POM Plastic (Polyoxymethylene, Acetal) Selection Guide

Features of POM

Advantages

• High Mechanical Strength: POM exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and stiffness, making it suitable for load-bearing applications.

• Low Friction: POM has a low coefficient of friction, which reduces wear and ensures smooth operation in sliding or rotating applications.

• Dimensional Stability: POM has excellent dimensional stability, maintaining its shape and size over a wide temperature range.

• Chemical Resistance: POM is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in a variety of industrial environments.

• Low Moisture Absorption: POM has low water absorption, ensuring consistent performance in humid conditions.

• Easy Machinability: POM is easy to machine, allowing for the precise fabrication of intricate parts.

• Electrical Insulation: POM is a good electrical insulator, making it suitable for electrical and electronic applications.

Disadvantages

• Not Suitable for High-Temperature Environments: POM has a lower heat resistance compared to some other engineering plastics and may soften or deform at elevated temperatures.

• Flammability: POM is flammable and can release toxic fumes when burned. Flame-retardant grades are available to address this issue.

• Not Biodegradable: POM is not biodegradable, and its disposal in landfills contributes to plastic waste.

Common Applications of POM

• Automotive: POM is used in automotive applications for gears, bearings, bushings, fuel systems, and interior components due to its excellent mechanical properties and low friction.

• Aerospace: POM may find use in aircraft components such as control systems, hinges, and interior parts due to its lightweight nature and dimensional stability.

• Electrical and Electronics: POM is used for electrical connectors, insulators, and precision parts in electronic devices due to its electrical insulating properties and dimensional stability.

• Machinery and Equipment: POM is employed in industrial machinery for various components such as conveyor belts, couplings, valve bodies, and rollers due to its mechanical strength and low friction.

• Consumer Goods: POM is used in various consumer products like zippers, fasteners, and kitchen appliances due to its low friction and wear resistance.

• Medical Devices: POM is used in medical devices such as syringes, orthopedic implants, and dental components due to its biocompatibility and easy machinability.

• Sporting Goods: POM is used in sporting equipment such as ski bindings, gears, and firearm components due to its durability and low friction properties.