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Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high-performance thermoplastic, known under trade names such as Delrin®, Acetal, Hostaform®, Sustarin®, Tecaform® and Hostaform®. The material is used in technical and industrial applications where precision, low friction, and wear resistance are essential.
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM combines mechanical strength, dimensional stability, low moisture absorption and chemical resistance, making it ideal for both moving and static plastic components.
There are two main types of POM:
- POM-H (homopolymer) – high strength and stiffness.
- POM-C (copolymer) – improved chemical resistance and thermal stability.
The material's high crystallinity and low friction make it an attractive choice in plastics processing where demands for accuracy and surface quality are high.
Application of Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is used across many industries – especially where components need to have high
strength, low friction, good chemical resistance and long service life.
Industrial areas and examples
- The transport industry: gears, valves, couplings, bushings, door mechanisms, gearboxes and click systems.
- Machinery and process industry: machine parts, bearings, gears, conveyor belts, guide rails and rollers.
- The food industry: gears, machine parts, valves, rollers and conveyor belts (POM is food grade).
- Electronics and Electrical industry: plugs, switches, insulation parts, gears in small motors and click mechanisms.
- Construction and Plumbing: valves, fittings, pipe parts, seals and couplings.
- The pharmaceutical industry: pumps, valves, laboratory equipment, and disposable components.
- Consumer products: hinges, click systems, buttons and small precision parts in household appliances.
POM's versatility makes it a preferred material when plastic components need to deliver high performance in demanding environments.
Properties and benefits of Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM excels due to a combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, making it particularly useful in plastics processing.
Mechanical properties
- Hardness: Rockwell M90. The result is high rigidity, low friction, and a wear-resistant surface, which reduces wear on both the POM component and opposing components.
- Tensile strength: 60–70 MPa
- E-module: approx. 2,500 MPa
- Break extension: 20–50 %
Thermal properties
- Low thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/mK and thermal expansion ensure stability during temperature fluctuations.
- Melting point: 165–175 °C
- Max. continuous operating temperature: approx. 100 °C
- Short-term peak load: up to 140 °C.
Electrical properties
- Minimally affected by moisture
- Dielectric strength: approx. 20 kV/mm
- Excellent insulation properties and high surface resistance. POM's electrical stability makes the material ideal for electronic and electrical engineering plastic components.
Chemical resistance
- Hydrolysis resistant up to between 60°C and 85°C.
- Resistant to oil, fuel, grease and many solvents.
- Not resistant to strong acids or oxidising agents.
UV stability
- POM degrades with prolonged UV exposure, and can yellow and become brittle. UV stabiliser is recommended for outdoor use.
Taken as a whole, POM offers a unique combination of properties that position the material as one of the most versatile engineering thermoplastics on the market.
Properties of thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are one of the most widely used materials in plastic processing due to their versatility and adaptability. Its unique properties make it possible to produce plastic components that are functional, durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Semi-finished products for Polyoxymethylene (POM)
- POM is supplied in many forms to suit different plastics processing needs:
- Sheets: 1–200 mm
- Round bars: Ø4–500 mm
- Pipes / hollow bars
- Profiler: according to customer specification
- Colours: white, black, blue and special colours
- Variants: POM-H and POM-C
- These semi-finished components provide great flexibility in the manufacturing of precise plastic components for machinery, food processing equipment, and technical installations.
Food approval of Polyoxymethylene (POM)
- POM is food-grade.
Summary and alternatives for Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is a versatile thermoplastic that combines strength, wear resistance, low friction, and chemical resistance. It is widely used in the automotive, mechanical engineering, food, electronics, plumbing, medical, and consumer industries.
Benefits:
- High strength and stiffness
- Low friction and high wear resistance
- Dimensionally stable and easy to process
- Food grade
Limitations:
- Limited UV resistance
- Difficult to glue
- Not resistant to strong acids or oxidising agents
- Cannot tolerate hot water. POM-C max 60°C and POM-H max 85°C.
Alternatives
- For more demanding environments, materials such as PEHD, PA6 (Nylon), PETP, PEEK or PTFE can be good alternatives, depending on requirements for temperature, chemical resistance, sliding properties, environment and price.
Is POM plastic safe?
Yes, POM is safe to use and does not release hazardous substances under normal use.
Our POM-C and POM-H are food approved with FDA and EU 10/2011 approval.
Polyoxymethylene is used for mechanical parts, such as gears, bearings, fasteners, and automotive components.
POM is used for a wide range of plastic components such as machine parts, gears, bearings, bushings, brackets, seals, wheels, rollers, basket guides, and many other items.
Is POM plastic better than PP plastic?
POM has far better mechanical properties such as stiffness, precision and wear resistance than PP.
PP is cheaper, more flexible, and more resistant to aggressive chemicals.
If you need strong, hard-wearing, and precise plastic components, then POM is the best choice.
Machining in Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is particularly well-suited for plastics processing. The material can be injection moulded, extruded, and machined, offering flexibility in the production of plastic components.
Machining
POM can be turned, milled, drilled, and tapped. Sharp tools and coolant ensure clean surfaces. The material must not overheat during processing.
Bending and thermoforming
Possible at 120–140 °C. Slow cooling reduces stress and preserves toughness.
Collection
Mechanical assemblies such as bolts, screws, snap-fits and press-fits are preferred. Pre-drilling is recommended when assembling with metal parts.
Assembly bonding, welding and mechanical
Bonding is difficult due to low surface energy – requires pre-treatment and special adhesives such as
cyanoacrylate or 2K epoxy. Welding can be done with hot air, extruder or
vibration welding – but with precise temperature control.
Mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, and snap-fits are preferred. Press fits are possible.
Mechanical assembly is preferred.
