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POM

POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal or polyformaldehyde, is a thermoplastic plastic with excellent mechanical properties. It is one of the most widely used engineering plastics because of its high strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, as well as its good processability.

Technical description

POM is a thermoplastic that polymerizes from formaldehyde, resulting in a material that is particularly resistant to wear, has a low coefficient of friction, and excellent chemical resistance. The material is used primarily in applications where mechanical strength and precision are required, such as in gears, bearings, and other parts subject to high loads.

POM comes in two main types: homopolymer POM (with higher mechanical properties) and copolymer POM (with better chemical resistance and stability).

Technical characteristics

Specific gravity

~ 1.41 – 1.43 g/cm³

Tensile strength

~ 60 – 70 MPa

Modulus of elasticity

~ 2.8 – 3.3 GPa

Elongation at break

~ 20 – 50% (depending on type and processing conditions)

Wear resistance

Very high, even better than many metals and other plastics

Melting point

~ 175 – 185 °C

Chemical resistance

Good, resistant to many solvents, acids and bases, but sensitive to strong oxidizers

Temperature range

-40 °C to +120 °C (excellent at both low and higher temperatures)

Coefficient of friction

Very low (excellent for applications where low friction is required)

UV resistance

Moderate, may degrade on prolonged exposure to sunlight

Typical Applications

Mechanical Parts:
Gears, bearings, screws, and wheels because of their low coefficient of friction and wear resistance.
Automotive plastic parts:
For hoods, fasteners, pumps, and other precision parts.
Medical applications:
In medical equipment such as pump mechanisms, atomizers, and invasive instruments (biocompatibility).
Electronic components:
In connectors, contacts, and housings for electrical and electronic devices.
Consumer goods:
Door handles, latch mechanisms, and fasteners.

Comparison with other plastics (such as POM, PET, PEEK):

PA
1. Tensile strength: 50 – 100 MPa
2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,0 – 4,0 GPa
3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +120 °C
4. Application: Food packaging, bearings
POM
1. Tensile strength: 60 – 70 MPa
2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,8 – 3,3 GPa
3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +120 °C
4. Application: Mechanical parts, bearings
PBTE
1. Tensile strength: 50 – 70 MPa
2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,5 – 3,0 GPa
3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +140 °C
4. Application: Electronical components
PEEK
1. Tensile strength: 90 – 120 MPa
2. Modulus of elasticity: 3,6 – 4,0 GPa
3. Temperature range: – 60 °C till +250 °C
4. Application: Aerospace, medical applications

POM

POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal or polyformaldehyde, is a thermoplastic plastic with excellent mechanical properties. It is one of the most widely used engineering plastics because of its high strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, as well as its good processability.

Producttype

Technical description

Technical characteristics

Typical Applications

Comparison with other plastics (such as POM, PET, PEEK):

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