PI material, (chemically known as Polyimides) is a non-melting high temperature polymer. In addition to the sintering process used to produce stock shapes, finished components can be cost-effectively produced in larger quantities using the direct forming process.  

PI plastics are used everywhere where very high or cryogenic temperature resistance is required. Even above 260 °C, dimensional stability, strength and creep resistance remain high. For wear and friction applications Polyimides are the ideal material due to the ability to work under unlubricated conditions, low wear rates and high pV-rates. Thus lifetimes are extended and maintenance costs reduced. 

Polyimide applications can therefore be found in a wide range of industries.For aerospace and semicon industry the high purity and low outgassing are additional benefits of Polyimide plastics.

• Long-term thermal stability 300 °C (short-term up to 400 °C)
• High heat resistance up to 470 °C (HDT/A)
• Good cryogenic properties down to -270 °C
• High strength, modulus and stiffness also at high temperatures over 260 °C
• Excellent wear resistance under high surface pressure and high sliding speeds
• Excellent thermal and electrical insulation
• Minimal thermal conductivity
• High purity, low outgassing in vacuum conditions in accordance with ESA regulation ECSS-Q-70-02
• Good machinability
• Good chemical resistance to acids, fats and solvents
• Inherently flame retardant  (UL 94 V0)

The materials belonging to the polyimide group are characterised by an unusually complex property profile with a large number of excellent individual characteristics and so take up a position at the tip of the material pyramid.

Ensinger offers rods, plastes and tubes as well as customized direct formed parts. Polyimides (PI) are produced by polycondensation.

They are non melting due to the high amount of ring-shaped, mostly aromatic chain links and high molecular weights.  The manufacturing of semi-finished products or direct-forming parts is therefore done exclusively by sintering techniques.

• Tribological applications: Bearing parts, bushings, washers, piston rings and guiding elements
• Hot glass handling parts for the glass industry
• Space and aircraft applications
• Semiconductor production equipment like IC testsockets
• Radiation and chemical resistant sealings for valves
• Vacuum equipment parts
• Cryogenic parts down to -270 °C

Application examples

Direct forming is a cost effective manufacturing method for producing high volume precision parts. Direct formed Polyimide parts are typically used for applications in the automotive industry or for large quantity production, when machining shapes is too expensive. Fast running presses (mechanical or hydraulic) compact the powder in the mould cavity. The mouldings are then sintered for some hours at high tem­per­a­tures with the exclu­sion of oxygen. The direct forming technique in­volves practically no material waste. In most cases, reworking is also not required.

Alongside the manufacture of stock shapes and direct forming parts, the TECASINT materials can be machined with ease. Complex, tight tolerance components can be produced on standard milling machines and turning lathes. For optimal results, specific plastic cutters should be used. TECASINT can be machined in a dry state or with coolant if necessary.

We produce Polyimides in form of semi-finished products and finished parts. Further development of proven production techniques, new applications and international expansion have earned the family-owned Ensinger enterprise a place among the leaders in its field.

Contact us via our contact form, by email or by phone +43 7662 88788 401.