Material
POM / Acetal
POM, also known as acetal, is an engineering thermoplastic valued for dimensional stability, low friction, wear resistance, and good machinability. It is widely used for precision gears, bushings, rollers, sliding components, and mechanical parts requiring reliable performance without the weight of metal alternatives.
Material overview
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a semi-crystalline engineering polymer commonly used in precision mechanical applications.
It provides good stiffness, low moisture absorption compared with many polyamides, and favorable sliding characteristics.
Common material variants include:
- POM-C: Acetal copolymer offering good chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
- POM-H: Acetal homopolymer generally providing higher stiffness and strength under certain conditions.
- Filled POM: Specialized grades containing additives to modify friction, wear, or mechanical characteristics.
Manufacturing methods include CNC milling, CNC turning, drilling, and injection molding.
POM is particularly suitable for precision machined plastic components because it generally produces good surface finishes and maintains dimensional stability under controlled operating conditions.
Typical applications include gears, bearings, bushings, conveyor components, valve parts, guides, and automation equipment.
Design considerations include thermal expansion, operating temperature, creep, mechanical loading, and chemical exposure.
Buyers should specify the exact polymer type, grade where required, dimensions, tolerances, quantity, surface finish, and intended operating conditions.
For critical applications, dimensional inspection, material certification, and functional testing may be required.
Metraxio supports custom POM machining RFQs with clearly defined material and performance requirements.
Buyer questions
Why is there no POM grade URL?
Metraxio lists POM as the material. Homopolymer, copolymer, color and filled grades are buyer specifications inside the manufacturing project, not extra public pages.
Machined or injection molded?
Low quantities and tight local features are often machined from stock. Higher quantities with a suitable geometry move to injection molding. Say which route you expect, or ask for both to be considered.
How should I specify the plastic?
Polymer family, homopolymer or copolymer if it matters, color, quantity, drawing and the dimensions that are critical. Avoid quoting a strength number unless it comes from the resin datasheet you attach.
Is stock implied by this page?
No. The page explains the material. Availability is handled when the project is sourced.