Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polymer Type: Thermoplastic
Key Properties
- High mechanical strength and stiffness
- Low friction and wear coefficients
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Good chemical resistance
Applications
- Gears and bearings
- Industrial parts and components
- Fasteners and hardware
- Food processing equipment
Additional Information
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical strength and stiffness. This makes it ideal for demanding applications requiring wear resistance and durability, such as gears, bearings, and industrial components. The low friction coefficient of POM contributes to its use in self-lubricating components and sliding mechanisms.
POM presents excellent dimensional stability, minimizing changes in shape under varying temperatures and loads. It also offers good chemical resistance to various solvents and chemicals, making it suitable for diverse applications. Specific grades of POM are food-grade safe, allowing for use in food processing equipment and other food contact applications.
However, POM can be susceptible to hydrolysis in humid environments. At high temperatures, POM breaks up into formaldehyde, which is a strong irritant. Therefore, improper processing conditions can create issues. It can also have lower impact resistance compared to some other materials.
