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Piedmont Plastics | Plastic Supplier

PI (Polyimide)

Ultra high-performance polyimide plastic for extreme environments.

Polyimide sheet and rod offer exceptional heat resistance, strength, and electrical insulation for demanding applications.

Your Branch: Columbus Zip code: 43229 |

Product Overview

Performance Characteristics:

Autoclavable Easy To Machine Easy To Fabricate Chemical Resistant Good Dimensional Stability Good Electrical Insulation Low Friction High Temperature Low Temperature Strong and Stiff Wear Resistant Abrasion Resistant Moisture Resistant

Typical Properties of PI (Polyimide)

Common Properties

  • Common Brand Names Vespel®, Duratron®
  • Common Profiles Film, Sheet, Rod, Roll
  • Friendly Names PI
  • Typical Lengths 12 - 48 in
  • Typical Rod Diameter 0.187 – 8 in
  • Typical Rod Length 12 - 38 in
  • Typical Thickness Size 0.030 – 4 in
  • Typical Widths 12 - 24 in

Electrical Properties

  • Arc Resistance 120 - 140 seconds
  • Breakdown Voltage 16 - 22 kV/mm
  • Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
  • Dissipation Factor 0.004 - 0.010
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity Sensitive
  • Surface Resistivity 1 × 10^15 ohm
  • Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant Negative / Stable
  • Volume Resistivity 1 × 10^16 ohm-cm

Mechanical Properties

  • Bearing Yield Strength 140 MPa
  • Compressive Yield Strength 120 MPa
  • Elongation at Break 5 - 15 %
  • Elongation at Yield 3 - 8 %
  • Falling Dart Impact 10 - 20 N
  • Flexural Modulus 2500 - 3500 MPa
  • Flexural Yield Strength 120 MPa
  • Gardner Impact 10 - 20 J
  • Hardness, Rockwell R 115 - 125 R
  • Instrumented Impact Total Energy 10 - 20 J
  • Izod Impact, Notched 0.5 - 2 kJ/m²
  • Izod Impact, Unnotched 4 - 8 kJ/m²
  • Modulus of Elasticity 2500 - 3200 MPa
  • Shear Strength 70 MPa
  • Tensile Strength, Ultimate 90 - 115 MPa
  • Tensile Strength, Yield 85 - 110 MPa

Physical Properties

  • Density 1.40 - 1.45 g/cm³
  • Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.3 - 0.8 %
  • Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.7 - 1.5 %
  • Water Absorption 0.5 - 1.3 %

Regulations Properties

  • ASTM/Mil-Spec
  • D635 Self Extinguishing
  • REACH Compliant
  • RoHS Compliant
  • UL-94 Flame Class

Thermal Properties

  • Continuous Service Temperature 300 ˚F
  • CTE, Linear 30 - 55 µm/m-°C
  • CTE, Linear, Transverse to Flow 45 - 70 µm/m-°C
  • Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) >360 °C
  • Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 355 °C
  • Flammability, UL94 V-0
  • Intermittent Service Temperature 750 ˚F
  • Max Continuous Operating Temperature 500 - 572 °F
  • Minimum Operating Temperature -450 °F
  • Thermal Conductivity 0.35 W/m-°K

Get a Quote for Polyimide (PI) Plastic from Piedmont Plastics

Polyimide plastic, commonly abbreviated as PI, is a high-performance engineering material designed for demanding environments that require exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and long-term reliability. Available in sheet and rod forms, polyimide materials are widely used in industries where traditional materials may fail under extreme temperatures, wear, or electrical stress.

Known for maintaining its performance across a broad temperature range, polyimide plastic delivers excellent dimensional stability, low outgassing characteristics, and strong electrical insulating properties. These materials are commonly selected for aerospace, semiconductor, electronics, industrial, and high-tech manufacturing applications where precision and durability are critical.

At Piedmont Plastics, we provide polyimide sheet and rod materials backed by industry expertise, local inventory, and value-added support services. Contact your local Piedmont Plastics branch today to discuss your application requirements and request a quote.

An Expert is just around the corner.

With over 100 years of combined product knowledge and industry experience, we are confident our plastics experts can help you find a solution for your application.

Key Features of Polyimide Plastic

Polyimide plastic is engineered to deliver reliable performance in extreme operating conditions. Its combination of thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties makes it one of the most capable high-temperature plastics available.

  • Exceptional heat resistance: Performs reliably in continuous high-temperature environments

  • Excellent dimensional stability: Maintains tight tolerances under thermal stress

  • Strong mechanical strength: Provides durability and rigidity in demanding applications

  • Excellent electrical insulation: Ideal for electrical and electronic components

  • Low outgassing properties: Suitable for vacuum and clean environment applications

  • Wear resistant: Handles friction and repeated motion effectively

  • Chemical resistant: Withstands exposure to many industrial chemicals

  • Lightweight alternative to metal: Reduces component weight without sacrificing performance

  • Good machinability: Can be fabricated into precision components and parts

  • High creep resistance: Maintains performance under long-term mechanical loads

Benefits and Advantages

Polyimide plastic offers a unique balance of heat resistance, electrical performance, and mechanical durability that makes it valuable across advanced manufacturing industries. Compared to traditional engineering plastics, PI materials maintain their integrity in environments with extreme temperatures, continuous wear, or demanding electrical requirements.

Common Applications

Polyimide plastic is widely used in industries that require high-performance materials capable of handling extreme operating conditions. Its thermal stability, wear resistance, and electrical insulating properties make it suitable for precision components and critical systems.

  • Aerospace components: Bearings, bushings, splines, thermal insulators, valve seats, seals, and locking elements for fasteners.

  • Semiconductor manufacturing: Used in precision handling, insulation, and processing equipment.

  • Electrical insulation parts: Provide reliable dielectric performance in electronic systems

  • Bearings and bushings: Deliver wear resistance and low friction in moving assemblies.

  • Test sockets and fixtures: Maintain dimensional stability in electronics testing environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about polyimide plastic and how it performs in various environments.

Polyimide plastic is commonly used in aerospace, semiconductor, electronics, and industrial applications requiring high heat resistance and electrical insulation.

Yes. Polyimide offers exceptional thermal stability and can maintain performance in extremely high-temperature environments.

Yes. Polyimide sheet and rod can be machined into precision components for demanding industrial applications. Provide your exact specifications to your Piedmont Plastics sales representative, and we can help fabricate parts to your application requirements.

Yes. Polyimide provides excellent dielectric properties, making it suitable for electrical insulation applications.

Polyimide materials generally offer good dimensional stability and low moisture absorption compared to many engineering plastics.

Polyimide combines exceptional heat resistance, mechanical strength, wear resistance, and electrical performance in one material.

Why Buy from Piedmont Plastics?

Piedmont Plastics provides high-performance plastic materials backed by technical expertise, nationwide inventory access, and value-added services to help customers meet demanding application requirements.

  • Nationwide network of branches: Local inventory and fast delivery help keep projects moving efficiently across North America.

  • Custom cutting and fabrication services: Precision cutting and machining support your exact material requirements.

  • Deep industry expertise: Our team understands the performance demands of high-temperature and technical applications.

  • Wide product selection that supports a one-stop-shop experience: Access a broad range of engineering plastics and industrial materials from a single trusted supplier.