Acetal (Delrin) CNC Machining, Canada

Acetal plastic, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, stiffness, and low friction properties. It is produced through polymerization of formaldehyde and is available in two main types: homopolymer and copolymer, each offering slightly different balances of properties. Acetal is commonly manufactured using injection molding and extrusion processes, which allow it to be shaped into precise, intricate parts. Its excellent machinability also makes it a preferred material for CNC machining. Typical applications include automotive fuel system components, gears, bearings, conveyor belt parts, and consumer products like zippers and buckles.

The advantages of acetal plastic include high mechanical strength, low moisture absorption, outstanding wear resistance, and excellent dimensional stability, even in wet environments. It also offers a low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for moving parts. However, acetal has some disadvantages; it has poor resistance to strong acids and oxidizing agents and can degrade under prolonged exposure to UV light unless specially stabilized. It is also relatively expensive compared to more common plastics like ABS. Despite these limitations, acetal’s unique combination of properties makes it indispensable for precision engineering applications requiring durability and low friction.