POM CNC Machining Services for Precision and Durability
High-precision POM machining for durable, low-friction parts with excellent dimensional stability. Perfect for gears, bearings, and intricate components.
• High machinability for fast and efficient production
• Excellent dimensional stability for precise designs
• Low friction and wear resistance for extended durability
• Versatile applications across automotive, electronics, and medical industries
About POM Material
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as Acetal, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic renowned for its exceptional strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. Its low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance make it an ideal choice for components requiring precision and durability. POM is widely used in industries like automotive, electronics, and medical, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.
• Low Friction & Wear Resistance: POM’s smooth surface and self-lubricating properties ensure reduced friction, making it perfect for moving parts like gears and bearings.
• Dimensional Stability: With minimal thermal expansion and high resistance to creep, POM maintains its shape and functionality under varying conditions.
• High Strength & Stiffness: Offers excellent structural integrity for load-bearing and mechanical components.
• Chemical Resistance: POM resists most chemicals, including fuels, oils, and solvents, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding environments.
• Excellent Machinability: POM is easy to machine, allowing for intricate designs and precise tolerances with reduced lead times.
Comprehensive POM CNC Machining Capabilities
| Capability Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Precision Tolerance | ±0.01mm for high-accuracy applications, ensuring dimensional consistency in all parts. |
| Machining Processes | Milling, Turning, Drilling, Threading, Contouring for both simple and complex geometries. |
| Supported Material Grades | POM - C (Copolymer): Superior chemical resistance and dimensional stability. POM - H (Homopolymer): Enhanced rigidity and strength. |
| Part Dimensions | Capable of machining parts up to 500mm x 500mm x 300mm with intricate designs. |
| Surface Finishing Options | Polishing: Smooth and glossy finishes for aesthetics. Texturing: For functional and visual appeal. Deburring: Ensures clean edges and usability. |
| Production Volumes | Prototypes: Small-scale production for validation and testing. High-Volume: Consistent quality across mass production. |
| Special Features | Excellent material machinability minimizes tool wear and maximizes production efficiency. |
| Applications | Commonly used for gears, bearings, bushings, and precision mechanical parts across industries. |
| Industries Served | Automotive, Electronics, Medical Devices, Industrial Equipment. |
| Lead Time | Prototypes: Delivered in as fast as 3 days. Mass Production: Efficient turnaround for bulk orders. |
Key Properties of POM (Polyoxymethylene) for CNC Machining
| Property | Value Range | Description/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.41–1.43 g/cm³ | Lightweight yet strong, ideal for reducing weight in mechanical components. |
| Tensile Strength | 60–70 MPa | High mechanical strength ensures durability under stress. |
| Elongation at Break | 20–40% | Offers excellent flexibility and reduces chances of material cracking. |
| Melting Point | ~175°C | High thermal stability makes it suitable for applications requiring heat resistance. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.31–0.35 W/m·K | Adequate heat dissipation for mechanical parts under moderate thermal loads. |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 80–120 | Provides good surface hardness for wear-resistant components. |
| Water Absorption (24h) | 0.002 | Low moisture absorption ensures consistent dimensions in humid environments. |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.1–0.35 | Smooth operation in applications like gears, reducing wear and energy loss. |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~10^14 Ω·cm | Excellent insulation properties make it suitable for electrical components. |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to oils, fuels, and organic solvents | Ensures longevity and reliability in chemically harsh environments. |
How to Choose POM for Your Parts
Selecting the right POM material for your parts is essential to ensure performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the best decision
> Understand Your Application Needs
• Mechanical Strength: For components requiring high stiffness and strength, standard POM (e.g., POM-C) is ideal.
• Wear Resistance: For moving parts like gears or bearings, opt for POM grades with enhanced friction and wear properties.
• Chemical Resistance: POM is resistant to many solvents and chemicals, making it suitable for parts exposed to harsh environments.
> Assess Environmental Conditions
• Temperature Range: POM performs well between -40°C to 100°C. For higher temperatures, alternative materials may be needed.
• Moisture Exposure: Standard POM resists moisture absorption, ensuring dimensional stability in humid environments.
> Match Material Properties with Design Requirements
• Thin-walled or intricate designs may require POM grades with better machinability.
• For parts needing aesthetic appeal, consider POM with a smooth, glossy finish.
> Evaluate Cost vs. Performance
• Standard POM grades are cost-effective and suitable for most applications.
• For specific needs, specialty POM grades like glass-filled or UV-resistant types offer enhanced properties but at a higher cost.
Your design may have unique requirements. Collaborating with CNC machining experts can ensure material selection aligns with performance expectations and budget.
POM CNC Machining FAQ
1. What is POM, and why is it popular for CNC machining?
POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal, is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its excellent strength, stiffness, low friction, and dimensional stability. Its machinability and resistance to wear make it ideal for CNC machining, especially for precision mechanical parts like gears, bearings, and housings.
2. What are the tolerances you can achieve with POM CNC machining?
Our POM CNC machining services typically achieve tolerances of ±0.02 mm. For complex parts or tighter tolerances, please share your specific requirements, and we will assess feasibility.
3. Can POM be used in outdoor applications?
Standard POM is not UV-resistant and may degrade with prolonged sun exposure. However, UV-stabilized POM grades are available for outdoor applications. Consult with us to determine the best material for your project.
4. Is POM suitable for food-grade applications?
Yes, food-grade POM (FDA-approved grades) is commonly used in the food processing industry for conveyor components, bushings, and other equipment. It offers low friction and high resistance to moisture and chemicals.
5. What are the available surface finishes for POM machined parts?
POM naturally has a smooth, glossy surface, but it can also be machined for specific finishes. For functional parts, additional treatments like polishing or coating may not be necessary due to POM’s low-friction properties.
6. How does POM compare to other plastics like ABS or Nylon for machining?
Compared to ABS, POM offers higher strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for mechanical applications. While Nylon is also strong, POM has lower moisture absorption, ensuring better stability in humid environments.
7. What industries commonly use POM machined parts?
POM is widely used in:
• Automotive: Gears, bushings, and fuel system components.
• Electronics: Insulators, connectors, and housings.
• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments and equipment components.
• Industrial Machinery: Conveyor systems and precision gears.
8. Do you offer design assistance for POM parts?
Yes, our engineers can review your designs and recommend material grades or adjustments to optimize performance and manufacturability.