Ultem 2200 – CNC Machining

Ultem 2200 is used for CNC machined components that require increased stiffness, reduced thermal expansion, and dimensional stability beyond unfilled PEI grades.

Its machining behavior is driven by glass fiber reinforcement, which increases cutting forces, accelerates tool wear, and alters chip formation compared to Ultem 1000.

At ShvaveyMetal, Ultem 2200 CNC machining strategies are defined around tool material selection, fiber-aware toolpaths, and controlled finishing to maintain tolerance and surface integrity.

Ultem 2200 is a glass-fiber reinforced PEI (polyetherimide) thermoplastic containing approximately 20% glass, designed to increase stiffness and reduce coefficient of thermal expansion relative to unfilled Ultem grades.

Mechanical Properties (Typical)

Property Typical Value Units
Density ~1.50 g/cm³
Tensile Strength ~160–170 MPa
Yield Strength ~140–150 MPa
Elongation at Break ~4–6 %
Elastic Modulus ~9.0–10.0 GPa
Hardness ~120–130 Rockwell M

Mechanical properties depend on fiber orientation, stock form, and machining direction relative to glass reinforcement.

Thermal & Physical Properties

Property Typical Value Units
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) ~217 °C
Continuous Service Temperature ~170 °C
Thermal Conductivity ~0.30 W/m·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion ~25–35 µm/m·K

Reduced CTE improves dimensional stability but introduces anisotropic behavior in machined parts.

Chemical Resistance (General)

Substance Category Resistance Level
Water / Aqueous Solutions Good
Oils and Greases Good
Alcohols Good
Dilute Acids Good
Strong Acids / Alkalis (Hot) Fair
Aromatic / Halogenated Solvents Poor

Chemical performance depends on exposure temperature and stress introduced during machining.

Ultem 2200 machining behavior is governed primarily by abrasive glass fiber reinforcement rather than polymer flow.

Key machining characteristics include:

  • Higher cutting forces compared to unfilled Ultem grades
  • Accelerated tool wear due to abrasive glass fibers
  • Shorter, more brittle chip formation
  • Improved stiffness and reduced deflection during machining
  • Surface finish sensitivity to tool edge condition and fiber pull-out

Machining is typically performed with carbide or diamond-coated tools using conservative feeds and stable engagement strategies.

Benefit Description
Increased Stiffness Supports thin-wall and load-bearing polymer components
Reduced Thermal Expansion Improves tolerance control in temperature-sensitive assemblies
High Temperature Capability Retains properties at elevated service temperatures
Improved Structural Stability Lower deflection under cutting and service loads
Electrical Insulation Suitable for high-temperature electrical applications

Ultem 2200 is commonly used for CNC machined components such as:

  • High-temperature structural brackets and frames
  • Electrical and electronic housings requiring stiffness and insulation
  • Semiconductor equipment parts requiring dimensional stability
  • Precision polymer components where unfilled PEI is insufficiently rigid

Application suitability depends on fiber orientation, tolerance requirements, and surface finish expectations.

Variant / Form General Characteristics
Ultem 2200 (20% Glass-Filled) Balanced stiffness, reduced CTE, and machinability
Lower Glass Content PEI Improved machinability with reduced stiffness
Higher Glass Content PEI Maximum stiffness with increased tool wear and anisotropy
Extruded Stock Preferred for machining due to more uniform fiber distribution

Fiber-reinforced PEI grades require tighter control of machining direction and finishing strategy.

  • Account for anisotropic behavior caused by glass fiber orientation
  • Avoid cosmetic surface requirements where fiber exposure is unacceptable
  • Select tooling and coatings appropriate for abrasive materials
  • Plan finishing passes to minimize fiber pull-out at edges and corners
  • Align tolerance schemes with reduced CTE and increased stiffness

Early coordination between design intent and machining strategy is critical for reinforced PEI components.

FAQ

What is Ultem 2200?

Ultem 2200 is polyetherimide reinforced with 20% glass fibre. The reinforcement substantially increases stiffness and strength while reducing thermal expansion, making it suitable for structural and precision components that must hold dimensions at elevated temperature, at the cost of reduced toughness compared with unfilled grades.

How does machining Ultem 2200 differ from Ultem 1000?

The glass fibres are highly abrasive and accelerate tool wear significantly, so diamond or wear resistant carbide tooling is used and tool life expectations are lower. The material is also more brittle, requiring lighter finishing passes and careful edge control to avoid chipping and fibre pull out.

Is Ultem 2200 better than Ultem 1000 for tight tolerance parts?

For dimensional stability under thermal load, yes. Its lower coefficient of thermal expansion helps parts hold tolerance across a temperature range, which matters when a polymer component interfaces closely with metal. Where toughness and ease of machining dominate, unfilled Ultem 1000 is the better choice.

Does glass filling affect surface finish and edge quality?

Yes. Exposed glass fibres can produce a slightly rougher finish than unfilled PEI, and edges are more prone to chipping. Sharp tooling, controlled feeds and light finishing cuts improve results. Fibre orientation in the stock can also introduce mild anisotropy in properties and appearance.

What are machined Ultem 2200 components used for?

It is used for structural brackets, semiconductor and electronics fixtures, insulators and precision parts that must remain dimensionally stable under thermal load. Reduced thermal expansion is frequently the deciding factor over unfilled PEI.


Why Machine Ultem 2200 at ShvaveyMetal

ShvaveyMetal machines Ultem 2200 using CNC workflows optimized for fiber-reinforced polymers, with emphasis on tool life control, dimensional stability, and repeatable surface quality.

This approach supports precision machining of reinforced PEI components where stiffness, thermal performance, and tolerance control are functional requirements.