Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. POM is characterized by its high strength, hardness and rigidity. POM is intrinsically opaque white because of its high crystalline composition – black being UV resistant. POM is a hard plastic, that cannot be glued, but can be joined to POM by melting. Melted POM does not adhere to steel tools used to shape it. POM is a relatively strong plastic, nearly as strong as epoxy, or aluminium, but a bit more flexible.
Acetal is widely used for:
• Bearings and bushings
• Pump and valve parts
• Manifolds
• Gears
• Jigs and fixtures
• Food processing and other packaging machinery parts
• Wear pads
• Electrical components
Performance Characteristics:
• Strong and stiff
• Excellent machinability
• Low moisture absorption
• Excellent wear properties in both wet and dry environments
• Low friction
• Good chemical resistance