Everything You Need to Know About Polyoxymethylene (POM): Properties, Applications and Advantages

Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal or polyacetal, is an engineering thermoplastic that has gained popularity in various industries due to its exceptional mechanical properties and versatility.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics, production methods, applications and advantages of POM, as well as its importance in the manufacture of rugged parts in today’s world.

What is Polyoxymethylene (POM)?

Polyoxymethylene is a thermoplastic polymer, commercially known as Delrin, characterized by high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability.
Its chemical formula is (CH2O)n, and it is known for its strength and toughness, even at extreme temperatures of -40 °C, making it ideal for thermal applications.
With a density ranging from 1,410 to 1,420 g/cm³, POM comes in an opaque white color, although it is also available in a wide range of colors, including acetal resin.

Properties of POM

POM stands out for its unique properties that make it ideal for industrial applications:

– High mechanical strength: Ideal for parts requiring durability, such as valves and machinery components.
– Dimensional stability: Maintains its shape and size under demanding conditions of use, which is crucial in the manufacture of parts.
– Low coefficient of friction: Reduces wear in moving components, such as bearings.
– Abrasion resistance: Perfect for applications involving constant friction.
– Good electrical and dielectric properties: Used in electrical and electronic components, POM also has low moisture absorption.

Polyoxymethylene Production Methods

POM is mainly produced in two forms: homopolymer and copolymer.

Homopolymer: Obtained by polymerizing anhydrous formaldehyde, used in the manufacture of parts such as valves and sprockets, with optimum performance in applications requiring rigidity and mechanical strength.
This process creates a material with superior mechanical properties, including high strength and thermal stability.

2. Copolymer: In this case, a small percentage of formaldehyde is replaced by other compounds, such as trioxane, which modifies its properties and makes it suitable for different applications in the plastics industry.

POM applications in industry

Polyoxymethylene is used in a wide variety of sectors, including:

– Automotive industry: Used in the manufacture of components such as gears, fasteners, door locking systems and bearings.
– Consumer Electronics: Ideal for insulators, connectors and electronic device parts.
– Medical: Used in the production of medical devices such as insulin pens and inhalers, POM is an ideal plastic material for applications requiring high precision.
– Food Industry: Approved for food contact, it is used in milk pumps and coffee taps, thanks to its low absorption and chemical resistance properties.
– Furniture: Perfect for hardware, locks, sliding mechanisms and abrasion resistant components.

Advantages of Polyoxymethylene

POM offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice in component manufacturing, including its injection moldability, strength and stiffness and mechanical strength.

– Durability and resistance: Ideal for demanding applications, POM stands out for its low sliding coefficient.
– Ease of machining: It can be easily machined with conventional tools, which facilitates the manufacture of parts.
– Low maintenance cost: Its wear resistance reduces the need for frequent replacements, ideal for bearing applications where sliding is crucial.
– Versatility: It adapts to diverse applications in multiple sectors, being a plastic material widely used in the food and medical industries.

POM Degradation Considerations

Although polyoxymethylene is a robust material, it is sensitive to acid hydrolysis and oxidation.
Therefore, it is essential to take into account its behavior against chemical agents and environmental conditions, as well as its thermal resistance, to ensure its long-term durability and performance.

Conclusion

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is an engineering thermoplastic that offers exceptional properties and a wide range of applications in various industries, being commercially known as Delrin.
Its high strength, dimensional stability and ease of machinability make it an ideal choice for projects requiring precision and durability.
If you are considering the use of POM in your applications, don’t hesitate to explore its benefits, such as its heat resistance and injection moldability, and how it can enhance your products.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about polyoxymethylene, its relevance in today’s world and its use in the manufacture of high quality and resistant components, such as Delrin!