PEI (ULTEM) FILAMENT • 3DXTECH • REV1 TECH
3DXTech ThermaX™ PEI 9085 ULTEM 9085 — 186°C Tg · FAA FST · Made in USA
ULTEM 9085 — 186°C Tg · FAA FST · Made in USA
3DXTech’s custom-formulated PEI 9085 filament delivers aerospace-grade FST (Flame, Smoke, Toxicity) performance meeting FAA FAR 25.853 requirements. Built on Sabic ULTEM 9085 resin with a 186°C Tg and inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance — the material of choice for aircraft interior structural components. Made in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Lead time varies. Contact Rev1 to confirm availability.
WHY PEI 9085
186°C Tg. FAA FST Certified. Inherent UL 94 V-0.
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 is 3DXTech’s custom-formulated polyetherimide filament using Sabic ULTEM 9085 resin. It delivers FAA FAR 25.853 FST compliance with inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance — the aerospace-grade PEI standard for aircraft interior structural components.
FAA FST Certified
Meets FAR 25.853 flammability, smoke, and toxicity requirements for aircraft interior certification — the aerospace-grade PEI standard.
Inherent UL 94 V-0
Flame resistance is built into the polymer backbone — no additives required. Low smoke evolution and low smoke toxicity per FAA test methods.
High-Temp Dimensional Stability
186°C Tg and outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures. PEI 9085 is available in Scarlet for design-critical aerospace assemblies.
Made in USA
Produced in-house at 3DXTech’s Grand Rapids, MI facility under ISO 9001:2015 certification. Lot traceability and process controls throughout.
PRINTING WITH PEI 9085
PEI 9085 — Aerospace-Grade FST Performance
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 is not a plug-and-print material. It requires industrial hardware and process discipline — a heated chamber and all-metal hot end rated to 400°C+. Follow this protocol for consistent results.
- Extruder Temp 350–380°C — all-metal hot end required
- Bed Temp 140–160°C — PEI or garolite build surface
- Chamber Temp ≥70°C recommended — heated enclosure strongly recommended
- Nozzle All-metal, stainless or hardened steel — ≥0.4mm diameter
- Drying 120°C / 4 hr minimum before every print session
- ⚠ End-of-Session Purge nozzle completely before cooling. Residual PEI 9085 can carbonize in the melt zone if left to cool — always purge fully before shutdown.
THERMAL DATA
186°C Tg with Proven FST Performance for Aerospace Interiors
Four thermal milestones that define ThermaX™ PEI 9085’s operating envelope — verified against 3DXTech ThermaX PEI 9085 Technical Data Sheet v4.
186°C Tg with exceptional dimensional stability. PEI 9085 maintains structural integrity at sustained operating temperatures where standard engineering plastics fail — while meeting FAA FST requirements no other commodity filament can match.
HDT at 0.45 MPa. Structural load-bearing capability well above standard service temperatures, making PEI 9085 the material of choice for aircraft interior structural components.
Sustained continuous-use temperature under structural load. For short-term peak exposure, the 185°C HDT and 186°C Tg define the practical upper ceiling.
Required before every session. PEI is hygroscopic — even trace moisture causes bubble defects and weakened layer adhesion at 350–380°C extrusion temps. Print from the dryer.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Inert to the Environments That Destroy Other Polymers
ThermaX™ PEI 9085’s amorphous PEI backbone resists a broad range of chemicals that would degrade PA, PC, or ABS within hours — including automotive fluids, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and aqueous solutions. The same backbone that delivers inherent flame resistance also provides exceptional chemical inertness.
Consult TDS for complete chemical compatibility data before use in fluid-contact applications.
SPECIFICATIONS
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 — Full Technical Data
Source: 3DXTech ThermaX™ PEI 9085 TDS v4. Specifications at 1.75mm diameter, natural color.
Material Properties
| Polymer | Polyetherimide (ULTEM 9085) |
| Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Color | Natural · Black (250g, 500g, 1kg); Scarlet (500g only) |
| Glass Transition (Tg) | 186°C |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) | 185°C |
| Continuous Use Temp | 170°C |
| Flame Rating | UL 94 V-0 (inherent, no additives) |
| FAA Compliance | FAR 25.853 FST (Flame, Smoke, Toxicity) |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ |
Print Parameters
| Extruder Temp | 350–380°C |
| Bed Temp | 140–160°C |
| Chamber Temp | ≥70°C (recommended) |
| Drying Protocol | 120°C / 4 hr minimum |
| Min. Layer Height | 0.10mm |
| Nozzle Type | All-metal (stainless or hardened steel) |
| Min. Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm |
| Hot End Requirement | All-metal, rated ≥400°C |
Availability & Pricing
| Spool Sizes | 250g, 500g, 1kg, 2kg |
| 250g Price | $80 (Natural · Black) |
| 500g Price | $145 (Natural · Black · Scarlet) |
| 1kg Price | $220 (Natural · Black) |
| 2kg Pricing | Special order — MOQ 10 units |
| Lead Time | Varies — contact Rev1 to confirm |
| Quality Standard | ISO 9001:2015 Certified |
| Origin | Grand Rapids, MI, USA |
SPOOL SELECTION
Four Spool Sizes. One Material Standard.
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 is available in 250g, 500g, 1kg, and 2kg. Natural and Black available in all standard sizes. Scarlet available in 500g only. Choose the spool size that fits your print volume and platform.
- Reel #1 — 152mm dia., 41mm wide
- Colors: Natural · Black
- Prototyping and qualification runs
- Reel #2–#7 — 198mm dia.
- Colors: Natural · Black · Scarlet
- Recommended for production use
- Reel #4 — 198mm dia., 72mm wide
- Colors: Natural · Black
- Best value for sustained production
- Reel #8 — 300mm dia., 100mm wide
- Natural · Black — contact Rev1 for pricing
- High-volume industrial runs
PRINT QUALITY
Production-Grade Output on the Right Equipment
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 produces parts with fine surface detail and strong interlayer adhesion when printed on a properly configured industrial platform — with a more forgiving process window than standard PEEK.
COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS
Requires an Industrial-Grade 3D Printer
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 demands an all-metal hot end rated to at least 400°C and an actively heated enclosure (≥70°C). Beyond consumer hardware, but accessible to any purpose-built industrial platform.
CreatBot F160-PEEK
Purpose-built PAEK platform with dual all-metal hot ends and integrated chamber heating. Validated for PEI 9085 — Rev1’s top recommendation for first-time PAEK adopters.
Rev1 RecommendedCreatBot PEEK-300
300mm build volume, 420°C hot end rating, 200°C heated chamber. Production-oriented PAEK platform suitable for PEI 9085 at larger part geometries.
Rev1 RecommendedCreatBot F430
Quad-nozzle large-format industrial printer with multi-material capability. Supports PEI 9085 plus support materials for complex geometries and dual-extrusion workflows.
Rev1 RecommendedAny Open-Platform Printer
Minimum: 400°C+ all-metal hot end • 120–160°C heated bed • ≥70°C enclosure • all-metal nozzle ≥0.4mm.
WHERE IT WORKS
Six Industries Where FAA FST Performance Is Non-Negotiable
When FAA certification, fire codes, or inherent flame resistance requirements drive material selection — ThermaX™ PEI 9085 is the answer.
Aerospace Interiors
FAR 25.853 FST-compliant aircraft interior structural panels, seat brackets, overhead bin components, and ducting. The primary application driver for ULTEM 9085 resin.
Defense & Government
Structural components in military vehicle interiors, equipment housings, and device enclosures where FAA or MIL-spec FST performance is required or specified.
Automotive / EV
UL 94 V-0 performance for EV battery housing components, connector housings, and thermal management parts where inherent flame resistance without additives is specified.
Electronics & E-Mobility
High-temperature connectors, enclosures, and structural carrier components in power electronics where thermal stability and inherent flame resistance are both required.
Rail & Mass Transit
Interior structural components for rail cars and mass transit vehicles subject to EN 45545 or equivalent FST fire safety standards for passenger compartment materials.
Industrial Tooling
High-temp fixtures, jigs, and press-fit tooling demanding stiffness, 186°C thermal ceiling, and inherent flame resistance for factory-floor fire-code compliance.
MATERIAL CARE
Moisture Is the Enemy. A Proper Protocol Eliminates It.
PEI is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture readily. Printing with undried filament at 350–380°C produces bubbling, rough surfaces, and weakened layer adhesion. Follow this protocol every session.
Dry Before Every Session
120°C minimum / 4 hours minimum. No exceptions — even a sealed spool that has been open for a few days benefits from a fresh drying cycle.
Print From the Dryer
For best results, print directly from a heated dry-box or dryer system. Ambient humidity will re-absorb into the filament during extended print runs.
Store Sealed With Desiccant
Return unused filament to an airtight bag or container with fresh desiccant immediately after printing. Long-term storage in original sealed packaging is acceptable.
Recognize Wet Filament Symptoms
Popping or crackling during extrusion, rough surface texture, reduced layer adhesion, and visible bubbling in the melt are signs of moisture contamination. Re-dry and restart.
HOW IT COMPARES
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 vs. Commonly Evaluated Alternatives
Buyers evaluating PEI 9085 typically compare against the platform-tied Stratasys ULTEM 9085 using the same FST-certified base resin, ThermaX PEI 9085 for maximum Tg, and ThermaX PEEK for buyers choosing between amorphous PEI and semi-crystalline PEEK.
3DXTech / Rev1 Tech
3DXTech
3DXTech
Stratasys
3DXTECH QUALITY
Manufactured in Michigan. Certified to ISO 9001:2015.
Every spool of ThermaX™ PEI 9085 is produced in-house at 3DXTech’s Grand Rapids, MI facility under ISO 9001:2015 certification. Sabic ULTEM 9085 base resin — the same FST-certified resin used in platform-locked FDM systems — with full lot traceability.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Production under a certified quality management system. Lot traceability and process controls throughout filament fabrication.
Made in Grand Rapids, MI
Filament extruded and wound in-house at 3DXTech’s Michigan facility. Direct factory quality control — not overseas commodity production.
Technical Data Sheet Available
Full processing parameters, mechanical properties, FST compliance data, and chemical resistance published in the ThermaX™ PEI 9085 TDS v4. Available for download below.
RESOURCES
Downloads & Technical Support
Everything you need to qualify and print ThermaX™ PEI 9085 with confidence. FST compliance data, processing parameters, and technical support from Rev1.
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Industrial AM Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI, with direct technical expertise in high-performance FFF materials and the printers that run them.
Authorized Reseller
Every spool ships direct from the authorized channel. MAP pricing guaranteed. Single-channel license compliance — not a grey-market distributor.
Platform Expertise
Rev1 carries the industrial printers validated for PEI 9085 and PEEK. If you need guidance on which platform to match with this material, our team has run them.
Pre-Sales Technical Support
Questions about print settings, printer selection, or qualifying PEI 9085 for a specific application? Contact Rev1 before you order — that conversation is free.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
ThermaX™ PEI 9085 — Buyer & Engineer Questions Answered
What is ThermaX PEI 9085?
ThermaX PEI 9085 is 3DXTech’s custom-formulated polyetherimide filament using Sabic ULTEM 9085 resin — the aerospace-grade variant of the PEI family. It delivers a 186°C Tg, inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance, and FAA FST compliance for aircraft interior structural applications.
What temperatures does ThermaX PEI 9085 require?
Extruder: 350–380°C with an all-metal hotend. Bed: 140–160°C on PEI or garolite. Heated chamber (≥70°C) is strongly recommended. Dry at 120°C for 4 hours before printing.
Does PEI 9085 require a hardened steel nozzle?
No. ThermaX PEI 9085 is unfilled, so abrasion is not a concern. However, an all-metal nozzle rated for 400°C+ is recommended for sustained high-temperature operation. Standard brass nozzles may soften at extended 380°C use — stainless or hardened steel is an inexpensive, long-term upgrade.
What does FAA FST compliance mean for PEI 9085?
FST stands for Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity — the performance requirements defined by the FAA under FAR 25.853 for aircraft interior materials. ULTEM 9085 resin meets the OSU 65/65 heat release requirement, the smoke density limit (Ds ≤200), and the toxic gas evolution limits. These certifications make it the material of choice for structural aircraft interior components.
What is the difference between PEI 9085 and PEI 1010?
PEI 9085 (ULTEM 9085) is the aerospace FST-compliant grade with a Tg of 186°C, tailored for aircraft interior certification. PEI 1010 (ULTEM 1010) has a higher Tg (217°C) and is FDA-compliant for food contact and medical autoclave sterilization. Choose 9085 if your application requires FAA FST certification; choose 1010 for medical or food-contact applications, or if you need the highest possible Tg.
Why is PEI 9085 flame resistant without additives?
The imide linkage in the PEI backbone inherently limits combustion. No brominated or phosphorus flame retardants are required — the UL 94 V-0 rating and low smoke / low toxicity performance are intrinsic resin properties, not additive-dependent, and persist for the life of the part.
How does ThermaX PEI 9085 compare to Stratasys FDM ULTEM 9085?
Both use Sabic ULTEM 9085 resin with the same FST certification basis. Stratasys FDM ULTEM 9085 is platform-locked to Fortus/F900 systems with proprietary support material and high system cost. ThermaX PEI 9085 runs on any open-material machine with 370–380°C capability and a heated chamber — the same certified resin chemistry at a fraction of the ownership cost.
Should I choose PEI 9085 or ThermaX PEEK?
Choose PEI 9085 for: FAA FST aerospace interior compliance, inherent UL 94 V-0 (no additives), lower print temperature (350–380°C vs 375–410°C), and lower entry cost ($80 vs $175 per 250g). Choose PEEK for maximum mechanical stiffness and tensile strength — PEEK’s semi-crystalline structure gives it an edge in modulus and creep resistance, particularly at temperatures above 170°C.