Advantages of POM sheets over other plastics

Learn about the benefits, properties and applications of POM sheet, a high-performance thermoplastic polymer with excellent mechanical and sliding properties.

 

Are you looking for a durable, versatile and cost-effective plastic material for your next project? If so, you might want to consider POM sheet. POM sheet, also known as acetal sheet, is a type of engineering thermoplastic that offers many advantages over other plastics. This article delves into the benefits of POM sheet, exploring why it is often chosen over other plastics, and how it can be effectively utilized in different applications. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why POM sheet is a great choice for your plastic needs.

What is POM Sheet?

Ralart Mosaic, also known as polyacetal or polyformaldehyde. POM sheet is a type of engineering thermoplastic that has many benefits over other plastics. It has high stiffness low friction excellent dimensional stability good wear resistance good chemical resistance and good thermal resistance. Industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods often utilize POM sheets for components like gears, bearings, and housings.

POM sheet is produced by different chemical companies with slightly different formulations and sold under various brand names such as Delrin, Kocetal, Ultraform, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, Polypenco, Tenac and Hostaform.

POM sheet is widely used for precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. It has a high melting point (165°C) and high crystallinity (60-80%), which gives it high strength and hardness. It also has a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance. It has low moisture absorption (0.2-0.8%) and low shrinkage (1-2%), which makes it resistant to warping and swelling. It has good chemical resistance to most solvents, oils, fuels and acids. It also has good heat resistance up to 120°C.

POM sheet is easy to machine, weld, bond and paint. It can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes by injection molding or extrusion. It can also be cut, drilled, tapped and threaded by conventional tools. POM sheets can be tinted or dyed in a variety of shades.

What are the Benefits of POM Sheet Over Other Plastics?
 

POM sheet offers several advantages over other commonly used plastics. These advantages make it a preferred material in various industries where performance, reliability, and longevity are critical. Below are some of the key benefits:

High Mechanical Strength and Rigidity: POM sheet has a high elastic modulus (2.8-3.5 GPa), which means it can withstand high loads without deforming or breaking. It also has a high flexural modulus (2.6-3 GPa), which means it can resist bending or twisting forces.
Low friction: POM sheet has a low coefficient of friction (0.1-0.35), which means it can slide smoothly over other surfaces without sticking or squeaking. It also has low static friction (0.05-0.2), which means it can easily start moving without much effort.
Dimensional Stability: POM sheet has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (80-110 x 10^-6/K), which means it doesn't change shape or size much when heated or cooled. It also has low hygroscopicity (0.2-0.8%), which means it doesn't expand or contract when exposed to water or moisture.
Good wear resistance: POM sheet has high wear resistance (200-600 mg/1000 cycles), which means it can withstand friction or scratches without affecting its surface quality or performance. It also has high fatigue resistance (>10^7 cycles), which means it can withstand repeated stress or strain without cracking or breaking.
Good chemical resistance: POM sheet has good resistance to most solvents, oils, fuels and acids. Even if exposed to these substances, it will not corrode or degrade easily.
Good heat resistance: POM sheet is resistant to high temperatures up to 130°C and is not easy to melt or burn when exposed to heat or fire.

How Does POM Sheet Compare with Other Plastics?

When compared to other engineering plastics like Nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), POM sheet offers distinct advantages that set it apart. 

Versus Nylon: Nylon is another engineering thermoplastic used to make precision parts that require high strength and toughness. Nylon has higher impact strength and elongation than POM, which means it can absorb more energy and stretch more before breaking. However, nylon has lower stiffness and dimensional stability than POM, which means it is more likely to deform or bend. Nylon also has higher moisture absorption and thermal expansion than POM, which means it will expand or contract more when exposed to water or heat. Nylon also has lower chemical and heat resistance than POM, which means it is more likely to corrode or degrade when exposed to harsh substances or high temperatures.

Versus Polyethylene (PE): While PE is known for its toughness and chemical resistance, it lacks the rigidity and dimensional stability of POM. POM is more suitable for applications requiring high precision and mechanical strength, whereas PE might be preferred in applications where flexibility and impact resistance are more critical.

Versus Polypropylene (PP): PP is another widely used plastic, especially in applications requiring chemical resistance and cost-effectiveness. However, POM outperforms PP in terms of wear resistance, low friction, and mechanical strength, making it a better choice for high-performance applications.

Versus Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is commonly used in construction and plumbing due to its durability and chemical resistance. However, it is less suitable for precision parts due to its lower mechanical strength and rigidity compared to POM. Additionally, PVC's brittleness at lower temperatures can be a disadvantage in certain applications.

Conclusion

POM sheet is an engineering thermoplastic that has many advantages over other plastics. It has high stiffness, low friction, excellent dimensional stability, good wear resistance, good chemical resistance and good heat resistance. For companies seeking reliable materials for precision parts, POM sheet is an outstanding option. When selecting a supplier for POM sheets, it is crucial to consider factors such as material quality, consistency, and service. Contact Us - Kenuo for more information on how POM sheets can benefit your business, and to connect with a trusted supplier for your material needs.