Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a high-strength thermoplastic polymer with excellent sliding properties and high resistance to wear and tear. GEHR Acetal Co-Polymer (POM-C)® can operate within a temperature range from -58 °F to +230 °F. Its high surface strength is only surpassed by a few materials, and it has a low risk of stress cracks. The co-polymer version, POM-C, offers good thermal stability and high resistance to chemicals, including hydrolysis.
Properties of Acetal
Acetal exhibits a unique set of properties that make it suitable for various applications:
- High strength: Acetal has high tensile strength and toughness, providing durability and resistance to stress.
- High rigidity: Acetal maintains its rigidity, offering stability and strength in various applications.
- High thermal stability: Acetal can withstand temperatures ranging from -58 °F to +230 °F, making it suitable for various environments.
- Low water absorption: Acetal absorbs minimal moisture, ensuring its dimensional stability even in humid conditions.
- High dimensional stability: Acetal’s low water absorption and rigidity provide excellent dimensional stability.
- Good electrical insulating properties: Acetal offers good insulation, making it suitable for electrical applications.
- Very good sliding properties: Acetal’s smooth surface and low friction make it ideal for applications involving movement or rotation.
- High resistance to solvents: Acetal resists a wide range of solvents, ensuring its durability in harsh environments.
- Very high resistance to stress cracks: Acetal’s high resistance to stress cracking reduces the risk of failure under stress or pressure.
- Not resistant to high-concentrated acids: Acetal may not withstand high-concentrated acids, requiring careful consideration in specific applications.
- Difficult to glue and paint: Acetal’s smooth surface and low reactivity make it challenging to glue or paint.
Applications of Acetal
Due to its unique properties, Acetal is used in a variety of industries and applications:
- Bearings: Acetal’s smooth surface and good sliding properties make it ideal for bearings and similar applications.
- Fittings: Acetal’s high strength and rigidity make it suitable for various fittings and connectors.
- Gear wheels: Acetal’s high rigidity and thermal stability make it ideal for gear wheels and other moving components.
- Parts for pumps: Acetal’s resistance to wear and tear and its high chemical resistance make it suitable for pump components.
- Screws: Acetal’s high strength and dimensional stability make it suitable for screws and threaded components.
- Bobbins: Acetal’s smooth surface and low friction make it ideal for bobbins and similar textile applications.
- Parts for the textile industry: Acetal’s high strength and low friction make it suitable for various textile industry components.
- Medium for coating lines: Acetal’s smooth surface and resistance to solvents make it suitable for coating lines and similar applications.
Conclusion
GEHR Acetal Co-Polymer (POM-C)® is a high-strength thermoplastic known for its exceptional sliding properties, high resistance to wear and tear, and good thermal stability. Its unique properties make it suitable for various applications, from bearings and fittings to gear wheels and pump components. Despite its limitations with high-concentrated acids and challenges with glue and paint, Acetal remains a popular choice in industries where strength, durability, and low friction are essential.