Polyimide (PI) material in all forms

Sheets, Rods, and Machining Polyimide (PI) Plastic Service…

About Polyimide (PI) material

Polyimide Material (PI), developed by DuPont in 1955, is a polymer containing imide groups in the high-performance plastics class. It is a perfect alternative to metal, but it is lightweight.

Polyimide Material (PI) is available in different grades, including unfilled grade, Graphite-filled, PTFE-filled, ESD grade, etc. It is one of the extreme performance engineering plastics because Polyimide (PI) can work well at a continuous use temperature range of up to 580 °F (304 °C). Meantime, it offers extremely low friction, outstanding chemical resistance, good dimensional stability, and great chemical resistance.

Polyimide Material (PI) is produced and stocked in sheets, films, and rods. It can be machined into components/parts using a CNC milling machine, CNC turning machine, etc.

Specification about Polyimide (PI) Material

Profile/Shape

  • Sheet & Block
  • Rod
  • Custom Profile

Grade

  • Unfilled
  • MoS2 Filled
  • Graphite-Filled
  • Bearing Grade
  • Static Dissipative/ESD
  • Electric Conduction

Color

  • Nature
  • Black
  • Light Brown
  • Yellow Brown

Polyimide (PI) Sheet/Block

  • Thickness: From 0.5 mm to 105 mm
  • Width: From 120 mm to 320 mm
  • Length: From 210 mm to 1000 mm

Polyimide (PI) Rod

  • Diameter: From 1mm to 100mm
  • Length: From 320 mm to 1000 mm

Polyimide (PI) cake

  • Outer Diameter: 259 mm
  • Inner Diameter: 138 mm
Remark
  • All sizes can be customized according to the requirements of clients;
  • Machining services are available;

Properties of Polyimide (PI) Plastic

ItemDescription
Product namePolyimide (PI) Plastic
ProfileSheet, Rod, Cake
Available colorNatural, Black, Light Brown, Yellow Brown
Thickness range for sheetFrom 0.5mm to 105mm
Diameter of rodFrom 1mm to 100mm
GradeUnfilled, MoS2 Filled, Graphite-Filled, Bearing Grade, Static Dissipative/ESD, Electric Conduction

Physical propertiesTesting MethodUnitValue
DensityASTM D792g/cc (g/m^3)1.5
Water Absorption. 24 hrsASTM D570%1.3

ItemTesting MethodUnitValue
Tensile yield strengthASTM D638kpsi/MPa12/86
Flexural StrengthASTM D790kpsi/MPa16/110
Flexural ModulusASTM D790kpsi/MPa450/3100
Compressive StressASTM D695kpsi/MPa24.5/3.5
Compressive ModulusASTM D695kpsi/MPa2410/350
Izod Impact Strength (Notched)ASTM D256J/m42.7
Izod Impact Strength (Unotched)ASTM D256J/m747

ItemTesting MethodUnitValue
Coefficient of Linear ExpansionASTM D696micron/m/°C54
Thermal ConductivityW/m/°C0.35
Deformation Under 14 MPa Load (50°C)ASTM D621%0.14
Deformation temperature at 2 MPaASTM D648°C360

ItemTesting MethodUnitValue
Volume resistanceASTM D257ohm (Ω)/m1014 or 1015
Surface resistanceASTM D257ohm (Ω)1015 or 1016

ItemTesting MethodUnitValue
Oxygen IndexASTM D2863%53

Main Usage of Polyimide (PI) Plastic

  • High-performance bearings and bushings;
  • Sliding and linear bearings;
  • Bearings and valve seat;
  • Piston rings;
  • Gaskets and seal rings;
  • Valve and poppets;
  • Wear strips;
  • Slide, guides and linear bearings;
  • High energy radiation equipment

Main Feature of Polyimide (PI) Plastic

  • Superior temperature range between -200 °C up to 260 °C;
  • Excellent wear and friction resistance in vacuums environments;
  • High stiffness at long-term extreme temperatures;
  • Low thermal expansion;
  • Good dimensional and oxidative stability temperatures up to 260 °C;
  • Good chemical resistance;
  • Minimal outgassing in vacuum;

Target Industry

  • Aircraft and aerospace industry;
  • Medical industry;
  • Semiconductor industry;
  • Precision machining;
  • Cryogenic equipment;
  • Vacuum equipment;
  • Electrical industry;
  • Petroleum machinery;

Can’t find what you need? Or need a custom Polyimide (PI) Material?

Leading supplier of Polyimide (PI) material and machining services in China

Since 2003, UVTECO has begun to develop Polyimide (PI) material. With continuous improvement, our Polyimide (PI) materials are the best alternatives to top brands in this field, and the price is very competitive.

Our engineers have professional knowledge of Polyimide (PI) material, so we can provide suitable products or solutions at competitive prices. We usually stock the frequently used Polyimide (PI) sheets/rods, which makes the lead time very short. In the meantime, UVTECO provides an integrated solution for precisely machining Polyimide (PI) parts/components with tight tolerances.

Today, UVTECO provides high-quality Polyimide (PI) profiles and parts/components for over 500 clients from more than 45 countries. They are active in the aircraft and aerospace industry, medical equipment, semiconductor industry, vacuum equipment, cryogenic equipment, petroleum machinery, high energy radiation equipment, etc.

Contact UVTECO for machining Polyimide (PI) Material

Related Blogs about Polyimide (PI)

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyimide (PI)

Polyimide is a special kind of engineering plastic material that is widely used in a variety of applications. This polymer material features excellent thermal resistance properties and can withstand temperatures hotter than 450°C. Due to its superior mechanical and chemical resistance, it can replace materials like glass, metals, and steel.

Vespel is the most popular brand of polyimide that features exceptional properties compared to other polyimide. It has a higher temperature stability that goes up to 600°F. Besides, it is food resistant and has excellent dimensional and chemical stability. It is lightweight and can be used to replace high-performance plastic materials.

Yes, polyimide can absorb moisture from the air, even at normal room temperature. Its water absorption rate is faster than that of epoxy. But it doesn’t absorb water too much and ranges between 0.125 – 1.186%. Too much moisture can cause cracks or damage during soldering. That’s why some amide groups are mixed with it to increase the water resistance.

Yes, polyimide is highly heat resistant and can easily withstand high temperatures that go up to 300°C or higher. This makes it a great material for many uses including in microelectronics. It is also found in aerospace engineering, high-temperature fuel cells, and display technologies due to its ability to withstand extreme temperature resistance.

The main differences between polyamide and polyimide are in their chemical structures, properties, and uses. Polyamides consist of repeating units that are linked by amide groups. On the other hand, polyimides are made from imide monomers. Polyimides show more thermal stability than polyamides. Mostly, you find polyimides in electric fields or good insulation, and polyamides in clothing and packaging.

Polyimide sheets can be used in various ways. Mostly, you will find them as good adhesives through which you can stick them to other materials using a press machine. Plus, they can also be layered onto metal sheets to make them stronger. Polyimide sheets can be shaped into parts for machines and used for various parts of machinery.

Although polyimide is highly heat-resistant, it can deform at extreme temperatures between 247°C and 388°C (730°F). Polyimide is strong against heat, chemicals, and stress and is used in applications where metals or plastics don’t perform well.

Yes, polyimide can be made in both conductive and non-conductive versions. The electrical conductivity of polyimide is about 1 x 10⁻¹⁵ S/m. In its pure form, polyimide doesn’t let electricity flow easily. However, the conductivity can be improved by adding tiny particles of metal or special materials that carry charge.

Yes, polyimide is considered a high-performance biocompatible material that is widely used in medical devices due to its stability and mechanical properties. However, biocompatibility can be affected by factors like surface characteristics, wettability, and protein adsorption. Other factors like cell adhesion, implant construction, and the risk of implant failure impact polyimide’s overall biocompatibility in application.

Yes, polyimides can be used underwater, but there is a high chance of water damage. Typically, this material tends to absorb water, which leads to blistering, delamination, and softening when heated. However, some special types of polyimides are made to work better underwater. They can easily dissolve in certain water types or have coatings that keep them strong in all situations.

Yes, some special types of polyimides can block UV. Typically, its UV cutoff wavelength ranges from 380-400 nm, which is why it is widely found in human body protection clothing, window films, and car films. However, under strong UV light, there is a higher chance of degradation. It may get scorched and burn out.

Polyimide is a strong polymer material with excellent durability. It has high tensile strength and doesn’t easily break or bend, even in high temperatures. When mixed with materials like glass or graphite, polyimide’s flexural strength can reach up to 340 MPa, and its stiffness can go up to 21,000 MPa.

Most of the polyimide film comes in orange and yellow colors that feature good mechanical stability and thermal properties. However, the final color of laminated polyimide differs depending on the resin color, thickness, and exposure to light. These polyimide models can be found in transparent options and don’t have much yellow tint.

Yes, Polyimide can be made both hydrophilic and hydrophobic depending on how it is manufactured. Some types of polyimide can absorb water, while fluorinated polyimides resist water with contact angles around 83-98°. There are even superhydrophobic polyimide versions available, which ensure excellent water resistance.

Polyimide film is a high-performance polymer used in various applications, including electronics, aerospace, space missions, and digital isolators. The material has excellent thermal stability, up to 400°C. Additionally, it is lightweight and flexible in all applications.

Polyimide tape, or Kapton tape, is a high-temperature tape that is used across multiple industries. It is one of the electric insulators that acts as a thermal barrier in wires and transformers. 3D printing is used to lay over the printing surface and prevent the object from shifting. It’s also used in electronics assembly, labeling equipment, powder coating as a heat mask, and curing thermoplastics.

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