FDM · Filaments · High performance

ULTEM™ 1010 filament

One of the most heat-resistant FDM materials; food-contact and biocompatible certified grades available.

Sample part made from ULTEM™ 1010

What is ULTEM™ 1010?

ULTEM 1010 is pure polyetherimide. With its high heat and chemical resistance, steam sterilizability and food-contact / biocompatibility certified grades, it is used for composite layup tooling, medical instruments and food production tooling.

  • Heat resistant
  • Chemical resistant
  • High strength
  • Food-contact grades available
  • Flame retardant

Technical data

Typical values compiled from common manufacturer datasheets; they vary by brand and grade.

Density≈ 1.27 g/cm³
Tensile strength≈ 81 MPa
Elongation at break≈ 3%
Tensile modulus≈ 2.8 GPa
Heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa)≈ 216 °C

Print settings

Recommended starting ranges; fine-tuning is needed for each machine.

Nozzle temperature380 – 420 °C
EnclosureHeated chamber (≈ 200 °C)
PrinterIndustrial FDM

Design guidelines for ULTEM™ 1010

General guidelines for FDM technology. All design guidelines

  • Minimum wall thickness0.8 mm
  • Smallest detail0.4 mm (nozzle diameter)
  • Clearance for moving parts0.3 – 0.6 mm
  • Text and logosEmbossed ≥ 0.6 mm, engraved ≥ 0.8 mm
  • Minimum hole diameterØ 2 mm
  • Unsupported overhang angle≥ 45° from horizontal; flatter surfaces need support

Applications

  • Composite layup tooling
  • Sterilized medical fixtures
  • Food production tooling

Advantages

  • Very high heat resistance
  • Sterilizable
  • Certified grades

Limitations

  • Expensive and difficult to print
  • Brittle behavior

Comparison

ULTEM™ 1010 and alternatives

Compare in detail
PropertyULTEM™ 1010ULTEM™ 9085PEEKPEKK
Density1.27 g/cm³1.34 g/cm³1.29 g/cm³1.28 g/cm³
Tensile strength81 MPa69 MPa100 MPa93 MPa
Elongation at break3 %6 %40 %4 %
Modulus (stiffness)2.8 GPa2.2 GPa4.2 GPa3.3 GPa
Heat deflection (0.45 MPa)216 °C178 °C150 °C150 °C

Values are averages of typical ranges; see each material page for details.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about ULTEM™ 1010

What is ULTEM™ 1010?

ULTEM 1010 is pure polyetherimide. With its high heat and chemical resistance, steam sterilizability and food-contact / biocompatibility certified grades, it is used for composite layup tooling, medical instruments and food production tooling.

Is ULTEM™ 1010 heat resistant?

The heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa) of ULTEM™ 1010 is about 216 °C. This is very high; suitable for demanding thermal environments.

Can ULTEM™ 1010 be used outdoors?

It usually performs well in short and medium-term outdoor use; for parts exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, UV-resistant materials such as ASA are a better fit.

Which parts are made with ULTEM™ 1010?

ULTEM™ 1010 is typically used in applications such as composite layup tooling, sterilized medical fixtures, food production tooling.

Which material can be used instead of ULTEM™ 1010?

Depending on the application, ULTEM™ 9085, PEEK, PEKK can be alternatives. You can see the differences in the comparison tables on the material pages.

Does TAİ Robotik produce with ULTEM™ 1010?

For ULTEM™ 1010, send us your part's dimensions, quantity and operating conditions; we will determine the best production route and, if needed, an equivalent alternative together.

Let's choose the right material together

Tell us your needs for this material or an alternative we can produce.