TPI Extem: Properties, Uses & Cost Guide
Tensile data verified against MatWeb.com database & manufacturer datasheets · Last updated July 2026
Published: 2026-06-02
Extem UH thermoplastic polyimide (TPI, SABIC) represents the upper boundary of commercially available melt-processable thermoplastics — with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 350°C, it exceeds PEEK (Tg 143°C) by over 200°C. Extem UH fills...
Extem UH thermoplastic polyimide (TPI, SABIC) represents the upper boundary of commercially available melt-processable thermoplastics — with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 350°C, it exceeds PEEK (Tg 143°C) by over 200°C. Extem UH fills the gap between PEEK (continuous use 260°C) and non-melt-processable imidized polyimides like Vespel and PBI Celazole. It is the only amorphous thermoplastic that provides structural performance above 300°C while being injection moldable — though processing demands specialized equipment.
Processing extreme: melt temperature 420-440°C — most standard injection molding machines cannot reach this range. Tooling must be heated to 220-250°C (oil heating, not water). Material must be dried at 200°C for 6+ hours. Resin cost: approximately $500-700/kg in commercial quantities. The extreme processing requirements restrict Extem to applications where no other thermoplastic can survive the thermal environment: semiconductor wafer handling, aerospace engine components, and downhole oil & gas tooling.
Recommended Applications
TPI Extem UH is commonly specified for:
⚠ Not Recommended For
TPI Extem UH is not recommended for:
- Moisture absorption applications without sealing (Vespel PI absorbs 1-3% moisture — dimensional stability affected)
- Cost-sensitive applications where PAI or PEEK suffices (PI is 5-10× the cost of PEEK)
- Continuous service in strong bases above 200°C (use PBI for extreme alkaline resistance)
Technical Properties
| Density | 1.51 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 110 MPa |
| Melting Point | Amorphous (Tg 350°C) |
| Shrinkage Rate | 0.3-0.5% |
| Flexural Modulus | 6.2 GPa |
| Hdt | 320 °C at 1.82 MPa |
Engineering Tool: Shrinkage & Cost Estimator
Calculate part weight, mold cavity dimensions accounting for shrinkage, and material cost — all locally in your browser.
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Extem UH 1019 | |
| Extem XH 1015 (higher flow variant) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Extem compare to PEEK for high-temperature applications?
Extem UH has Tg 350°C vs PEEK Tg 143°C — a 207°C advantage. For continuous use above 260°C, PEEK approaches its mechanical limits while Extem retains structural integrity. However, PEEK costs ~$80-100/kg vs ~$500-700/kg for Extem. The choice depends on whether the temperature requirement can be met by PEEK (up to 260°C) or requires the extreme performance of TPI.
Can my injection molder process Extem?
Most cannot. Extem requires: 1) melt temperature 420-440°C (special barrel/ screw metallurgy), 2) mold temperature 220-250°C (oil heating, not water), 3) drying at 200°C for 6+ hours, and 4) experience with ultra-high-temperature amorphous materials. Only specialized molders with high-temperature capability can process Extem.
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org