Thermoforming of Polyetherimide (PEI) Plates for Axisymmetric Structures

High-performance polymers such as ULTEM™ (polyetherimide, PEI) are increasingly employed in demanding engineering applications owing to their exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, optical clarity, and chemical resistance. This study focuses on the thermoforming of PEI plates to produce axisymmetric structures, emphasizing process optimization and the preservation of functional properties. The main objective is to fabricate components with controlled thickness, geometry, and surface quality while maximizing material efficiency and minimizing defects. Achieving these goals requires precise regulation of the material’s rheological behavior through spatially zoned, time-dependent heating supported by model-based control.