POM
The "Metal Substitute"
in Engineering Plastics
Also known as Polyacetal or “Steel of Plastics,” POM is a high-crystallinity thermoplastic celebrated for
its exceptional strength, high rigidity, and superior wear resistance and self-lubricating properties.。
High Strength
Self-Lubrication
Precision & Durability
Core Material Advantages
High Strength
Excellent mechanical strength and rigidity. Hardness approaches that of metal; capable of withstanding continuous loads without deformation.
Self-lubricating
Extremely low coefficient of friction. Superior self-lubricating properties make it the preferred material for oil-free lubricated gears.
Wear Resistant
Outstanding fatigue and wear resistance. Maintains a long service life even under high-speed operation.
Dimension Stabiltiy
Very low water absorption. Excellent dimensional stability ensures precise fitting even in humid environments.
POM Properties and Key Characteristics
| POM (Polyoxymethylene) Performance Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Physical & Mechanical Properties | |
| Density | 1.41 g/cm³ (High crystallinity, compact structure) |
| Strength & Rigidity | Tensile strength up to 70 MPa, Elastic modulus up to 3,000 MPa |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent, ideal for repetitive stress "living hinge" designs |
| Dimensional Stability | Low water absorption (<0.2%), low CTE, suitable for precision fit |
| Friction & Wear Properties | |
| Friction Coefficient | Extremely low coefficient (0.15–0.35) |
| Self-lubrication | Strong self-lubricating properties for long-term oil-free operation |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent, superior to Nylon (PA) under dry friction conditions |
| Thermal Properties | |
| Melting Point | 165–175°C (Copolymer POM is slightly lower) |
| Service Temp | Continuous: -40°C to 100°C (Short-term up to 140°C) |
| Low-Temp Impact | Maintains toughness even at -40°C |
| Chemical & Electrical Properties | |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to oils, alcohols, weak acids/bases, gasoline; Not resistant to strong acids/oxidants |
| Hydrolysis Resistance | Moderate; slow degradation in long-term high temp/humidity |
| Electrical Properties | Good insulation, high dielectric strength, suitable for electronic switches |
| Processing & Others | |
| Workability | Easy injection molding, extrusion, machining; Low shrinkage (1.8–2.2%) |
| Safety & Finish | FDA compliant (non-toxic); Smooth surface finish, easy to color |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength & rigidity, metal-like properties | Not resistant to strong acids or oxidants |
| Excellent wear resistance & self-lubrication | Prone to hydrolysis in long-term high heat/humidity |
| Superior dimensional stability | Poor flame retardancy (requires modification) |
| Fatigue resistant, ideal for dynamic loads | UV aging (requires anti-UV modification for outdoor use) |
| High machining precision, smooth surface finish | Higher cost than PP or PE |
| Reasons to Choose | Core Advantages |
|---|---|
| Metal Replacement | High Strength + Lightweight + Low Noise |
| Precision & Durability | Dimensional Stability + Wear Resistance & Self-lubrication |
| Efficient Production | Easy Processing + High Yield Rate |
| Versatile Applications | Automotive, Electronics, Medical, Industrial |
| Process | Typical Products |
|---|---|
| Injection Molding | Gears, Clips, Housings |
| Extrusion Molding | Rods, Plates, Tubes |
| Machining | High-precision Bushings, Washers |
| Modification Direction | Effect |
|---|---|
| Glass Fiber Reinforced (POM+GF) | Improved strength, rigidity, and heat resistance |
| PTFE Filled (POM+PTFE) | Ultra-low friction, enhanced wear resistance |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced | High modulus, lightweight |
| Anti-UV Modification | Suitable for outdoor use |
| Flame Retardant Modification | UL94 V-0 compliant |
Industry Applications
Mechanical Transmission
High-load components such as gears, bearings, cams, and bolts.
Automotive Industry
Fuel system components, door lock modules, and combination switches.
Electronics & Electrical
Precision switches, sensor housings, and internal components for printers.
Consumer Goods
Zippers and fasteners, sports equipment components, and medical inhalers/nebulizers.
POM Modification
General Purpose POM
Balanced mechanical properties and excellent surface gloss.
- Easy to process
- Food contact grades available
Glass Fiber POM+GF
Addition of 25-30% glass fiber improves rigidity and heat resistance.
- High tensile modulus
- Low creep characteristics
Low Friction POM+PTFE
PTFE modified to achieve ultra-low friction and wear resistance.
- Eliminates stick-slip effect
- Ultimate self-lubrication
Medical Grade POM
Certified for biocompatibility; designed for medical device design.
- Resistant to sterilization
- High purity specifications
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