Polyacetal (Delrin) (POM)

What is this material?Polyacetal, also known as POM, is a hard engineering plastic with a milky white to opalescent appearance. The material is wear-resistant and has low friction, making it suitable for lightweight functional parts where sliding and dimensional stability are important.

What is it suitable for?POM is suitable for guides, spacers, sliding elements, molds, and functional prototypes with limited mechanical stress. The exact suitability depends on the load, temperature, fit, and operating environment.

When designing.Thin or long shapes may slightly deform due to heat during cutting. Ensure sufficient material around holes and narrow connections. Do not rely solely on adhesive bonding for fastening: many adhesives bond poorly to POM.

For laser cutting and engraving.Laser cutting results in a light cutting edge, possibly with a small melt edge and residue around the contour. Line and surface engravings remain almost the same color as the sheet, offering little contrast. For clear marking, another material is often more suitable.

Finishing and maintenance.Mechanical fastening with bolts or screws is generally more practical than gluing. Small scratches may already be present on the untreated sheet. For critical technical applications, always assess the load, tolerances, and material requirements yourself. You can saw, drill, or sand the material yourself after cutting.