PI Polyimide CNC Machining Services
Custom PAI (Polyamide-Imide) Components Manufactured to Tight Tolerances for Semiconductor, Aerospace, Medical and Industrial Applications.
STEP / STP / IGS / X_T accepted · NDA available
What Is PI?
Machining of PI
PI commonly known under the brand name Torlon®, is one of the highest-performing thermoplastics available for engineering applications.
PAI combines:
- Exceptional mechanical strength
- Outstanding wear resistance
- High compressive strength
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Superior thermal resistance
Compared with PEEK and PEI, PAI offers higher load-bearing capability and better performance in demanding wear applications.
Please contact our sales and technical teams to learn about how we can provide high-quality machining PAI Engineering plastic services at a fair and competitive price.
Key Properties of PI Material
| Property | Typical Value |
| Continuous Service Temperature | 260°C |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 280°C |
| Tensile Strength | 186 MPa |
| Compressive Strength | 250 MPa |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Thermal Expansion | Very Low |
| Creep Resistance | Outstanding |
Why Choose PAI for Critical Components?
Exceptional Heat Resistance
PAI maintains structural integrity in environments exceeding 250°C.
Applications include:
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Aerospace systems
- Industrial ovens
- High-temperature fixtures
Outstanding Wear Resistance
One of the best engineering plastics for friction and wear applications.
Ideal for:
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Wear pads
- Rollers
- Seals
Superior Mechanical Strength
PAI exhibits excellent compressive strength and stiffness, making it suitable for replacing metal components in weight-sensitive applications.
Excellent Dimensional Stability
Low thermal expansion and high creep resistance ensure reliable performance under load.
PI Machining Capabilities
Welcome to PlasticPartsCustom, your trusted partner for high-performance PI machining capabilities. Our state-of-the-art CNC machines and experienced team of engineers and technicians enable us to produce high-precision, complex parts with tight tolerances and exceptional surface finishes, using PAI, a high-performance engineering thermoplastic.
CNC Milling
Our multi-axis machining centers produce complex PI components with tight tolerances and excellent repeatability.
CNC Turning
Manufacturing:
- Bushings
- Rollers
- Sleeves
- Bearing Components
- Seal Rings
Tolerance:
Up to ±0.01 mm
Complex Precision Components
We machine:
- Semiconductor Fixtures
- Vacuum Components
- High-Speed Wear Parts
- Medical Device Assemblies
PI Grades We Machine
Torlon® 4203
General-purpose PAI grade.
Advantages:
- Excellent toughness
- High strength
- Outstanding machinability
Applications:
- Semiconductor tooling
- Electrical insulators
- Medical equipment
Torlon® 4301
Wear-resistant grade.
Advantages:
- Low friction
- High wear resistance
Applications:
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Sealing components
Torlon® 5530
30% Glass-Filled PAI.
Advantages:
- Higher stiffness
- Improved dimensional stability
Applications:
- Precision fixtures
- Structural components
Custom PAI Grades
We support machining of:
Torlon 4203
Torlon 4301
Torlon 4503
Torlon 5030
Torlon 5530
Material certifications available upon request.
PI Parts We Manufacture
Our PAI machining services support a wide range of custom applications.
Semiconductor Components
- Wafer handling parts
- Vacuum chamber components
- Precision positioning systems
- Electrical insulators
Medical Device Components
- Sterilization-resistant parts
- Precision instrument components
Aerospace Components
- Structural supports
- High-temperature brackets
- Lightweight wear components
Industrial Automation Components
- High-load guides
- Bearing cages
- Wear-resistant fixtures
Common PI Machining Challenges We Solve
Internal Stress Control
PAI materials can generate internal stress during machining.
Our machining process minimizes deformation and dimensional drift.
Precision Tolerance Management
Specialized fixturing and process control ensure tight tolerances.
Surface Finish Optimization
Custom tooling strategies improve surface quality while preserving dimensional accuracy.
Material Cost Optimization
PAI is one of the most expensive engineering plastics.
Our DFM review helps reduce machining costs and material waste.
Quality Assurance
Available quality documentation:
Material Certificates
COC
FAI Reports
Inspection Reports
Inspection conducted throughout the manufacturing process, not only at final inspection.
Why Choose PlasticPartsCustom for PI Machining?
| Engineering Plastic Expertise Over 10 years of experience machining high-performance plastics. |
| Tight Tolerances Precision machining up to ±0.01 mm. |
| Advanced Inspection Equipment Mitutoyo CMM Vision Measurement Systems Precision Gauges |
| No MOQ From 1-piece prototypes to low-volume production. |
| Fast Lead Times Typical prototypes delivered within 5–7 working days. |
Industries We Serve
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Medical Devices
- Industrial Automation
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Scientific Instruments
- Energy Systems
PI (Polyimide) vs PEEK: Which High-Performance Engineering Plastic Should You Choose?
PI (polyimide) and PEEK are both premium high-performance engineering plastics, but PI offers higher continuous service temperature and superior electrical insulation, while PEEK provides better chemical resistance and impact strength.
| Property | PI (Polyimide) | PEEK |
|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temperature | 260-300°C | 250°C (480°F) |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 280-360°C | 143°C |
| Tensile Strength | 85-120 MPa | 95-100 MPa |
| Electrical Insulation | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (affected by strong bases) | Excellent (broader range) |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Creep Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Moisture Absorption | Moderate (0.3-1.0%) | Very Low (0.1%) |
| Radiation Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Outgassing (Vacuum) | Very Low | Very Low |
| Machinability | Moderate | Good |
| Relative Cost | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Best For | Semiconductor components, aerospace, electrical insulation, vacuum environments, high-temperature seals, radiation-resistant parts | Medical implants, semiconductor, aerospace, chemical processing, high-temperature electrical insulation |
Choose PI (Polyimide) if you need the highest continuous service temperature (up to 300°C), outstanding electrical insulation, excellent radiation resistance, and very low outgassing for semiconductor, aerospace, and vacuum applications. Choose PEEK if your application requires broader chemical resistance, better impact strength, lower moisture absorption, biocompatibility for medical implants, or easier machinability.
Not sure which material fits your project? Send us your drawing for a free material recommendation.
Related Materials
Explore other engineering plastics we machine:
| Material | Key Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PEEK | Broader chemical resistance, impact resistant | Medical implants, chemical processing |
| PAI (Torlon) | Highest mechanical strength, 260°C | High-load bearings, aerospace bushings |
| PEI (Ultem) | Flame retardant, high strength, 170°C | Aerospace, medical, electrical |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Request a Quote for PI Machined Parts
Whether you need a single prototype or a low-volume production run, our engineering team can help evaluate your design and provide a competitive quotation.
Simply Send Us:
- 2D Drawings (PDF)
- 3D Files (STEP, STP, IGES, X_T)
- Quantity Requirements
- Material Specifications
What You Will Receive
- DFM Feedback
- ✓ Competitive Pricing
- ✓ Lead Time Confirmation
- ✓ Inspection Plan
- ✓ Engineering Support
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