Polyamide-imide PAI

Polyamide-imide (PAI) is quite unusual on the market, as it is difficult to process and extremely brittle. When the plastic is filled with lubricant, it is used for precision parts in high-tech equipment, bearing holders, bearings, valves and bushings, etc. PAI together with graphite and PTFE has high wear resistance and lower friction.

With its versatile performance and proven use in a wide range of applications, Polyamide-imide (PAI) is offered in extruded, injection molded and compression molded grades.

Polyamide-imide (PAI) is the highest performing melt processable plastic. It has superior resistance to elevated temperatures. It is capable of operating under severe stress at continuous temperatures up to 260°C (500°F). Parts machined from Polyamide-imide (PAI) provide greater compressive strength and higher impact resistance than most advanced engineering plastics.

Polyamide-imide PAI’s extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and high creep resistance provide excellent dimensional stability throughout its service range.

PAI is an amorphous material with a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 280°C (537°F). A post-cure cycle is sometimes recommended for components manufactured from extruded forms where optimization of chemical resistance and/or wear performance is required.

Areas of use for amide-imide plastic:

• Buses
• Stock
• Valves
• Optical equipment
• Distances
• Compressed air details
• Water jet equipment

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General facts about PAI plastic

• PAI is an amorphous, opaque thermoplastic.
• PAI are high-performance polymers that combine high-temperature strength with low-temperature toughness.
• The most well-recognized polyamidimide polymer is a plastic-type called Torlon.
• This plastic type is recognized around the world as being the highest performing thermoplastic material that is melt processable.

The benefits of Polyamide-imide

• Unmatched wear resistance in dry and lubricated environments.
• Very low-temperature toughness and impact strength.
• Good machinability.
• High tensile and compressive strength.
• Very low CLTE, flammability, and smoke generation.
• Resistance to wear, creep, and most chemicals, including strong acids and most organics.

Limitations of Polyamide-imide engineering plastic

• PAI is difficult to process due to the high temperatures required to do so.
• Polyamide-imide has limited resistance to hydrolysis.
• Plastic PAI comes with high costs.