Get a quotePAI is machinable but often hard to source in the UK. Alternatives with similar properties may offer better value. This guide outlines attributes, applications, design notes, finishing options, stock sizes, and property tables.
PAI is machinable but often hard to source in the UK. Alternatives with similar properties may offer better value. This guide outlines attributes, applications, design notes, finishing options, stock sizes, and property tables.
PAI is machinable but often hard to source in the UK. Alternatives with similar properties may offer better value. This guide outlines attributes, applications, design notes, finishing options, stock sizes, and property tables.
PAI (Polyamide-imide) is a high performance amorphous thermoplastic which is often used in place of metal components where there are weight restrictions.
PAI plastic is considered the highest performing thermoplastic. It is available in a number of grades (such as carbon-fibre reinforced, glass-fibre reinforced, PTFE-filled, graphite-filled, unfilled, wear resistant, high strength, low friction) with varying characteristics.
PAI is generally considered to have good machinability.
You may also see PAI referred to as:
PAI is more expensive than other thermoplastics and not readily available in the UK and so generally only recommended where the outstanding properties are required. It's also worth noting that PAI often requires post-curing (such as heat treating) to achieve maximum wear and chemical resistance which needs to be factored into time and cost.
In most cases, another thermoplastic is likely to be suitable. Have a look at our Polycarbonate and PSU pages to see if these may be suitable alternatives. Otherwise, please feel free to call our Estimation team who will be happy to talk through your options.
PAI is not commonly used in the UK and therefore there aren't standard stock sizes as such. Often PAI may be a non-stocked item which we may be able to obtain with a longer lead time than other high performance thermoplastics. Please look at our Polycarbonate and PSU pages for some potential alternatives.
Here are the properties for TECASINT 5051 grey-green which is a 30% glass fibre filled grade. Reinforced and modified grades will have different properties.
