Material focus
Acetal (POM) selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
Acetal (POM)
Acetal (POM) Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
Acetal (POM) delivers low friction, stable dimensions, and excellent fatigue resistance for gears, buckles, and precision mechanical parts.
Acetal (POM)
When to specify Acetal (POM)
How procurement and design teams use Acetal (POM) on injection molded programs.
Acetal (POM) delivers low friction, stable dimensions, and excellent fatigue resistance for gears , buckles, and precision mechanical parts. Homopolymer and copolymer grades differ in thermal stability and chemical resistance; name the supplier grade when known. POM is sensitive to overheating in the barrel, which shows up as formaldehyde odor and brittle parts. Acetal is a default for gears, clips, and sliding parts because of its stiffness, low friction, and low moisture uptake compared with nylon. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release. When moisture uptake changes the fit, see Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 .
Key traits
Why buyers specify Acetal (POM)
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
Hardened steel tool build in about 10 business days on qualified programs (part complexity dependent).
Common grades
Common POM (Polyoxymethylene) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| General purpose copolymer | Celcon M90 | Gears, cams, general machinery and appliance parts |
| Medium viscosity homopolymer | Delrin 500P | Gears, bearings, electrical and industrial components |
| High viscosity / structural | Delrin 100P | Larger gears, handles, and load-bearing parts |
| Low wear / lubricated | Delrin 100AL | Low friction wear against metal and other plastics |
| 15% glass fiber | Kepital FG2015 | Stiff gears and structural parts needing higher modulus |
| PTFE modified / sliding | Hostaform C9021 TF | Low friction sliding pairs and bearing surfaces |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Gears and ratchets | Low wear vs many metals | POM grade, lubrication additive if any |
| Fasteners and clips | Snap durability | Impact and temperature notes |
| Pump components | Dimensional stability in wet environments | Chemical compatibility list |
| Sliding bearings and bushings | Sliding fits. Confirm lubrication on the supplier TDS. | POM grade and the lubrication callout. |
Routing
POM, nylon, or PET for mechanical parts
One-line routing. Details live on each material page.
| Need | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Low friction gears in humid service | POM | Low moisture uptake keeps dimensions stable |
| Higher impact and toughness | Nylon (PA6 / PA66) | Tougher, but absorbs moisture |
| Stiff parts with good surface finish | PET or PBT | Polyester stiffness and electrical use |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Lubrication need: standard POM or PTFE-lubricated grade for sliding contact
Dimensional stability requirement on critical features
Operating temperature range in service
Chemical media the part will contact (fuels, cleaners, acids)
Homopolymer vs copolymer preference, or a reference grade
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (homopolymer vs copolymer, glass fiber %, low wear / PTFE)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note Acetal (POM) on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
Nylon vs acetal
Toughness vs dimensional stability.
Nylon vs acetal
Acetal vs nylon wear
Sliding and gear wear behavior.
Acetal vs nylon wear
PTFE lubricated acetal
Internally lubricated POM.
PTFE lubricated acetal
PET
Stiff polyester alternative.
PET
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
Acetal (POM) injection molding FAQ
Homopolymer or copolymer acetal?
Homopolymer POM is usually stiffer and stronger, while copolymer resists hot water and alkaline chemicals better. At NetProto, note the environment on the RFQ and we confirm the grade family during DFM review.
POM vs nylon for gears?
POM resists moisture uptake; nylon can be tougher when wet but swells.
Does POM need drying?
Less hygroscopic than nylon, but moisture still hurts surface quality.
Can POM be used with food contact?
Only with supplier-documented food-contact grades; verify documents from the resin vendor.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment and compliance notes, and upload CAD. At NetProto, engineers use DFM review to narrow grades before tooling release.
Next step
Quote Acetal (POM) parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list Acetal (POM) or the target grade on the instant quote platform.