Are you looking for a durable, versatile and cost-effective plastic material for your next project? If so, you might want to consider POM sheet. POM sheet, also known as acetal sheet, is a type of engineering thermoplastic that offers many advantages over other plastics. In this article, we will explain what POM sheet is, what are its properties and benefits, how it compares with other plastics, and how you can use it for various applications. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why POM sheet is a great choice for your plastic needs.
What is POM Sheet?
POM sheet is a semi-crystalline plastic material that is made from Polyoxymethylene (POM) custom processing, also known as polyacetal or polyformaldehyde. POM is a polymer that consists of repeating units of formaldehyde (CH2O). POM sheet is produced by different chemical firms with slightly different formulas and sold under various brand names such as Delrin, Kocetal, Ultraform, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, Polypenco, Tenac and Hostaform.
POM sheet is widely used in precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. It has a high melting point (165 °C) and a high crystallinity (60-80%), which give it a high strength and hardness. It also has a low coefficient of friction and a high resistance to wear and abrasion. It has a low moisture absorption (0.2-0.8%) and a low shrinkage (1-2%), which make it resistant to warping and swelling. It has a good chemical resistance to most solvents, oils, fuels and acids. It also has a good thermal resistance to temperatures up to 120 °C.
POM sheet can be easily machined, welded, glued and painted. It can be molded into various shapes and sizes by injection molding or extrusion. It can also be cut, drilled, tapped and threaded by conventional tools. POM sheet can be colored or dyed in various shades.
What are the Benefits of POM Sheet Over Other Plastics?
POM sheet has many benefits over other plastics that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Some of the main benefits are:
- High stiffness: POM sheet has a high modulus of elasticity (2.8-3.5 GPa), which means it can withstand high loads without deforming or breaking. It also has a high flexural modulus (2.6-3 GPa), which means it can resist bending or twisting forces.
- Low friction: POM sheet has a low coefficient of friction (0.1-0.35), which means it can slide smoothly over other surfaces without sticking or squeaking. It also has a low static friction (0.05-0.2), which means it can start moving easily without much force.
- Excellent dimensional stability: POM sheet has a low thermal expansion coefficient (80-110 x 10^-6/K), which means it does not change its shape or size much when exposed to heat or cold. It also has a low moisture absorption (0.2-0.8%), which means it does not swell or shrink when exposed to water or humidity.
- Good wear resistance: POM sheet has a high abrasion resistance (200-600 mg/1000 cycles), which means it can withstand rubbing or scraping without losing its surface quality or performance. It also has a high fatigue resistance (>10^7 cycles), which means it can endure repeated stress or strain without cracking or breaking.
- Good chemical resistance: POM sheet has a good resistance to most solvents, oils, fuels and acids. It does not corrode or degrade easily when exposed to these substances.
- Good thermal resistance: POM sheet has a good resistance to temperatures up to 130 °C. It does not melt or burn easily when exposed to heat or fire.
How Does POM Sheet Compare with Other Plastics?
POM sheet can be compared with other plastics based on their properties and applications. Some of the common plastics that are compared with POM sheet are:
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Nylon: Nylon is another type of engineering thermoplastic that is used for precision parts that require high strength and toughness. Nylon has a higher impact strength and elongation than POM sheet, which means it can absorb more energy and stretch more before breaking. However, nylon has a lower stiffness and dimensional stability than POM sheet, which means it can deform or warp more easily. Nylon also has a higher moisture absorption and thermal expansion than POM sheet, which means it can swell or shrink more when exposed to water or heat. Nylon also has a lower chemical resistance and thermal resistance than POM sheet, which means it can corrode or degrade more easily when exposed to harsh substances or temperatures.
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Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a type of thermoplastic that is used for general-purpose applications that require low cost and light weight. Polypropylene has a lower density and a lower melting point than POM sheet, which means it is lighter and easier to process. However, polypropylene has a lower stiffness and strength than POM sheet, which means it can break or deform more easily. Polypropylene also has a lower dimensional stability and wear resistance than POM sheet, which means it can change its shape or size more easily and lose its surface quality or performance more quickly. Polypropylene also has a lower chemical resistance and thermal resistance than POM sheet, which means it can corrode or degrade more easily when exposed to harsh substances or temperatures.
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Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic that is used for applications that require high transparency and impact resistance. Polycarbonate has a higher transparency and a higher impact strength than POM sheet, which means it can transmit light and withstand shocks better. However, polycarbonate has a lower stiffness and hardness than POM sheet, which means it can scratch or dent more easily. Polycarbonate also has a lower dimensional stability and wear resistance than POM sheet, which means it can change its shape or size more easily and lose its surface quality or performance more quickly. Polycarbonate also has a lower chemical resistance and thermal resistance than POM sheet, which means it can corrode or degrade more easily when exposed to harsh substances or temperatures.
How to Use POM Sheet for Various Applications?
POM sheet can be used for various applications in different industries and sectors. Some of the examples are:
- Engineering and mechanical components: POM sheet can be used to make gears, bearings, bushings, couplings, cams, rollers, pulleys, sprockets, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, spacers, springs, clips, clamps, hinges, latches, handles, knobs, levers, valves, pumps, pistons, cylinders, seals, gaskets, etc. These components require high stiffness, low friction and good wear resistance.
- Consumer products: POM sheet can be used to make eyeglasses frames, zippers, buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, rings, chains, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches, pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, knives, forks, spoons, cups, plates, bowls, trays, containers, boxes, cases, etc. These products require high strength, hardness and durability.
- Electrical and electronic devices: POM sheet can be used to make connectors, switches, sockets, plugs, terminals, contacts, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, LEDs, sensors, actuators, motors, generators, transformers, coils, speakers, microphones, headphones, earphones, cameras, keyboards, mice, joysticks, game controllers, remotes, etc. These devices require good electrical and thermal properties and dimensional stability.
- Food processing and packaging equipment: POM sheet can be used to make valves, pumps, conveyor belts, chains, rollers, guides, rails, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, spacers, clips, clamps, hinges, latches, handles, knobs, levers, nozzles, sprayers, injectors, fillers, sealers, cutters, slicers, grinders, mixers, blenders, juicers, etc. These equipment require good chemical resistance and food grade quality.
- Medical devices and instruments: POM sheet can be used to make surgical tools, implants, catheters, tubes, syringes, needles, scalpels, forceps, scissors, clamps, staplers, sutures, stents, valves, pumps etc. These devices and instruments require high biocompatibility and sterilizability.
Conclusion
POM sheet is a type of engineering thermoplastic that has many benefits over other plastics. It has high stiffness low friction excellent dimensional stability good wear resistance good chemical resistance and good thermal resistance. It can be used for various applications in different industries and sectors. It can be easily machined welded glued and painted. It can be molded into various shapes and sizes by injection molding or extrusion. It can also be cut drilled tapped and threaded by conventional tools. POM sheet can be colored or dyed in various shades.
If you are interested in POM sheet products or want to learn more about them please contact us today. We are a plastic custom production factory that can provide you with high-quality POM sheet products at competitive prices. We can also help you with writing POM sheet related blog posts on your website so that everyone can learn the related knowledge of POM sheet. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
