Precision in Motion: Why Acetal Is the Ideal Material for High-Performance Plastic Parts

Acetal (POM)

Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a go-to material for precision-engineered plastic parts. At Paradigm Polymer, we machine Acetal components on Swiss automatic lathes to deliver the tight tolerances and intricate features demanded across industries. From gears and bushings to valve parts and electrical insulators, Acetal offers the strength, durability, and dimensional stability required in applications ranging from automotive and electronics to industrial and consumer goods.

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Why Acetal is a Preferred Choice for Plastic Parts

Mechanical Strength & Rigidity

Acetal offers excellent tensile strength and stiffness, maintaining structural integrity under load. It's ideal for parts like gears, bushings, and linkages that must perform reliably under mechanical stress.

Dimensional Stability - Thanks to its low creep and high dimensional stability, Acetal parts hold their shape over time—even under continuous use. This consistency is crucial in components like fuel system parts and connectors.

Low Friction and Wear Resistance

With a naturally low coefficient of friction and outstanding wear properties, Acetal is well-suited for moving parts such as bearings and gears. It resists abrasion, reducing the risk of failure in high-load applications.

Chemical & Moisture Resistance - Acetal resists many common chemicals, including fuels and solvents, and absorbs little moisture. This makes it a smart choice for applications in wet or chemically harsh environments, such as automotive and plumbing systems.

Fatigue and Impact Strength

Acetal withstands repeated mechanical stress, making it ideal for parts like snap-fit components and housings that experience frequent use without performance degradation.

Thermal Performance - While not intended for extreme heat, Acetal handles continuous operating temperatures up to 100°C (212°F), making it suitable for under-the-hood automotive parts and industrial equipment.

Machinability for Precision Work

Acetal machines exceptionally well, particularly on Swiss lathes, which allows for the creation of complex, tight-tolerance parts without excessive tooling costs.

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Common Applications of Acetal in Various Industries

Automotive Industry

• Gears and bushings with high strength and wear resistance

• Fuel system parts exposed to chemicals

• Connectors and insulators in demanding environments

Electronics Industry

• Durable housings and enclosures

• Snap-fit components requiring fatigue resistance

• Insulators protecting delicate circuitry

Industrial & Consumer Applications

• Bearings and bushings under mechanical load

• Valves and fittings exposed to moisture or chemicals

• Precision gears in compact mechanisms

Medical & Food Processing

• FDA-compliant grades for food contact

• Components requiring low moisture uptake and high stability

• Precision parts in surgical and diagnostic devices

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Limitations of Acetal

Acetal does have boundaries. It lacks the high heat resistance of materials like Teflon and has limited UV resistance without additives. It’s also not suitable for strongly oxidizing environments or prolonged outdoor exposure unless modified.

Conclusion

For high-precision, cost-effective plastic parts, Acetal remains one of the most versatile engineering thermoplastics available. Its balance of mechanical strength, dimensional stability, low friction, and machinability makes it ideal for producing complex components with tight tolerances. While it may not match the extreme chemical or thermal resistance of some specialty polymers, Acetal is a dependable solution for high-performance parts across a broad range of industries.