What is Polyoxymethylene?

Polyoxymethylene, often abbreviated as POM, is an engineering thermoplastic widely recognized for its strength, rigidity, and excellent dimensional stability. This semi-crystalline polymer, sometimes called acetal polyoxymethylene or polyoxymethylene resin, is part of the acetal family and is manufactured through the polymerization of formaldehyde.

Industries across the globe rely on this material because it provides metal-like performance while retaining the processing benefits of thermoplastics. Whether it is used in automotive gears, industrial bearings, or consumer electronics, polyoxymethylene material offers an ideal balance of durability and precision.

Properties of Polyoxymethylene

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical strength of polyoxymethylene plastic is one of its most appealing features. It demonstrates:

• High tensile strength: This allows the material to withstand significant loads without deforming.
• Excellent stiffness and hardness: Making it suitable for structural parts where rigidity is essential.
• Low friction and wear resistance: Ideal for moving parts such as gears, rollers, and conveyor components.
• Impact resistance: It absorbs shock well, giving it an edge over more brittle plastics.

These qualities make acetal polyoxymethylene a popular choice in the machining industry, where precision and durability are equally critical.

Physical Properties

Beyond mechanical advantages, polyoxymethylene resin exhibits distinct physical properties:

• Dimensional stability: Minimal expansion or contraction with temperature changes.
• Low water absorption: Ensures consistent performance even in humid or wet environments.
• High crystallinity: Contributes to its strength and resistance to deformation.
• Thermal resistance: Maintains integrity in a wide range of operating temperatures.

Thanks to these physical characteristics, polyoxymethylene material can outperform many other thermoplastics in demanding conditions.

What Are Types of POM?

Polyoxymethylene is generally available in two main types, each with distinct advantages:

Homopolymer POM

• Offers slightly higher mechanical strength.
• Better fatigue resistance.
• However, it has lower thermal and chemical stability compared to copolymers.

Copolymer POM

• Exhibits better thermal stability.
• Superior resistance to alkaline environments.
• Commonly used in a wider range of industrial applications.
• Both forms of acetal polyoxymethylene are widely used, and the choice depends on the intended application requirements.

Applications of Polyoxymethylene (POM)

The versatility of polyoxymethylene plastic has led to its adoption in a wide array of industries.

• Automotive industry: Used for fuel system components, seatbelt parts, window regulators, and gear wheels, where durability and wear resistance are vital.
• Electronics: Employed in housings, connectors, and precision parts due to its excellent electrical insulation properties.
• Consumer goods: Found in zippers, locks, toys, and handles, where smooth operation and longevity are desired.
• Industrial machinery: Applied in gears, bearings, bushings, and conveyor rollers to reduce friction and wear.
• Medical devices: Utilized for insulin pens, surgical instruments, and laboratory equipment because of its cleanability and mechanical strength.

These applications illustrate why polyoxymethylene material remains indispensable in machining and modern product design.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyoxymethylene

Like all materials, polyoxymethylene comes with benefits and limitations that designers and manufacturers should consider.

Advantages:

• High strength and stiffness comparable to metals.
• Low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance.
• Outstanding dimensional stability, even under temperature variation.
• Resistance to many solvents, fuels, and lubricants.
• Ease of machining and molding, supporting cost-effective production.

Disadvantages:

• Limited resistance to strong acids and bases.
• Susceptibility to UV degradation if not stabilized.
• Higher cost compared to commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
• Flammability without proper additives.

Balancing these factors allows engineers to decide where polyoxymethylene material is the best fit for specific applications.

Polyoxymethylene in the Machining Industry

The machining sector relies heavily on materials that combine stability with ease of processing. Polyoxymethylene resin meets these requirements perfectly. Its predictable behavior during cutting and forming operations reduces waste and enhances efficiency, allowing companies to achieve precise tolerances in components.

For industries requiring long-lasting performance, such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery, acetal polyoxymethylene offers a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion: Why Choose Precionn

Polyoxymethylene stands as one of the most trusted engineering plastics available today, bridging the gap between metal-like performance and thermoplastic versatility. From gears to medical devices, its role in modern manufacturing continues to expand.

Precionn, a company specialized in the machining industry, understands the importance of using high-performance materials like polyoxymethylene plastic. With years of expertise and a commitment to precision engineering, Precionn supports international customers by delivering reliable machining solutions tailored to their needs.