What is Polyoxymethylene? (POM)

What is Polyoxymethylene? (POM)

Polyoxymethylene (POM) was discovered by Hermann Staundinger in the 1920's, however the material was thermally unstable so not useful commercially.

Commercialisation followed in the late 1950's/early 1960's when DuPont started to produce Derlin® its version of POM homopolymer and Celanese started its production of Celcon ®, other manufacturers followed with their own versions of the materials.

Also known as Polyacetal, polyformaldehyde and Acetal, POM is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts. It is characterised y its high strength, hardness and rigidity and often used in applications requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability.

There are two types of POM, homopolymer (our FL321) copolymer (our FL381). Due to chemical makeup differences, it is not recommended that one type of POM be substituted by another without technical review, for example, Homopolymer is not recommended for use in strong caustics and Copolymer is more resistant to hot water than the Homopolymer.

Homopolymer and Copolymer are available in several reinforce and glass fibre reinforced extrusion and injection moulding grades.

POM applications are 100% recyclable, either as feedstock or mechanically.

Key features:

• Low coefficient of friction
• Abrasion resistance
• Low water absorbtionGood dielectric properties
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Good electrical insulation

Typical Applications:

• Bushings
• Seat belt components
• Steering columns
• Filter housings
• Food conveyers
• Fasteners
• Insulin pens

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