How to Use Polyoxymethylene (POM) for High-Performance Engineering Components

Are you looking for a versatile engineering thermoplastic that can meet your high-performance and durability needs? If so, you might want to consider polyoxymethylene (POM) for your next project.

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Polyoxymethylene (POM) is also known as acetal, polyacetal, or polyformaldehyde. It has various trade names such as Delrin, Celcon, Ultraform, and Duracon. In this blog post, we will explore the properties and applications of POM, and how to optimize its use in your projects.

What is POM and How is it Produced?

POM is a formaldehyde-based, semi-crystalline polymer that has a molecular structure of (CH 2 O) n . It was first discovered by Hermann Staudinger in 1920, but it was not commercialized until the 1950s by DuPont and Celanese.

POM can be produced as a homopolymer or a copolymer, depending on the polymerization process and the catalyst used. Homopolymers have better mechanical properties but lower thermal stability than copolymers.

POM is 100% recyclable and available in different forms, colors, and grades. It is a popular choice for precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.

What are the Properties of POM?

POM has many desirable properties that make it suitable for various applications. Some of the main properties of POM are:

• High strength, hardness, and rigidity up to -40 °C. POM can withstand high loads and stresses without breaking or deforming.
• Low friction, high lubricity, and good sliding properties. POM has a low coefficient of friction and a high resistance to wear and abrasion. It can reduce noise and vibration in moving parts.
• Excellent dimensional stability and resistance to creep, fatigue, and moisture. POM has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a low water absorption rate. It can maintain its shape and size under different temperatures and humidities.
• Good electrical insulation and dielectric properties. POM has a high electrical resistivity and a low dielectric constant. It can prevent electrical shocks and interference in electronic devices.
• Good chemical resistance to solvents, fuels, oils, and alkalis, but poor resistance to acids and oxidizing agents. POM can resist corrosion and degradation by most common chemicals, but it can be attacked by strong acids and oxidizers.

What are the Applications of POM?

POM is widely used in precision parts that require high performance and durability. Some examples of POM applications are:

• Gears, bearings, bushings, cams, rollers, and pulleys for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors. POM can provide smooth and efficient transmission of power and motion in various machines and devices.
• Eyeglass frames, ski bindings, fasteners, gun parts, knife handles, and lock systems for sports and leisure sectors. POM can offer strength, toughness, and aesthetics in various products that require safety and comfort.
• Drug delivery devices, surgical instruments, dental implants, and prosthetics for medical sectors. POM can offer biocompatibility, sterilizability, and reliability in various products that require hygiene and precision.

How to Optimize the Use of POM in Your Projects?

To select the best POM grade for your application, you need to consider factors such as:

• Mechanical properties: tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact strength, etc.
• Thermal properties: melting point, heat deflection temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, etc.
• Electrical properties: electrical resistivity, dielectric constant, breakdown voltage, etc.
• Chemical properties: chemical resistance, water absorption, flammability rating, etc.
• Processing properties: melt flow rate, injection molding parameters, shrinkage rate, etc.

To process POM effectively, you need to follow the recommended guidelines for:

• Drying: POM should be dried before processing to avoid moisture-induced degradation and bubbles.
• Injection molding: POM should be injected at high temperatures (180-230 °C) and pressures (50-150 MPa) with fast injection speed and short cycle time.
• Post-processing: POM can be machined, welded, glued, painted, or coated with proper methods and materials.

POM is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used in a variety of applications requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. By understanding the properties and production methods of POM in this article, you may be able to choose the best optimized processing conditions for your project. If you want to know more about POM or other engineering plastics, please feel free to harass us. We are a professional supplier specializing in custom processing and production of various performance plastics, with a team of professional engineers and precision equipment we are happy to be disturbed by you and help you meet your needs. Do you need a free quote or help with any questions or materials?

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