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POM plastic, with its outstanding properties, benefits, and diverse applications, has become a popular choice in various industries. Its mechanical strength, low friction, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance make it a reliable material for engineering applications. With its continuous development, POM is expected to find even broader applications in the future, contributing to advancements in multiple sectors.

1. What is POM plastic?

1.1. Definition and Alternative Names

Polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic, is a type of engineering thermoplastic with a crystalline structure. It’s also known as acetal, polyacetal, or polyformaldehyde. This material is well-known for its excellent mechanical strength and is often used as a metal replacement in components that require high precision, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. 

Like many other synthetic POM polymers, it is manufactured by various chemical companies using slightly different formulations and marketed under different names such as Delrin, Kocetal, Ultraform, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, Polypenco, Tenac, and Hostaform.

Thanks to its stiffness, low friction, and ease of machining, POM plastic is widely used in industries such as precision engineering, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and consumer goods.

1.2. Origin and Development

POM plastic was first developed in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until 1952 when a group of research chemists at DuPont successfully synthesized a variant of POM. Four years later, in 1956, the company filed for a patent to protect the homopolymer form. Group of research chemists at DuPont officially recognizes R. N. MacDonald as the inventor of high-molecular-weight POM.

Patents filed by MacDonald and his colleagues outline the process for creating high-molecular-weight hemiacetal-terminated (~O−CH2OH) POM. However, these versions lack the necessary thermal stability to be commercially viable. The credit for developing a heat-stable and therefore commercially useful POM homopolymer goes to Stephen Dal Nogare. He discovered that by reacting the hemiacetal ends with acetic anhydride, the easily depolymerizable hemiacetal could be transformed into a thermally stable plastic that can be melted and processed.

Today, POM plastic is one of the most widely used engineering plastics in the world, especially in applications requiring high mechanical performance and durability.

1.3. Molecular Structure and Types

Chemically, POM is a polymer of formaldehyde, consisting of repeating oxymethylene groups (–CH₂–O–). Based on its structure, POM plastic is classified into two main types:

• POM homopolymer: Pure polymer chains with higher density and mechanical strength but less thermal stability.
• POM copolymer: Modified with ethylene oxide groups, offering improved thermal and chemical resistance. 

What is POM plastic?

Depending on specific performance needs, users can choose between homopolymer and copolymer types to optimize both durability and stability.

2. Properties of POM plastic

Polyoxymethylene (POM), alternatively referred to as acetal or polyacetal, is a high-performance engineering plastic that finds extensive application across various industries. It possesses a range of unique characteristics that make it suitable for a wide array of applications. 

2.1. High Mechanical Strength

One of the most outstanding advantages of POM plastic is its impressive load-bearing capacity. With high stiffness and a modulus of elasticity comparable to lightweight metals, POM components retain their shape under pressure—even during prolonged operation.

That’s why it’s often used in gears, pulleys, rotary shafts, and mechanical systems requiring reliable, continuous motion.

2.2. Excellent Wear Resistance and Low Friction

POM plastic has a very low coefficient of friction (~0.2) and exhibits mild self-lubricating behavior. This significantly reduces surface wear, extends product life, and minimizes the need for maintenance.

Compared to plastics like ABS or PP, POM plastic is far more durable in high-friction environments, making it a top choice for mechanical and automotive applications.

2.3. Dimensional and Thermal Stability

POM absorbs very little moisture (less than 0.2%) and has a low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it maintains its shape in humid or high-temperature conditions. This makes it ideal for high-precision components.

The operating temperature range is typically from –40°C to +100°C, with some grades tolerating up to 120°C for short periods.

2.4. Electrical Insulation and Chemical Resistance

POM plastic is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for electronic housings and components. It’s also resistant to solvents, lubricants, weak alkalis, and mild chemicals—perfect for use in industrial environments.

However, it is not resistant to strong acids and can degrade under prolonged exposure to UV radiation unless UV stabilizers are added.

2.5. Easy Machinability

POM plastic is known for its ease of machinability, enabling efficient and precise manufacturing processes. It can be readily shaped, milled, turned, and drilled, allowing for complex designs and intricate parts to be produced with ease. This property makes POM resin a preferred choice for applications that require intricate geometries and high precision, reducing production time and costs.

Properties of POM plastic 

2.6. Low Water Absorption

POM plastic has low water absorption properties, making it resistant to moisture-related issues such as swelling, warping, or dimensional changes. This property ensures that products made from plastic POM retain their shape and dimensions even in humid or wet conditions. 

2.7. Excellent Chemical Stability

POM plastic demonstrates exceptional chemical stability, maintaining its integrity when exposed to various chemicals and solvents. It resists degradation and remains unaffected by many common chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents. 

2.8. Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

POM plastic has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts less with temperature changes compared to other materials. This property contributes to its dimensional stability and ensures that POM-based products maintain their shape and size over a wide range of temperatures. 

2.9. Good Creep Resistance

POM plastic exhibits excellent creep resistance, meaning it resists deformation under prolonged mechanical stress. This property allows POM components to maintain their shape and performance over extended periods, even when subjected to continuous loads or stresses. 

Properties of POM plastic

3. Advantages and Limitations of POM Plastic

3.1. Key Advantages

POM plastic is highly regarded in various industries for its outstanding performance, including:

• Excellent mechanical properties: Strong, rigid, and wear-resistant.
• Dimensional stability: Maintains shape in humidity and fluctuating temperatures.
• Ease of machining: Can be cut, milled, or injection molded with high precision.
• Smooth and aesthetic surface: Ideal for visible or consumer-facing parts.
• Metal alternative: Reduces weight, cost, and operational noise in machinery.

Thanks to these benefits, POM plastic is suitable for both mass production and demanding industrial applications.

3.2. Limitations to Consider

Despite its strengths, POM plastic also has a few drawbacks:

• Susceptible to stress cracking: Especially under sudden impact or poor machining practices.
• UV sensitivity: Requires UV stabilizers for outdoor use.
• Limited acid resistance: Not compatible with strong acids like sulfuric or nitric acid.
• Poor paint adhesion: Smooth surface makes it difficult to coat or print on.

It’s important to evaluate these limitations before using POM in outdoor or chemically aggressive environments.

4. Common applications of POM material

Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as POM acetal or Delrin, is a versatile engineering thermoplastic POM that offers several beneficial properties, such as high stiffness, low friction, excellent dimensional stability, and good chemical resistance. These characteristics make POM suitable for various applications across different industries. Here are some common applications of POM material:

• Automotive Industry: POM is widely used in automotive applications due to its excellent mechanical properties. It is used in fuel system components, gears, bushings, clips, valves, and other precision parts. POM's low friction and wear resistance make it suitable for applications like gears, where smooth operation and durability are essential.
• Electrical Industry: POM's electrical insulation properties and dimensional stability make it suitable for electrical applications. It is used in connectors, switches, relay housings, insulating components, and other electrical parts that require good dielectric properties and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
• Consumer Goods: POM finds extensive use in the consumer goods industry. It is employed in various applications such as zippers, buckles, handles, knobs, fasteners, and toys. POM's durability, low friction, and ability to withstand repeated use make it suitable for these applications.
• Medical and Healthcare: POM's biocompatibility, stabilizability, and resistance to chemicals make it suitable for medical and healthcare applications. It is used in surgical instruments, drug delivery devices, orthopedic implants, dental components, and other medical equipment.
• Industrial Machinery: POM's high mechanical strength and resistance to wear make it suitable for various industrial machinery applications. It is used in gears, bearings, conveyor system components, valve parts, and other precision mechanical parts that require high strength, low friction, and dimensional stability.
• Fluid Handling Systems: POM's chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and dimensional stability make it suitable for fluid handling systems. It is used in pumps, valves, impellers, fittings, and other components that come into contact with chemicals, fuels, or corrosive fluids.
• Packaging Industry: POM is utilized in the packaging industry for manufacturing bottle caps, closures, and dispenser components. Its strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to chemicals make it suitable for these applications.
• Sports and Recreation: POM is used in sports and recreational equipment such as ski bindings, archery bow components, gears and cams in bicycles, and various outdoor equipment. Its toughness, low friction, and resistance to impact make it suitable for these applications.

Common applications of POM material

5. About EuroPlas

EuroPlas, as a leading global supplier of filler masterbatch products, has established its position in the global plastics industry. EuroPlas not only provides high-quality products but also continuously innovates and develops. EuroPlas' focus on developing advanced solutions for the packaging and textile industry has met the growing and diverse needs of the market.

For detailed and accurate advice on EuroPlas'products, please fill out the contact form on our website. EuroPlas is committed to responding to all inquiries promptly, ensuring that your needs are met efficiently and professionally. With years of industry experience and a deep understanding of plastic types and their applications, EuroPlas is confident in providing optimal solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each project.

6. Conclusion

POM plastic is one of the most reliable engineering plastics available today, offering excellent strength, wear resistance, dimensional stability, and processability. From automotive parts and mechanical systems to electronics and consumer goods, it delivers consistent performance while reducing manufacturing cost and weight.

While POM does have limitations—such as UV sensitivity and limited acid resistance—it remains a smart choice for many industries seeking to optimize durability, accuracy, and longevity.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: Is POM plastic food-safe?
  A: Yes, some grades of POM are certified safe for food contact and used in kitchen and beverage equipment.
• Q2: Can POM plastic be recycled?
  A: Yes, POM can be ground and reprocessed under controlled conditions. However, thermal control is critical to avoid degradation.
• Q3: Is POM suitable for outdoor use?
  A: Not recommended unless UV-stabilized. Prolonged sun exposure can cause surface cracking.
• Q4: What's the difference between POM homopolymer and copolymer?
  A: Homopolymer is stiffer and stronger; copolymer is better in chemical and thermal resistance.