Low friction
Useful for sliding, rotating, and guiding features where dry movement is part of the design.
Plastic material
POM Manufacturing and Custom Parts
A low-friction engineering plastic used for gears, rollers, bushings, and precision mechanisms.
- Low friction
- Dimensionally stable
- Wear resistant
Material overview
Low-friction geometry for repeatable mechanical movement.
POM, also called acetal, is considered for rollers, gears, bushings, guides, and dimensional mechanisms that need a hard, low-friction engineering plastic. It can be machined for prototypes and lower volumes or molded when the geometry and production demand justify tooling.
The design should account for creep, thermal expansion, press fits, moisture exposure, and the distinction between homopolymer and copolymer grades. Critical fits should be assigned to functional interfaces rather than every dimension.
Key properties
Performance characteristics translated into manufacturing decisions.
Wear behavior
Supports gears, bushings, and rollers when load, speed, lubrication, and mating material are reviewed.
Dimensional consistency
Offers useful precision potential while still requiring allowance for temperature and sustained load.
Machining response
Can produce clean turned and milled features with sharp tools and suitable heat control.
Suitable processes
Manufacturing routes for this material.
Compatible Surface Finishes
Surface options reviewed with the base material.
Typical applications
Common POM part families.
Guide rollers
Bushings and spacers
Gears and racks
Valve seats
Low-friction slides
Precision mechanism blocks
Design considerations
Control the features that affect function and process stability.
G 01
Avoid metal-style press fits without plastic-specific allowance.
G 02
Review running clearance across the operating temperature range.
G 03
Use radii at loaded transitions and around snap features.
G 04
Define whether machined or molded surfaces control the final fit.
Limitations
Requirements that need engineering review.
- Sustained load can cause creep and change fitted relationships.
- Thermal expansion is greater than for metal mating parts.
- Bonding and painting are difficult without a validated system.
- Combustion and processing fumes require proper material-specific controls.
RFQ checklist
Material details to include in the quotation package.
Clear requirements help engineering, finishing, inspection, and purchasing review the same target.
- 01Identify homopolymer, copolymer, filled, or bearing grade when function depends on it.
- 02Natural and black grades may have different documentation and appearance.
- 03Supplier data should guide wear, chemical, and temperature decisions.
Related parts
Representative geometry from the parts gallery.
The POM roller is a direct gallery example; the other parts show related moving and precision geometries in alternative materials.
Related materials
Compare adjacent material options before freezing the drawing.
FAQ
POM questions from engineering and sourcing teams.
Is POM better machined or injection molded?
Machining suits prototypes, lower volumes, and stock-shape geometry. Injection molding becomes attractive for repeat production and moldable geometry. Quantity, tolerance, and tooling goals determine the route.
Can POM be used for precision press fits?
It can support fitted features, but plastic creep and thermal expansion must be considered. A metal-style interference assumption may produce excessive stress or loosen over time.
What is the difference between POM and acetal?
Acetal is the material family name commonly used for POM. Homopolymer and copolymer grades have different performance profiles, so the exact resin should be stated.
Start your RFQ
Upload your drawings and receive an engineer-reviewed quotation.
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