An Introduction to Acetal Plastics: Properties and Uses
Have you ever wondered what acetal plastic is?
Acetal plastic, also referred to as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a strong and durable thermoplastic material. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional dimensional stability. This material is often used when precision and low friction are essential, such as in gears, bearings and electrical components.
Acetal plastic is particularly known for its exceptional chemical resistance, making it suitable in harsh environments where other materials may not hold up. It is also resistant to moisture and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This makes it perfect for use in applications where dimensional stability is crucial and tight tolerances are required.
Apart from its mechanical properties, acetal plastic also boasts good electrical insulation properties. For this reason, this engineering plastic is a popular choice for electrical components, such as connectors and switchgear. It can be easily machined and moulded, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
Properties of Acetal Plastic
Some of the key properties of acetal plastics include:
High mechanical strength
Acetal plastic is a durable and rigid material that is great for applications requiring high mechanical strength. This strength comes from the strong chemical bonds between the polymer chains that make up the material. Due to its high load-bearing capacity, it is commonly used in gears, bearings and other mechanical components exposed to heavy loads and stress.
Low moisture absorption
Acetal plastic is known for its low water absorption rate, which means it doesn’t take in much moisture from the surroundings. This feature makes it resistant to any changes in size due to variations in humidity. This also makes it a perfect choice for applications where maintaining the dimensions is important.
Good chemical resistance
Due to its tightly packed polymer chains, acetal plastic can withstand a wide range of chemicals, such as acids, bases and solvents. This property makes it an ideal choice for applications that require chemical resistance, such as in the chemical processing, food and beverage, and medical sectors.
Low coefficient of friction
Acetal plastic is known for its low coefficient of friction, which means it can reduce the resistance generated when two surfaces come into contact with each other. It is ideal for use in applications, such as bearings, gears and other areas, where low friction is a priority.
Uses of Acetal Plastic
After understanding what is acetal plastic, it’s time to look into its uses. Acetal plastic is widely used across various industries. These properties make it a popular choice for various applications across different industries.
One of the most common uses of acetal plastic is to produce gears, bearings and other mechanical components. Its low friction and high strength make it a suitable material for heavy-load applications, and it can maintain its shape over time.
Acetal plastic is also widely used in the automotive industry, particularly in manufacturing fuel systems and transmission components. Its chemical resistance makes it suitable for use in environments where it may be exposed to fuel or other chemicals.
Furthermore, this engineering plastic is used to produce consumer goods, such as toys, appliances and household items. Due to its low friction, it is also often used in electrical and electronic devices, such as switches and connectors.
McNeall Plastics: Helping Businesses Through Plastic Engineering and Manufacturing
With its outstanding properties, acetal plastic is extensively utilised in precision parts, gears and electrical and electronic devices.
If you need acetal plastics and other types of engineering plastic, McNeill Plastics is known for producing top-notch engineering plastics and parts. With half a century of experience, our team can tackle any challenges related to abrasive wear, weight, corrosion, impact, strength and noise. Our objective is to enhance your business by minimising downtime, promoting safety and maximising the efficiency and profitability of your endeavours.