描述
ULTEM Resin AUT230 is a high flow, transparent, flame retardant amorphous polyetherimide (PEI) resin manufactured by SABIC. As an authorized distributor and trader, we supply genuine SABIC materials with full traceability.
ULTEM AUT230 is a specialty automotive grade specifically engineered for automotive lighting applications where highly metallized, reflective surfaces are required. It is a transparent high flow Polyetherimide with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 247°C and very low outgassing and plateout. The haze onset temperature is 230°C (SABIC Innovative Plastics method), the highest in the AUT series.
ULTEM AUT230 sets a benchmark in automotive reflector applications by delivering exceptional thermal stability and superior melt strength, ensuring dimensional precision even under the extreme heat and pressure cycles of headlamps. Its inherent rigidity and resistance to creep allow the resin to maintain complex reflector geometries, sharp angles, and fine surface textures without distortion. Thanks to its naturally low moisture absorption, it provides consistent optical clarity and metallization quality across manufacturing cycles. Moreover, ULTEM AUT230 offers excellent UV resistance and long-term dimensional stability, making it ideally suited for components exposed to intense light sources and environmental stress.
Key attributes include:
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Haze Onset Temperature of 230°C – Highest in the AUT series; maintains optical clarity and reflective performance at elevated temperatures
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Highest Heat Resistance in AUT Series – Glass transition temperature (Tg) of 247°C
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High Flow – Excellent flow characteristics (MVR 8 cm³/10min at 360°C/5kg) for thin-wall molding
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Flame Retardant – Inherently flame retardant without additives
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Excellent Metallization Compatibility – Formulated for superior metal adhesion and reflectivity; very low outgassing and plateout minimize contamination of metallization equipment
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High Stiffness & Strength – Tensile modulus of 3,110 MPa (ISO) / 3,510 MPa (ASTM); tensile yield strength of 95 MPa
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Excellent Dimensional Stability – Low shrinkage; low creep sensitivity; high dimensional stability
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Good Chemical & Hydrolytic Resistance – Retains strength and resists stress cracking when exposed to automotive and aircraft fluids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and weak aqueous solutions
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Low Smoke & Low Toxicity – Exceptionally low smoke generation
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Good Metal Adhesion – Suitable for applications requiring metal bonding and metallized reflective surfaces
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ISCC+ Certified – Renewable bio-based solutions available
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PFAS-Free – No PFAS intentionally added during manufacturing
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Electroplatable – Can be electroplated for decorative or functional metal finishes
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Versatile Processing – Suitable for injection molding
AUT Series Comparison
| Property | AUT195 | AUT200 | AUT200M | AUT210 | AUT230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haze Onset Temperature | 195°C | 204°C | 204°C | 212°C | 230°C |
| Glass Transition (Tg) | 217°C | 217°C | 217°C | 227°C | 247°C |
| MVR (360°C/5kg) | — | — | — | 16 | 8 cm³/10min |
| Tensile Modulus (ISO) | — | 3,200 | 3,300 | 3,320 | 3,110 MPa |
| Tensile Yield (ISO) | — | 105 | 105 | 103 | 95 MPa |
| Key Feature | Entry-level haze onset | Higher haze onset | Haze onset 204°C + IMR | Higher heat resistance | Highest heat resistance (Tg 247°C) + highest haze onset (230°C) |
Typical Properties
| Property | AUT230 (ISO) | AUT230 (ASTM) | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||||
| Density | — | 1.27 | g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Melt Volume Rate (MVR) – 360°C/5kg | 8 | — | cm³/10min | ISO 1133 |
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) – 367°C/6.6kg | — | 15.5 | g/10min | ASTM D1238 |
| Mold Shrinkage, Flow | — | — | % | SABIC Method |
| Mechanical | ||||
| Tensile Modulus | 3,110 | 3,510 | MPa | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 95 | 96 | MPa | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 |
| Tensile Strength (Break) | 78 | 96 | MPa | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 |
| Yield Strain | 8.5 | 6 | % | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 |
| Strain at Break | 16.8 | 25 | % | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus | 3,080 | 3,170 | MPa | ISO 178 / ASTM D790 |
| Flexural Yield Strength | 123 | — | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Impact | ||||
| Izod Notched Impact (23°C) | 4 | 69 | kJ/m² / J/m | ISO 180/1A / ASTM D256 |
| Izod Notched Impact (-30°C) | 5 | 74 | kJ/m² / J/m | ISO 180/1A / ASTM D256 |
| Izod Unnotched Impact (23°C) | N | N | kJ/m² / J/m | ISO 180/1U / ASTM D256 |
| Thermal | ||||
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 247 | 247 | °C | |
| Haze Onset Temperature | 230 | 230 | °C | SABIC IP Method |
| Heat Deflection Temp. (1.80MPa) | 228 | — | °C | ISO 75-1/-2 |
| DTUL @ 264 psi (1.82MPa) | — | 217 | °C | ASTM D648 |
| Vicat Softening Temp. (B) | 242 | — | °C | ISO 306 |
| Vicat Softening Temp. (120°C/h 50N) | 238 | — | °C | ISO 306 |
| Flammability | ||||
| UL 94 Flammability | V-0 | V-0 | — | UL 94 |
Processing Guidelines (Injection Molding)
| Parameter | Recommended Conditions | |
|---|---|---|
| Drying | ||
| Drying Temperature | 150°C | |
| Drying Time | 4 – 6 hours | |
| Maximum Moisture Content | ≤0.02% | |
| Injection Molding | ||
| Melt Temperature | 350 – 400°C | |
| Front Zone 3 Temperature | 345 – 400°C | |
| Back Pressure | 0.3 – 0.7 MPa | |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1.2 mm | |
| Shot to Cylinder Size | 40 – 60% |
Critical Processing Warnings:
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Drying: ULTEM AUT230 is hygroscopic and must be dried to <0.02% moisture before processing. Dry at 150°C for 4-6 hours.
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High Heat Capability: This grade offers the highest heat resistance (Tg 247°C, haze onset 230°C) in the AUT series, suitable for the most demanding automotive lighting applications.
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Melt Temperature: Recommended melt temperature range is 350-400°C. Avoid excessive residence times to prevent thermal degradation.
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Metallization Considerations: Formulated for very low outgassing and plateout to minimize contamination of metallization equipment and ensure consistent reflective coating quality.
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Gate Design: Use large gates and runners to minimize flow resistance and reduce molded-in stress.
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Regrind: Regrind can be used up to 20-25% with virgin material, provided it is clean and properly dried.
Related Products
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Explore PEI / Polyetherimide – Browse all ULTEM PEI resin options
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Explore Engineering Plastics – Browse all engineering plastic materials
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About Our Company – Learn more about our supply capabilities and quality assurance
Technical Documents
| Document Type | Description & Source |
|---|---|
| SABIC Official TDS | Complete physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of ULTEM AUT230 |
| SABIC Official SDS | GHS-compliant chemical safety documentation |
| UL Yellow Card | UL certification |
| ISCC+ Certification | Bio-based renewable certification |
| COA (Certificate of Analysis) | Batch-specific quality certification |
| Processing Guide | Detailed processing guidelines for ULTEM AUT230 |
Request any document above by:
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Email:
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Online form: Our contact page
We reply within one working business day. Please clearly state product (ULTEM AUT230) and document type you require.
FAQ
Q1: What is ULTEM AUT230 and what is it used for?
A: ULTEM AUT230 is a high flow, transparent polyetherimide (PEI) resin manufactured by SABIC with the highest heat resistance in the AUT series. It is specifically engineered for automotive lighting applications where highly metallized, reflective surfaces are required. It is widely used in headlamp reflectors, fog lamp reflectors, bezels, lighting housings, and other automotive exterior components.
Q2: What is the haze onset temperature of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The haze onset temperature is 230°C (SABIC IP method), the highest in the AUT series, ensuring optical clarity and reflective performance at elevated temperatures.
Q3: What is the glass transition temperature of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The glass transition temperature (Tg) is 247°C, the highest in the AUT series, providing superior heat resistance.
Q4: What is the difference between ULTEM AUT210 and AUT230?
A: ULTEM AUT230 offers a higher haze onset temperature (230°C vs 212°C) and a higher glass transition temperature (247°C vs 227°C), providing superior heat resistance and optical clarity at elevated temperatures compared to AUT210.
Q5: What is the density of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The density is 1.27 g/cm³.
Q6: Is ULTEM AUT230 flame retardant?
A: Yes. ULTEM AUT230 is inherently flame retardant without additives with UL94 V-0 rating.
Q7: What is the melt flow rate of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The Melt Volume Rate (MVR) is 8 cm³/10min at 360°C, 5kg; the Melt Flow Index (MFI) is 15.5 g/10min at 367°C, 6.6kg.
Q8: What is the tensile strength of ULTEM AUT230?
A: Tensile yield strength is 95 MPa (ISO) / 96 MPa (ASTM); tensile break strength is 78 MPa (ISO) / 96 MPa (ASTM).
Q9: What is the tensile modulus of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The tensile modulus is 3,110 MPa (ISO) / 3,510 MPa (ASTM).
Q10: What is the heat deflection temperature of ULTEM AUT230?
A: Heat deflection temperature is 228°C at 1.80 MPa (ISO) / 217°C at 1.82 MPa (ASTM).
Q11: What is the Vicat softening temperature of ULTEM AUT230?
A: The Vicat softening temperature (B) is 242°C.
Q12: What processing methods can be used for ULTEM AUT230?
A: ULTEM AUT230 is suitable for injection molding and can achieve thin-wall molding.
Q13: Is ULTEM AUT230 available in custom colors?
A: Yes. ULTEM AUT230 is transparent and all colors are customizable via SABIC’s ColorXpress service.
Q14: Is ULTEM AUT230 PFAS-free?
A: Yes. ULTEM AUT230 has no PFAS intentionally added during manufacturing and is ECO Conforming.
Q15: Is there a sustainable/bio-based version of ULTEM AUT230?
A: Yes. ISCC+ certified renewable bio-based solutions are available for this grade.
Q16: What is the recommended drying condition for ULTEM AUT230?
A: Dry at 150°C for 4-6 hours.
Q17: What is the melt temperature for injection molding ULTEM AUT230?
A: Recommended melt temperature is 350-400°C.
Q18: What is the lead time for orders?
A: Regular orders ship within 7-10 working days after payment confirmation. Large-volume or urgent orders can be negotiated separately.
CTA (Call to Action)
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Target application (automotive lighting, reflectors, bezels, etc.)
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Color requirement (transparent or custom color via ColorXpress)
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Bio-based preference (standard or ISCC+ certified renewable grade)
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Document requirement (TDS, SDS, UL, COA, etc.)
Sample Policy:
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Samples are for laboratory validation tests only, not for production use.
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Buyer bears international sample-shipping freight.
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If bulk-product performance deviates from sample reference, SABIC official TDS serves as the authoritative benchmark.
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After-Sales Support
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Quality Inspection Period | All quality-related claims must be submitted within 7 working-days after delivery, supported by test data and photographic evidence. |
| Return / Exchange Policy | Confirmed product defects caused by our side trigger replacement or refund. Terms and conditions apply. |
| Logistics Damage | Report shipping damage directly to carrier immediately upon goods receipt. We assist with claim-document preparation. |
| Technical Support | Remote technical guidance available. On-site troubleshooting can be arranged upon special request. |
| Export Documentation | We supply commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, COA, and additional compliance certificates (e.g., UL, RoHS, ISCC+) on request. |
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: All technical data is referenced from original SABIC typical values for ULTEM AUT230. Our company acts as authorized distributor/trader rather than original manufacturer. Final performance depends on processing conditions, mold design, and part geometry. Buyers shall independently validate product suitability for individual applications. Our firm bears no liability for product failure caused by improper processing or improper usage. Always reference the latest SABIC official TDS of ULTEM AUT230 as the definitive specification.
