Quick answer: acetal, polyacetal, and POM usually refer to the same material family, while Delrin, Kocetal, Ultraform, and similar names are trade names tied to a manufacturer or grade. When someone searches for acetal material or Delrin material, they are usually looking for POM for gears, bushings, guides, and precision parts. The practical step is separating the technical family name from the commercial name before sourcing.
What are acetal and POM?
POM is the technical abbreviation for polyoxymethylene. In industrial purchasing, many people also call it acetal or polyacetal. In practice, these names point to the same engineering plastic family used where low friction, dimensional stability, and reliable machinability matter.
Is Delrin a material or a brand name?
Delrin is one of the best-known trade names within the POM family. That is why many drawings, quotes, and purchase requests say “Delrin” even when the real requirement is an acetal material with certain performance characteristics. The same logic applies to names such as Kocetal, Ultraform, Hostaform, and Kepital. The mistake is assuming every name means the exact same grade without checking supplier, availability, and performance target.
Common acetal trade names
| Common name | What it means | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| POM | Technical material name | Clearest way to identify the family |
| Acetal / Polyacetal | Market name | Widely used in machining and purchasing |
| Delrin | Well-known trade name | Does not automatically mean only one grade |
| Kocetal / Ultraform / Hostaform / Kepital | Other brands or trade families | Equivalence should be checked before substitution |
When do buyers search for “acetal material”?
Usually when the application needs an engineering plastic for:
- Precision gears and pinions.
- Bushings, rollers, and sliding parts.
- Low-friction guides.
- Machined components that must hold tolerance.
In these applications, POM stands out for dimensional stability, low friction, and clean CNC machining behavior. If a drawing says Delrin but the purchase will be made by material family, it helps to clarify whether a specific brand is required or whether a functional equivalent is acceptable.
Common mistakes when comparing POM, acetal, and Delrin
- Thinking Delrin is a completely different family from POM.
- Buying only by trade name without checking the exact grade.
- Ignoring whether the part needs dimensional stability, impact strength, or specific chemical resistance.
- Failing to define whether rod, plate, or precision-machining stock is needed.
How to quote this material more accurately
When requesting a quote, it helps to include the application, required form, dimensions, working environment, and whether the drawing mandates a specific trade name. If the job only needs the material family and not an exact brand, a technical equivalent with better availability may be possible.
Request a grade review
If your part calls for acetal, Delrin, or POM, share the drawing, quantity, required form, and mechanical function. PomDepot can help distinguish the commercial name from the actual material need before purchasing.
FAQs
Are acetal and POM the same?
In industrial practice, they usually refer to the same material family. POM is the technical name for polyoxymethylene, while acetal and polyacetal are common market names.
Is Delrin a different material?
No. Delrin is a well-known trade name within the POM family, not a completely separate material family.
Why does the trade name matter when quoting?
Because it affects grade, supplier, and the exact reference on the drawing, which in turn affects availability, equivalence, and technical validation.