3D printing has come a long way in recent years, with new filaments being developed to improve the appearance of the final output. However, for industries and situations where precision and functionality are of the utmost importance, it’s essential to prioritize performance over aesthetics.
This is where PEI filament comes in. PEI is a high-performance filament that offers exceptional mechanical properties, including great impact strength and thermal stability, making it an ideal choice for industrial 3D printing applications.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of PEI filament and its various applications, delving into why it’s a must-have for 3D printing enthusiasts who demand the best in 3D printing technology.
PEI – What Is It? 
PEI, commonly called Polyether Imide, is a low-cost amorphous thermoplastic or reliable engineering thermoplastic with impressive heat-resistant characteristics.
It is a high-performance thermoplastic with excellent insulating properties in that it resists chemicals, suppresses flames, offers dimensional stability, has superior electrical qualities, and has excellent adhesion at a low cost.
The high strength and rigidity of PEI are also maintained at higher temperatures. For those who use the online printing services of 3D, PEI is a build medium that doesn’t need any upkeep yet can be used with practically all kinds of filaments.
PEI can be used on a hot or unhot printing bed, irrespective of any layering material. The reason is that, the surface of most PIE sheets and filaments already has a laminated adhesive backing which can be removed or peeled off and adhered to the base of prints.
Why PEI is Great for Performance-Focused 3D Printing
It’s great for functional parts or end-use products that require high performance and can be used in engineering applications such as mechanical parts, fixtures, and tools.
The ability to form complex shapes makes PEI a popular choice for 3D printing, and its high temperature tolerance means it can handle intense conditions without any major worries.
PEI filament is excellent for long-term use because of its reuse properties after finishing a 3D print. Wipe the surface down with the common 3D cleaning solvent (isopropyl alcohol) every time a new model needs to be printed. It keeps any leftover material from a newly printed model from adhering to adjacent surfaces.
Finally, its tough and durable nature won’t fail during testing or regular use. You can rest assured that your creations are to perfection with this quality material!
How PEI Layering Process Works to Create 3D Prints
With the PEI layering process, 3D prints are obtained with higher resolution and surface finish. This method employs a heated platform with a specialized bed coating, which leverages the unique properties of polyetherimide (PEI) to form strong bonding between layers.
A thin layer of thermoplastic is deposited on top and adhered to the build platform before the printing process begins. As each consecutive layer is finished, the process repeats by heating the PEI sheet, softening the previous layer just enough to allow it to bond while providing maximum strength.
You can produce complex geometrical shapes that are far more accurate than what traditional 3D printing usually produces.
Pros and Cons of PEI Filament in 3D Printing
PEI (Polyetherimide) filament is a type of 3D printing material that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It offers excellent layer adhesion, high temperature resistance, and dimensional accuracy for complex parts. While PEI filament does have its benefits, it also has some drawbacks compared to other materials used for 3D printing.
Pros
The following are some of the advantages of using PEI filament for 3D printing
Excellent Layer Adhesion
PEI filament offers correct adhesion between layers, which is essential for multi-layer 3D prints. This makes it ideal for parts that require multiple layers and complex shapes. As a reliable bed adhesion material, PIE filament solves all of the common bed adhesion issues that 3D printing professionals may run into.
Dimensional Accuracy
PEI filament offers excellent dimensional accuracy, making it great for intricate and complex parts. The uniformity of the material ensures that all layers are printed accurately and consistently.
Solid and Powerful
PEI outperforms the majority of other filaments used in the 3D printing industry when it comes to mechanical strength. PEI has a 3.2 GPa Young’s modulus and a contractile capability of 85 MPa. In comparison, the common nylon filament has a Young’s modulus of 0.6 GPa and a tensile strength of 34 MPa.
It demonstrates how more suited PEI is to printing functions requiring the ability to withstand sustained high stresses.
Stable Temperature and Chemical Conditions
Again, the filament’s thermal stability outperforms other “high-temperature” filaments like ABS or nylon that we commonly use. PEI melts at 240 °C and has a glass transition temperature of 217 °C. Because of this, PEI is an excellent material for custom tools, autoclavable medical tools, and operational components that must withstand heavy abrasion.
PEI’s chemical resilience also enables a variety of uses, especially for parts frequently used outside and exposed to ultraviolet lights. PEI is useful in different industrial and commercial contexts since it is resistant to acids, bases, and oil attacks.
Other advantages are that PIE is resistant to chemical attacks, has high wear resistance, does not degrade when exposed to outdoor conditions, and does not release toxic fumes when heated.
Usage
The engineering plastic properties of PIE make them an economical alternative as a material option to some metallic filament, giving it a value advantage in many sectors such as the aerospace industry and medical applications
Cons
Here are a few drawbacks in using PIE filament for 3D printing;
Difficult to Make Use Of
PEI is a challenging material for 3D printing due to the same characteristics that make it an attractive material for finished goods. The filament is handled carefully to prevent snapping because, compared to most 3D filaments, it is stiffer.
PEI cannot be utilized with most consumer-grade 3D printers due to the high printing temperatures required to make it function. You will require a bed temperature of up to 160 °C and a hot end temperature of up to 240 °C.
Also, you will need a print chamber with a lot of insulation to keep the temperature high and prevent warping and problems with the layers sticking together.
Expensive
PLA and ABS filaments cost less than $20 per spool, but PEI filaments can cost as much as $100 per spool.
Another reason PEI printing is so uncommon and used primarily in the most practical commercial applications is the significant increase in cost. Simply put, PEI is not the kind of filament you should use when experimenting.
Not Readily Accessible
Distributors rebrand most PEI filament products on the market under the ULTEM name. It indicates that all these filament items share a form of resin source and possess similar qualities.
This lack of availability prevents you from trying out other types of PEI filament, which you would only sometimes experience with other filaments.
Tips for a Smooth Print Finish Using PEI Sheets or Films
If you want an excellent surface finish when 3D printing, PEI sheets and films are an ideal choice. To ensure your prints have a smooth surface, ensure the following:
- Make sure to use a good quality PEI film with no scratches or grooves.
- Keeping the bed clean and leveling is necessary for successful results; otherwise, imperfections can develop in your prints.
- After printing, consider lightly sanding the parts before removing them from the bed to get a glossy finish.
- The process makes use of nozzles with total metal components capable of withstanding high temperatures.
- Purchase a reliable airtight vacuum that will keep the print chamber above 100°C.
- Between 340 and 360 °C is the recommended metallic nozzle printing temperature range for all services.
- Start with low temperatures and gradually raise them until you are just before experiencing any stringing issues.
- A warm print sheet is required to prevent warping while carrying out PEI 3D printing.
- Before beginning to print, warm up the bed and enclosure.
- A glass bed is advised for more consistent heating and straightforward removal of the final print.
- Increase the speed gradually after starting at a modest speed.
- During printing, there shouldn’t be any cooling fans running.
- Be sure to pre-heat the bed as well as the enclosure before you start printing.
- It is recommended to use a glass bed to ensure even heating and easy removal of a completed print.
- Start printing at a low speed before gradually switching to increased speed.
- Cooling fans are to be put off during the printing processes.
- A nonconducting print chamber enclosure is of utmost importance.
With these tips, you can get beautiful results with any 3D print using PEI sheets or films!
FAQs on Introduction to PEI 3D Printing
PEI sheets are made from Polyetherimide or PEI. It is a polymeric material with excellent mechanical and thermal properties making it ideal for 3D printing applications.
PEI filament can be used to print a wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and composites.
However, a heavy printer requires between 320 and 1,345 g of filament per week based on the range of 40 to 168 (24/7) hours each week (or 45 to 190 g per day). At these rates, a spool will last between 5 to 22 days, or around 1 to 3 weeks.
Yes, PEI sheets can be cut with a sharp blade and be cut cleanly. However, it is essential to take all safety precautions when cutting the material.
The three main types of 3D printing are Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and is suited to different applications.
A FDM printer is the most common type of 3D printer available and is typically used for prototyping and research. SLA is suitable for producing higher-resolution parts with smoother surfaces, while SLS is best suited to producing highly accurate, durable components.
Conclusion
3D printing is a technology that is constantly evolving and improving. As the prices of 3D printers continue to drop, this technology will become more and more accessible to businesses and consumers alike.
PEI filament is a material that has many benefits for 3D printing, including its strength, smooth surface finish, and heat resistance. If you are looking for a strong and durable filament for your next 3D printing project, consider using PEI.
