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What Is POM And Its Key Properties
Definition of POM (Polyoxymethylene)
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal or Delrin, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic material characterized by its excellent mechanical properties. POM has high strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for precision components and applications requiring durability. Additionally, POM offers Reduced friction, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, contributing to its widespread use in various industries, such as automotive, electronics, and medical equipment manufacturing.
Unique Properties That Make POM an Ideal Material for CNC Machining
High Strength and Rigidity
POM has excellent mechanical strength, which allows it to withstand significant loads and stresses, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications and precision components.
Low Friction
POM’s low coefficient of friction enables smooth movement and operation of parts, reducing the need for lubrication and maintenance, particularly in moving or sliding components.
High Wear Resistance
POM exhibits high resistance to wear, fatigue, and impact, making it ideal for applications that require long-term performance and durability, such as gears and bearings.
Chemical Resistance
POM is resistant to various chemicals, including oils, solvents, and weak acids, making it suitable for use in environments where parts may be exposed to harsh substances.
Dimensional Stability
POM’s low moisture absorption ensures minimal dimensional changes due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, maintaining the integrity of precision components in various conditions.
Ease of Machining
POM is easy to machine with CNC equipment, creating complex geometries and tight tolerances, making it ideal for manufacturing intricate and precise parts.
Low Water Absorption
POM’s hydrophobic nature means it absorbs less water, preserving its strength, stability and inhibiting microbial growth. It’s ideal for industries that need water resistance, such as marine engineering.
POM vs. Other Materials
Below is a comparison of POM, an engineering thermoplastic, with other materials, such as nylon, aluminum, stainless steel, and PEEK, in the form of a data table:
POM vs. Other Materials
| Property | POM (Acetal) | Nylon (PA) | PEEK | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.41 | 1.14 | 1.32 | 2.7 | 8.0 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 62-79 | 50-100 | 90-100 | 40-700 | 500-1000 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 20-60 | 20-300 | 30-150 | 1-20 | 10-50 |
| Flexural Modulus (GPa) | 2.4-3.4 | 1-4 | 3.5-5 | 10-70 | 190-210 |
| Impact Strength (kJ/m²) | 7-9 | 6-14 | 7-15 | 10-40 | 50-200 |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.15-0.25 | 0.2-0.3 | 0.25-0.4 | 0.3-0.6 | 0.3-0.6 |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Moisture Absorption | Low | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Max. Continuous Use Temp. (°C) | 100 | 80-100 | 250 | 150-200 | 300-500 |
Please note that the values in the table are approximate and can vary depending on each material’s specific grade or alloy. This table provides a general comparison to illustrate the differences in properties between POM and other common materials. Always consult material datasheets and technical specifications for accurate information for a specific material or application.
Benefits of CNC Machining POM
CNC machining POM offers various advantages that make it an excellent choice for manufacturing high-quality custom parts across numerous industries:
Precision and Accuracy
CNC machining allows for tight tolerances and intricate geometries, which means that POM parts can be produced with high precision and accuracy.
Consistency
CNC machining provides consistent quality in POM parts, making it ideal for large production runs with Consistent good dimensions. This automated process ensures that each component is produced to exact specifications, which is critical for industries requiring reliable and precise POM parts, like medical or aerospace.
Material Utilization
CNC machining offers efficient material utilization as POM parts are directly machined from a solid block, reducing material waste compared to other manufacturing processes like injection molding.
Design Flexibility
CNC machining allows for quick design iterations, making modifying POM parts during development easy without needing expensive tooling changes.
Rapid Prototyping
CNC machining enables the fast production of POM prototypes, helping to speed up the development process and reduce time-to-market for new products.
Wide Range of Applications
POM’s material properties and the flexibility of CNC machining make it suitable for various applications and industries, such as automotive, electronics, medical equipment manufacturing, and more.
Reduced Post-processing
As POM is easy to machine, it often requires minimal post-processing, resulting in lower production costs and faster turnaround times.
By leveraging the benefits of CNC machining POM, manufacturers can create high-quality, precise, and durable custom parts that meet the demanding requirements of various industries and applications.
POM CNC Machining vs. Other Machining Processes
The CNC machining process of POM offers significant advantages over other manufacturing techniques, including injection molding or 3D printing, especially for creating precision parts with intricate details. CNC machining can achieve higher precision and tighter tolerances than other methods, making it ideal for producing complex POM components.
CNC machining is also more cost-effective for mass production than other techniques, and it doesn’t require support structures, resulting in cleaner parts with less post-processing required. For businesses that require high-quality and intricate POM components, CNC machining is the ideal solution for manufacturing precision parts efficiently and effectively.
| Machining Process | Flexibility | Precision | Material Waste | Speed | Design Complexity | Repeatability | Tooling Cost | Surface Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | High | High | Low | High | High | High | High | Excellent |
| Injection Molding | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | High | High |
| 3D Printing | High | Low | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Fair |
| Compression Molding | Low | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Good |
Please note that this table provides a general comparison between POM CNC manufacturing and other common machining processes. Specific advantages and disadvantages may depend on the material, application, and production requirements. Always consult a manufacturing expert to determine the most suitable process for your project.
Tips for Successful POM CNC Machining
Selection of the Correct Cutting Tool
Selecting the right cutting tool is crucial for high-quality POM machining. Opt for wear-resistant carbide tools with sharp cutting edges and positive rake angles to minimize cutting forces and part deformation. A larger nose radius improves surface finish and tool life. Consider using coated tools, like TiN or TiAlN, to boost wear resistance and reduce friction during POM machining.
Proper Cooling Technique
Proper cooling techniques are vital for POM machining due to its heat resistance and low thermal conductivity. Use air or mist coolant to dissipate heat, remove chips, and maintain part accuracy. Optimize cutting parameters like feed rate, depth of cut, and spindle speed to minimize heat generation. Sharp tools and proper techniques also help reduce heat buildup.
Maintaining the Proper Spindle Speed
Selecting the appropriate spindle speed is essential to ensure successful POM CNC manufacturing. POM’s low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance can lead to heat buildup and tool wear if the spindle speed is not carefully considered. Adjusting the speed based on the tool diameter is crucial, with larger tools requiring lower speeds to prevent overheating. In addition to spindle speed, optimizing cutting depth and feed rate is crucial to achieving the desired surface finish and part accuracy. By optimizing these parameters, businesses can ensure the highest quality POM components through the CNC machining process.
Applications and Industries That Benefit From POM CNC Machining
Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, Precision machining of POM plays a significant role in producing various high-quality custom parts. POM’s excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength, Easy gliding, and wear resistance, make it a preferred material for manufacturing components like gears, bushings, and fuel system parts. Additionally, POM’s resistance to various chemicals and fuels allows it to maintain its integrity in the harsh environments often found within vehicles.
Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturing benefits from the Precision machining of POM due to its dimensional stability and electrical insulating properties. POM is often used to create precisely custom parts like connectors, cable guides, and housing components. It’s low moisture absorption and high resistance to deformation under changing temperatures ensure that the parts remain dimensionally stable and maintain their performance throughout their lifespan.
Medical Equipment Manufacturing
CNC POM machining is widely used in the medical equipment manufacturing sector thanks to its biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and ease of sterilization. Typical applications include surgical instruments, components for medical devices, and diagnostic equipment. POM’s excellent wear resistance and Anti-friction properties also make it suitable for components in moving or articulating parts, enhancing the durability and reliability of medical equipment.
Other Industries and Applications
CNC POM machining offers excellent dimensional stability and versatile properties, making it widely used across various industries. In aerospace, POM parts can be found in non-load-bearing components like connectors, fasteners, and bushings. The food processing industry also benefits from POM’s chemical resistance and FDA compliance, making it ideal for conveyor guides, rollers, and food packaging machinery parts. With good dimensional stability and a low coefficient of friction, POM is a popular choice for custom parts and components in numerous industries.
Therefore, CNC POM machining offers numerous advantages for different applications, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various industrial needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, POM CNC is a versatile and reliable method for creating high-quality custom parts that can withstand demanding applications. Its unique properties, including durability, low friction, and chemical resistance, make it a popular choice for various industries. You can achieve excellent project results by following the tips for successful POM CNC.
AT-Machining is a leading CNC machining service provider in China, offering precision machining services for various materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. Our POM CNC machining services are the perfect solution for businesses that require high-quality and custom POM parts. With our state-of-the-art technology and expertise, we can produce POM components with tight tolerances, intricate geometries, and low-friction surfaces crucial for various industrial applications.
Contact us today to learn more about how our POM CNC services can benefit your business.
