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What is POM?

Polyoxymethylene, abbreviated as POM and known as acetal or polyacetal, is a technical thermoplastic recognized for its high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. It is an ideal material for components where tight tolerances and long-lasting durability are crucial.

 

POM is available in two different versions: POM-H (homopolymer) and POM-C (copolymer). At Induflex, our primary focus is on POM-C. Additionally, we offer POM-C of the type POM LM, which allows for laser engraving in white POM, achieving a dark engraving.

 

Several companies produce POM, and at Induflex, we work with the brand names TECAFORM® and Ertacetal®.

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Properties and advantages

 

POM plastic is ideal for mechanical parts due to its high strength, stiffness, and toughness, which helps it retain its shape and strength under mechanical stress.

 

In addition, it has excellent wear resistance and smooth surfaces that ensure minimal friction between moving parts. POM also has low moisture absorption and relatively good resistance to hydrolysis.

 

This plastic type exhibits good chemical resistance, especially against bases, solvents, and fuels, but is less resistant to acids.

 

The service temperature for POM is relatively broad; the material retains its properties at temperatures up to 100 °C and down to -50 °C.

Parallel mechanism in black POM plastic for food production

Is the material approved for food contact?

When you order components in POM, they are standardly FKM-approved. Because of this and the material's other properties, POM is one of the most commonly used plastic materials in the food industry.

 

This is also due to the fact that the material can be obtained in a blue color, making it even more detectable in case of an accident.

 

We can also manufacture your components in food-approved POM, which is multi-traceable and can be detected by X-ray or metal detectors.

Is the material approved for food contact?

When you order components in POM, they are standardly FKM-approved. Because of this and the material's other properties, POM is one of the most commonly used plastic materials in the food industry.

 

This is also due to the fact that the material can be obtained in a blue color, making it even more detectable in case of an accident.

 

We can also manufacture your components in food-approved POM, which is multi-traceable and can be detected by X-ray or metal detectors.

Parallel arms and end piece in plastic in food machinery

What is POM 

plastic used for?

 

Components made from polyoxymethylene are used in various industries, including the food processing industry and the medical industry.

 

The wide-ranging properties of this plastic type make it suitable for a variety of machine parts, including:

 

  • Gears
  • Shafts
  • Wheels
  • Control housings
  • Rollers
  • Extraction arms
  • Glide rails
  • Guide and pulley wheels

 

and much more.

Two screws in white technical plastic from Induflex's CNC machining centre

Machining of

POM plastic

 

Our CNC turning and milling machines allow us to customize POM components according to your precise requirements and dimensions, with turning being particularly suitable for POM materials. This is because POM produces short, brittle chips during machining.

 

POM plastic is one of the best materials to machine due to its good shrinkage resistance and high dimensional stability.

 

We can also laser engrave POM. With engraving on black POM or white POM LM, you can achieve markings on your POM parts that do not compromise the material’s food safety approval or cleaning capabilities.

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CNC turning of a gear in blue plastic with many serrations

Alternative
materials
to POM

For tasks that require higher temperatures than 100 °C over an extended period, PTFE would be a better choice than POM for your machine components.

 

In some cases, PEHD may also serve as an alternative to POM.

 

POM is not suitable for wear parts, as an abrasive environment will severely wear down POM. For abrasive environments, PEHD or PA (nylon) would therefore be better alternatives.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Alternative
materials
to POM

For tasks that require higher temperatures than 100 °C over an extended period, PTFE would be a better choice than POM for your machine components.

 

In some cases, PEHD may also serve as an alternative to POM.

 

POM is not suitable for wear parts, as an abrasive environment will severely wear down POM. For abrasive environments, PEHD or PA (nylon) would therefore be better alternatives.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue

FAQ

  • POM is available in both sheets and round rods in a wide range of sizes.

     

    At Induflex, we utilize rods ranging from Ø3 to Ø300, with lengths of 1 or 3 meters, as well as sheets from 1 mm to 300 mm in thickness, with widths of 1220/1000/620/500 mm and lengths of 1000/2000/3000 mm.

     

    This provides ample opportunity to create components in various sizes from POM.

     

    We offer standard colors including natural/white, black, and blue.

  • At Induflex, we can achieve even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will, as standard, comply with Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium). We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you prefer.

  • POM is not particularly notch-sensitive compared compared with many more rigid materials. It has a certain degree of flexibility and is known for its resistance to fatigue and friction.

     

    However, sharp corners and stress points can still lead to cracking under repeated loads.

     

    Some materials can be ordered with additives that strengthen the construction. Feel free to contact us for more information.

  • POM-C stands for POM Copolymer, while POM-H stands for POM Homopolymer.

     

    There are differences between POM-C and POM-H, for example, regarding chemical resistance.

     

    When referring to POM in general, it is usually POM-C that is meant.

     

    POM-C is indeed the most commonly used POM and is also the standard at Induflex.

  • POM is an FCM-approved technical plastic, which means it can be used for components that come into direct contact with food, such as machine parts in food production equipment.

     

    As a result, POM is widely used in the food and beverage industry.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly assist in determining whether POM is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify which machining method is best suited for your item.

  • POM, like many other types of plastic, can be enhanced by adding various additives to tailor the material more effectively to the specific application.

     

    However, this typically requires longer delivery times, as such materials are usually special-order.

     

    There are more than 500 possible modifications available.

     

    Note: All FCM approval is lost once you modify virgin materials.

Technical Plastics
for Various Tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials

Technical Plastics
for Various Tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials
Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have a question? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.