Deep Amber High-Transparency PEI for Optical Communication | ULTEM™ Fiber Alignment Components

Tagged: PEI CNC Polyetherimide CNC CNC Milling

We successfully delivered a high-transparency deep amber PEI (polyetherimide) component for a leading optical communication equipment manufacturer. Machined from ULTEM™ 1000 series deep amber high-clarity PEI, this precision part functions as a fiber array alignment holder in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) modules. The deep amber transparency enables visual verification of fiber positioning while the material's exceptional thermal stability ensures consistent optical alignment across operating temperatures.

Project Overview

Project Name	Deep Amber PEI Fiber Array Alignment Holder for Optical Communication
Material	PEI (Polyetherimide) – ULTEM™ 1000 Series High-Clarity
Material Color	Deep Amber / High-Transparency Amber
Process	CNC Milling
Key Feature	High transparency for visual fiber inspection, precision fiber alignment channels
Dimensional Tolerance	±0.005mm on fiber positioning features
Surface Finish	Ra ≤ 0.4μm (fiber contact areas)
Continuous Operating Temperature	170°C
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)	217°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	5.4 × 10⁻⁵ /°C (similar to glass fibers)
Refractive Index	1.65 – 1.70
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)	3.15 (stable across frequency)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)	0.0025 (low signal loss)
Application	Optical communication / Fiber array alignment / DWDM modules

Key Technical Highlights

Deep Amber High Transparency: Exceptional optical clarity allows operators to visually verify fiber insertion and alignment through the component during assembly, reducing installation errors and improving yield.
Precision Fiber Alignment Channels: CNC machined micro-channels with ±0.005mm tolerance ensure precise fiber positioning for low-loss optical coupling in dense wavelength division multiplexing applications.
Thermal Stability for Optical Performance: With Tg of 217°C and CTE matching glass fibers, the component maintains critical alignment during temperature fluctuations in active optical modules.
Low Signal Loss Dielectric Properties: Stable dielectric constant and low dissipation factor minimize signal degradation in high-frequency optical communication systems.
Chemical Resistance to Cleaning Agents: PEI withstands repeated cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and other optical-grade solvents without degradation or loss of transparency.
Dimensional Stability: Low moisture absorption (0.25%) ensures consistent performance in varying humidity environments common in data centers and telecom facilities.

PEI for Optical Communication – Key Advantages

Property	Benefit for Optical Communication
High Transparency (Deep Amber)	Visual inspection of fiber alignment and positioning during assembly and maintenance
Low CTE (5.4 × 10⁻⁵ /°C)	Matches glass fiber expansion, maintains alignment across temperature variations
High Tg (217°C)	Withstands soldering and reflow processes in module assembly
Stable Dielectric Properties	Minimal signal loss in high-frequency RF and optical-electrical integration
Low Moisture Absorption	Consistent dimensions in humid data center environments
Chemical Resistance	Compatible with optical-grade cleaning solvents and adhesives
Inherent Flame Retardancy	UL94 V-0 rating meets telecom equipment safety standards

Quality Verification

100% inspection performed using high-resolution vision measurement system and ZEISS CMM with 1.2μm repeatability. Fiber alignment channel dimensions verified with optical profilometry. Transparency verified via light transmission testing. Material certification including dielectric properties and thermal data provided with each batch.

Optical Communication Applications

✓ Fiber array alignment holders
✓ DWDM module components
✓ Optical transceiver internal structures
✓ Fiber optic connector ferrules
✓ V-groove fiber alignment blocks
✓ Photonic packaging fixtures
✓ Optical switch components
✓ Data center interconnect devices
✓ 5G front-haul optical modules
✓ High-speed optical engine assemblies

Why Partner With Us?

Specialized in high-precision optical component machining
Expertise in transparent high-performance polymers for visual inspection applications
Micro-feature machining down to ±0.005mm tolerance
Understanding of optical communication material requirements
Cleanroom-compatible manufacturing available
Material certification and full traceability
Experience with telecom and data center component specifications

Get CNC Machining Quotes For Similar Parts

Previous：Transparent PMMA Inspection Fixture | 50mm Clear Acrylic Go/No-Go Gauge

Next：Black POM Connector with 8mm Center Cylinder | 4 Mounting Holes ±0.02mm Tolerance