PI (Polyimide)

Plastic

Polyimide (PI) is a high-performance plastic that excels under extreme thermal, mechanical, and chemical conditions. The material maintains its strength and dimensional stability at temperatures up to 300 °C and can withstand cryogenic temperatures down to -270 °C. Thanks to its low outgassing, high purity, and excellent wear resistance, PI is ideal for applications in aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-end mechanical engineering.
Well-known trade names for PI include Vespel®, TECASINT®, Duratron® PI, and Meldin®. These grades are used worldwide in sectors where maximum reliability is required.

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Properties of PI

Exceptional thermal stability (continuous up to 300 °C, peak up to 400 °C)
Very high mechanical strength and stiffness, even at high temperatures
Low outgassing and high purity, suitable for vacuum and cleanroom applications
Excellent wear resistance and low friction coefficient, even without lubrication
Resistant to radiation, chemicals, and solvents
Inherently flame-retardant (UL94 V-0)
Good electrical insulating properties
Resistant to cryogenic temperatures down to -270 °C
High dimensional stability and low creep, even under long-term load

This combination of properties makes PI one of the most reliable plastics for demanding industrial applications.

Datasheet Title

Technical properties of PI

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Product information and operations

Thickness	Dimensions	Color	Laser cutting	Milling	Bending	Glueable
0.07 mm	3000x457 mm	1zk - 3M 5413 Amber
0.125 mm	500x3000 mm	Kapton

Technical properties

Algemeen

Soortelijke massa 1,34 g/cm³

Vochtopname bij normaal klimaat 1,1 %

Brandgedrag V0

Specifieke warmtecapaciteit 1,04 kj/Kg°C

Temperatuurbereik

Minimale gebruikstemperatuur -270°C

Maximale gebruikstemperatuur +300°C

Mechanisch

Treksterkte 116 N/mm

Rek tot breuk 9 %

E-Modulus 3600 N/mm²

Buigsterkte 170 N/mm²

Slagsterkte 4,9 Charpy

Shore of kogeldruk hardheid 89 Shore °D

Wrijvingscoëfficiënt 0,35

Elektrisch

Relatieve elektrische constante 3,5 / 100 Hz

Diëlektrische verliesfactor 0,0001 tan(..x10⁻³)

Specifieke weerstand >10 Ω cm

Oppervlakte weerstand 10 Ω

Kruipstroomvastheid 380 KC

Doorslagspanning 20 kV/mm

Thermisch

Warmte geleidbaarheid 0,22 W/m°C

Lineaire uitzettingscoëfficiënt 0,05 mm/m°C

Gebruikstemperatuur lange termijn onbelast -270 / +300 °C

Maximale gebruikstemperatuur korte termijn 450 °C

Hitte vormbestendigheid 368 °C

Applications of PI

Precision insulators in the semiconductor industry

Wear-resistant bearings and plain bearings in vacuum environments

Components in cryogenic systems and aerospace applications

High-temperature seals and gaskets

Electrical insulators in power electronics

Components in medical devices and laboratory instruments

Structural parts in aviation and defense systems

Wear parts in high-end machinery and robotics

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Frequently Asked Questions about PI

What makes PI suitable for extreme temperatures?

PI retains its mechanical and electrical properties from –270 °C to +300 °C thanks to its unique molecular structure.

Is PI suitable for vacuum environments?

Yes, PI has very low outgassing and high purity, making it ideal for vacuum and clean-room applications.

How does PI perform in wear resistance?

PI offers excellent wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction even without lubrication, making it ideal for moving parts under heavy load.

Is PI chemical-resistant?

Yes, PI resists most solvents, acids, and bases, allowing use in chemically aggressive environments.

Can PI be machined?

PI machines well by milling and turning with high precision, but due to its hardness and thermal properties it requires specialized tools and techniques.

Is PI flame-retardant?

Yes, PI is inherently flame-retardant and meets UL94 V-0 classification, making it suitable for fire-safety-critical applications.

What are alternatives to PI at lower temperatures?

For less extreme temperature requirements, materials like PEEK or PPS can offer a cost-effective alternative.

In what forms is PI available?

PI is available in sheets, rods, tubes, and as film, depending on the application and requirements.