tools and fixtures that go through an oven. It is an amorphous polymer: it keeps its dimensions up to temperatures close to the glass transition and is inherently hard to ignite.

Do not choose it for parts subject to wear or friction, where PEEK is the better fit, nor in contact with chlorinated solvents or strong bases, where PPS is the one to use. For hot water, steam and repeated sterilization consider PPSU.

Variants compared

Ultem (PEI): properties of the variants from the makers' data sheets, one column per variant: Ultem 9085
PropertyUltem 9085Quote
Mechanical
Tensile strengthISO 527, printed specimen, XY flat54 MPa
Tensile modulusISO 527, printed specimen, XY flat2,050 MPa
Elongation at breakISO 527, printed specimen, XY flat3%
Flexural strengthISO 178, printed specimen, XY flat90 MPa
Flexural modulusISO 178, printed specimen, XY flat2,170 MPa
Thermal
Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPaISO 75, printed specimen, XY flat158 °C
Glass transition (Tg)DSC186 °C
Physical
DensityISO 11831.34 g/cm³
Fire behavior
Flammability ratingUL 94, base resin, not the printed partV-0 at 1.5 mm
Source
  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI [Made using ULTEM 9085], TDS Rev 4.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026
Ultem (PEI): properties of the variants from the makers' data sheets, one column per variant
PropertyUltem 9085QuoteUltem 9085-CF (carbon fiber)QuoteUltem 1010QuoteUltem 1010-GF (30% glass fiber)Quote
Mechanical
Tensile strengthISO 52754 MPaprinted specimen, XY flat93 MPaprinted specimen, XY flat, at break56 MPaprinted specimen, XY flat145 MPaprinted specimen, XY flat, at yield
Tensile modulusISO 527, printed specimen, XY flat2,050 MPa8,600 MPa2,500 MPa8,790 MPa
Elongation at breakISO 5273%printed specimen, XY flat2%printed specimen, XY flat, at break3%printed specimen, XY flat2%printed specimen, XY flat
Flexural strengthISO 178, printed specimen, XY flat90 MPa120 MPa110 MPa178 MPa
Flexural modulusISO 178, printed specimen, XY flat2,170 MPa8,450 MPa2,510 MPa8,560 MPa
Thermal
Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPaISO 75, printed specimen, XY flat158 °C165 °C208 °C212 °C
Glass transition (Tg)DSC186 °C186 °C217 °C217 °C
Physical
DensityISO 11831.34 g/cm³1.39 g/cm³1.27 g/cm³1.51 g/cm³
Fire behavior
Flammability ratingUL 94, base resin, not the printed partV-0 at 1.5 mmon requestV-0 at 1.5 mmV-0 at 0.25 mm
Source
  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI [Made using ULTEM 9085], TDS Rev 4.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026
  • 3DXTech, CarbonX Carbon Fiber Ultem 9085 3D Printing Filament, TDS Rev 1.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026
  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI [Made using ULTEM 1010], TDS Rev 4.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026
  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI GF30 [Made using ULTEM PEI], TDS Rev 1.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026

Typical values from the makers' data sheets, measured on specimens under the conditions stated. They are not guaranteed design values: for a critical application ask us for a test on your part.

Treatments after printing

A stress-relief oven cycle is available on request.

Annealing and filament drying are done in a Memmert oven at a controlled temperature.

Design limits

Build volume
350 × 350 × 450 mm
Minimum wall
3 mm
Dimensional tolerance
±0.6 mm up to 100 mm, ±0.75% above

These are the limits of the process, the same for every variant unless stated. For critical dimensions, talk to us before printing.

Which variant to choose

  • Ultem 9085: the toughest grade. Specimens printed flat: tensile strength 54 MPa, modulus 2050 MPa (ISO 527); heat deflection temperature 158 °C at 0.45 MPa (ISO 75), glass transition 186 °C.
  • Ultem 9085-CF (carbon fiber): stiffer and stronger: tensile strength at break 93 MPa, modulus 8600 MPa; heat deflection temperature 165 °C at 0.45 MPa. For brackets and tools.
  • Ultem 1010: more heat-resistant and less tough than 9085: heat deflection temperature 208 °C at 0.45 MPa, glass transition 217 °C, tensile strength 56 MPa.
  • Ultem 1010-GF (30% glass fiber): the stiffest, electrically insulating: tensile strength at yield 145 MPa, modulus 8790 MPa; heat deflection temperature 212 °C at 0.45 MPa.

Data sheets

  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI [Made using ULTEM 9085], TDS Rev 4.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026

    Columns: Ultem 9085

  • 3DXTech, CarbonX Carbon Fiber Ultem 9085 3D Printing Filament, TDS Rev 1.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026

    Columns: Ultem 9085-CF (carbon fiber)

  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI [Made using ULTEM 1010], TDS Rev 4.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026

    Columns: Ultem 1010

  • 3DXTech, ThermaX PEI GF30 [Made using ULTEM PEI], TDS Rev 1.0, PDFread on 13 November 2026

    Columns: Ultem 1010-GF (30% glass fiber)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

9085 is a tougher blend; 1010 is unblended PEI, stiffer and more resistant to heat and chemicals. The data sheets report a heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa of 158 °C for 9085 and 208 °C for 1010 (ISO 75, specimens printed flat).

The maker's data sheets report a UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.5 mm for Ultem 9085 and Ultem 1010: it is a figure for the base resin, not for the printed part. The sheets of the carbon-fiber grades give no rating. We issue no declaration of conformity on fire, smoke and toxicity: if your project requires them, write to us.

Ultem is amorphous: it stays stiff up to temperatures close to the glass transition, 186 °C for 9085 and 217 °C for 1010, and prints with good dimensional stability. PEEK is semi-crystalline: it resists wear, fatigue and chemicals better. Choose Ultem for heat and shape, PEEK for load and friction.

Ultem copes with fuels, oils, alcohols and many detergents. It is sensitive to chlorinated solvents, ketones and strong bases. The 1010 grade resists better than 9085. If the part works in contact with a specific fluid, state it in your request: we take it into account when choosing the grade.

Do you have a part to print in Ultem (PEI)?

Upload the CAD file: we reply within 1 working day with a quote and a recommended material.

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