Materials are one of the most important factors in a product. And to talk about San AIO, today I want to talk about 2 versions: Ultem (PEI) and AGA. One version is made from PEI (Polyetherimide) plastic and the other version is made from aerospace-grade aluminum. Both of these materials have their own outstanding features, suitable for different needs and preferences. Let's learn more about these two materials and their effects on the product.
I. Ultem - PEI plastic (Polyetherimide)
Outstanding features:
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High temperature resistance: PEI plastic, also known as Ultem, can withstand temperatures up to 170°C, even higher for a short time, helping the product operate stably in high temperature environments. Not only does it have impressive mechanical properties, but it also has good chemical stability and is fireproof. Oxygen index 46%, UL94-V fire index level 0.
High mechanical properties: PEI has good tensile strength, hardness and impact resistance, making the product durable and resistant to strong impacts.
Chemical Resistance: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including solvents and hydrocarbons, making the product durable in harsh environments.
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Good insulation: Has good dielectric properties, safe for electronic applications.
Features after finished product:
Machinability: PEI plastic is easy to process, shape, and mass produce with high precision.
Product surface: The surface of PEI plastic products is usually smooth and not easily scratched, helping to maintain aesthetics throughout use.
Aesthetics:
Lightweight: Much lighter than aluminum, making the product easy to carry and use.
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Diverse colors: PEI plastic can be produced in many different colors, creating diversity and richness for the product.
Difficulty of processing:
Low difficulty: PEI requires specialized machining equipment to ensure precision and product quality, but is still easier than many other engineering thermoplastics.
Advantage:
Light weight: Easy to carry and use.
Chemical resistance: Suitable for working environments with exposure to chemicals.
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High durability: Heat and impact resistant, long lasting.
Disadvantages:
Grip: May not feel as solid as aluminum.
II . Aerospace-grade Aluminum (AGA )
Outstanding features:
Low weight: Aluminum has low density but is still very strong, helping to reduce the overall weight of the product.
High Strength: Aerospace aluminum, typically 6061 or 7075 alloy, has high tensile strength, meeting safety and performance requirements.
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Corrosion resistance: Aluminum has good resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially when surface treated.
Easy to process: Easy to machine, form and weld, suitable for manufacturing complex parts.
Features after finished product:
Hardness and strength: Products made from aviation aluminum have high hardness and are less likely to deform under impact force.
Product Surface: Aluminum surfaces can be anodized to increase corrosion resistance and create a smooth, shiny protective layer.
Aesthetics:
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Grip: Provides a more solid and luxurious feel when held.
Shiny Appearance: Aviation aluminum can be polished, creating a high-end and modern look.
Difficulty of processing:
High difficulty: Aerospace aluminum requires advanced machinery and processing techniques, including anodizing (increasing hardness, durability, aesthetic value) to ensure product surface and durability.
Advantage:
Feel: Solid and luxurious.
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Mechanical strength: Higher than normal aluminum, suitable for applications requiring high strength.
Corrosion resistance: Good in harsh environments.
Disadvantages:
Weight: Heavier than PEI plastic, which can reduce product portability.
Cost: May be higher than products made from PEI plastic.
Compare and conclude
Weight and mobility :
PEI Plastic: Lighter, easy to carry and use, suitable for those who need portable and convenient products.
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Aerospace Aluminum: Heavier, but feels solid and durable, suitable for those who prioritize durability and a premium feel.
Durability and load bearing capacity:
PEI Plastic: Durable against impact and high temperatures, suitable for harsh working environments.
Aerospace Aluminum: Higher mechanical strength, good corrosion resistance, ideal for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity.
Chemical resistance:
PEI plastic: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, suitable for chemical-related applications.
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Aerospace Aluminum: Good corrosion resistance but requires surface treatment to ensure durability in chemical environments.
Feel and aesthetics:
PEI plastic: Light weight, smooth surface, diverse colors.
Aerospace Aluminum: Provides a premium feel, shiny, modern surface.
Price:
PEI Plastic: Usually has a lower price, suitable for limited budgets.
Aerospace Aluminum: Higher price, but offers lasting value and better feel.
Conclude
Both PEI and aerospace aluminum versions have their own pros and cons. Choosing which material to use depends on your specific needs for weight, durability, feel, and work environment.
PEI plastic offers lightness, color variety, and chemical resistance. Meanwhile, aerospace aluminum offers a solid, durable feel and more versatility in fabrication. If it were you, would you choose aluminum or plastic? Personally, I prefer plastic aluminum.
