Polypropylene (PP)

High-performance engineering thermoplastic for precision plastic components

Acetal homopolymer (POM), commonly known by trade names such as Delrin, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used in applications requiring strength, low friction, and dimensional stability.

At Eck Plastic Arts, acetal is frequently selected for precision parts such as gears, bushings, and structural components where long-term performance and tight tolerances are critical.

Benefits of Acetal Homopolymer (POM)

Acetal homopolymer is widely used due to its balanced mechanical and physical properties, making it suitable for both structural and moving components.

Key benefits include:

  • High stiffness and strength
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Low moisture absorption
  • Good wear resistance
  • Reliable performance in moderate temperature environments

These characteristics make acetal especially effective in applications involving repeated motion and mechanical contact.

For projects where material performance must align with process requirements, selecting the right resin early is critical.

Common Applications of Acetal Parts

Acetal is commonly used across industries where precision and durability are required.

Typical applications include:

  • Gears and gear assemblies
  • Bushings and bearings
  • Conveyor system components
  • Automotive components, including fuel system parts
  • Seatbelt and safety components
  • Medical device components

Its low friction and stability make it particularly well-suited for precision moving parts and long-life components.

Depending on part geometry, wall thickness, and production requirements, these components may also be supported by Eck’s broader manufacturing capabilities.

Acetal vs. Other Engineering Plastics

Material selection depends on the specific performance requirements of the application.

Acetal vs Nylon
Acetal vs Polycarbonate

 

Acetal vs Nylon

  • Nylon offers higher toughness
  • Acetal provides better dimensional stability
  • Acetal performs better in humid or wet environments

Acetal vs Polycarbonate

  • Polycarbonate has higher impact resistance
  • Acetal offers better wear resistance and lower friction
  • Acetal is better suited for precision mechanical parts

Acetal provides a balanced combination of strength, stability, and wear performance, making it a reliable choice for many engineering applications.

For customers evaluating multiple material options, Eck Plastic Arts can help identify the most economical and technically suitable fit for the application.

Design Guidelines for Acetal Parts

Proper part design is critical to achieving optimal performance and manufacturability.

Recommended design considerations:

  • Wall thickness: 0.030″ – 0.125″
  • Use ribs (40–50% of wall thickness) for added strength
  • Avoid sharp corners to reduce stress concentration
  • Apply draft angles of 0.5° – 1° per side
  • Use metal threaded inserts instead of thread-forming screws

Following these guidelines helps ensure consistent quality, durability, and production efficiency.

If your part requires support beyond material selection, Eck Plastic Arts also provides design-informed manufacturing support across multiple processes.

Material Properties of Acetal Homopolymer

DescriptionSpecifications
Compressive Yield Strength7030 psi
CTE, linear 20°C66.7 µin/in-°F
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi)147 °F
Density0.0339 lb/in³
Dielectric Constant2.3
Dielectric Strength3560 kV/in
Electrical Resistivity4.00E+15 ohm-cm
Elongation at Break120 %
Flexural Yield Strength5250 psi
Hardness, Rockwell R96.1
Izod Impact, Notched1.83 ft-lb/in
Izod Impact, Unnotched17 ft-lb
Max Service Temperature, Air185 °F
Melt Flow19.1 g/10 min
Modulus of Elasticity276 ksi
Specific Heat Capacity0.478 BTU/lb-°F
Tensile Strength, Ultimate5340 psi
Tensile Strength, Yield4450 psi
Thermal Conductivity0.763 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F
Water Absorption0.079 %

For additional engineering reference across other thermoplastics, users can explore Eck’s broader materials library.

Materials Specifications List

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Material Selection Support

Choosing the right material depends on performance requirements, environmental conditions, and cost considerations.

Eck Plastic Arts works closely with customers to evaluate:

  • Mechanical load requirements
  • Environmental exposure (heat, moisture, chemicals)
  • Friction and wear conditions
  • Production volume and cost targets

This helps ensure the selected resin matches both the application and the manufacturing method.